Car care

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Brightly colored cars shown in the sun at Fortunato Park.

“Dream cars” representing different eras of the 20th Century sparkled in the sun at the Antique Car Show at Fortunato Park on Nov. 28.

The lovingly restored cars likely stirred dreams of many in the crowd, bringing back memories of that big date, working on cars with friends, or just cruising the streets and checking out the drive-in.

It was nostalgic day for Gil Simmons, of Ormond Beach, visiting the show with wife. Sharon. He remembered the simplicity of the cars of long ago.

“You can’t work on cars today,” he said.

Ron Larmora, of Clermont, was looking at a red, 1960 Corvette. He was remembering how he had a chance to buy a similar car when he was a teenager.

“It would have been about $1,200,” he said.

Marvin Strickland, of Favoretta, was showing his 1930 REO truck, that he said was mostly likely used as a fire engine. He found it about 10 years ago and restored it. He said he became interested in cars as a teenager when he and his friends would fix up hot rods.

Now in his 80s, he said the hobby has become more like work. But he said he wouldn’t want to sell his vehicles because he’s put too much time into them.

When looking for a car to restore, it’s a good idea to get one that already runs, according to Howard Peiffer, of Palm Coast.

“Then you can do the body work and beautify it from there,” he said.

Peiffer, former chief of the Palm Coast Fire Department, had brought an old fire truck from Palm Coast in past years, but did not have on this year. The department is in the process of getting rid of three older trucks and only have one, from 1984, that qualifies for the antique show. He said he couldn’t bring it because the Palm Coast volunteers would be without a truck.

The cars are full of memories, but Kory Pike, of Ormond Beach, makes new memories with his 1928 Model A Phaeton. He and family pile into the car and drive to the grocery store, baseball games or anywhere. He said it was a fun car to drive around and “a connection to history.”