Car club revved up for 2021 Old Car Day event
Nick Johansen
The Red Oak Express
Old car enthusiasts are gearing up for the Classy Chassis Car Club’s 44th annual Old Car Day event, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. Aug. 21 at Fountain Square Park.
Organizers are expecting a large crowd and a lot of excitement, due to the fact that last year’s show had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak across the United States.
Jerry Stanley, Rick Taylor, and Norm Thompson are the charter members of the Classy Chassis Car Club, and the current President is Jerry Stanley.Thompson said this year’s show is dedicated to someone very special, Tom Rhodes.
“We are dedicating the show in Tom’s memory. He passed away two years ago. He was to be the featured person last year, but we had to cancel the 2020 show, so we’re going to dedicate this year’s show to him. I’m the chairman for this year, and we’re dedicating all of it to Tom,” Thompson said.
The first show was started in 1977, and known as Model A Days, primarily catering to Ford Model A owners. After five successful years of the show, and with the size of the event growing, in the summer of 1981, the first ever Red Oak Annual Antique and Special Interest Auto Extravaganza was held, catering to more makes and models. It was later changed to its current name, Red Oak Old Car Day.
Thanks to the expanded focus, Thompson said the show is open to a variety of vehicles, and not just the classics.
“People can show any vehicle from 1900 to the current year. We’ve got a class for vehicles of all years, makes, and models,” said Thompson.
There is also no limit to the locations of the people who want to show off their modern or classic vehicles.
“We’ve had people come from Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Minnesota, and other parts of Iowa. Wherever they are, they are welcome to come and participate,” Thompson explained.
Thompson’s passion for cars started when he was 10 years old, when he started collecting Hot Wheels cars, and progressed to model cars and magazines from there.
“I was 16 when I got my first car, a 1961 Ford two-door hardtop. When I was 18, I got a job at a Ford dealership in Hopkins, Mo.; cars are definitely my passion,” Thompson explained.
Thompson currently owns a lowered 1941 Ford Coupe, and will be once again bringing it to this year’s show.
“Back in 1981, a guy put an ad in the Omaha paper. He was in the Air Force in Bellevue, Neb., and was being transferred and couldn’t bring the car with him,” commented Thompson. “It was all in pieces, so I bought it, brought it home, and put it together, and I’ve been driving it since. One of the things that drew me to buying it and making a project out of it was because I loved the style, and it was affordable. I just love old cars.”
Another project of Thompson’s was a 1934 Ford. In addition to Red Oak, Thompson has participated in car shows in Minnesota, Kansas, Oklahoma, Kentucky, and Missouri.
As for Stanley, old cars are also a passion for him. His first car was a 1950 Ford two-door sedan. In 1982, he bought his current car, a 1951 all-original Ford Victoria.
This year’s show will present a number of awards, including Best of Show (Stock); Best of Show (Modified); Best Ford; Best GM; Best MOPAR; Best Other Make; Best Truck; and Best Convertible. Awards are also included for paint, flames, Hot Rods, engines, upholstery, and unfinished.
The modified and stock cars and pickups include model years 1900-present. The muscle car class is for stock vehicles from 1964-73. Sports cars also have a class, Corvettes, foreign, and domestic, and there is a special other classes event for all custom vehicles, and old school hot rods. This year, they will be featuring a new class, one for classic trucks.
Thompson said he is expecting a good turn-out this year, now that they are past the virus.
“We’re expecting good weather, nice cars, good people, and there will be food vendors in the square. The Eagles and Kiwanis are going to be providing the food. Everybody is welcome to come and enjoy the day.”
For more information, visit the Classy Chassis Car Club Facebook page at facebook.com/groups/201326726589174.