West campus hosts classic car show

By Mallory Stiles
Editor in Chief

Sources say the first major car show was a week long and was held at Madison Square Garden in New York City beginning on Jan. 20, 1900.

Cars were still called automobiles back then and, though much has changed, it seems America’s love for the machinery never will.

Last Saturday, LCC donated its west campus to the Capitol City Old Car Club for its annual car show. As usual, all proceeds from the event were donated to LCC to be used as scholarship funding for LCC automotive engineering program.

The day started at a cool 68 degrees, but quickly climbed to a sweltering 90. The people persevered and cars were still shown, seen and judged.

Craig Counselor stands with his award-winning 1969 Camaro Z28.  Photo by Mallory Stiles

Craig Counselor won first place in the General Motors category with his 1969 Camaro Z28. He said he was pleasantly surprised by the presentation of the show itself.

“This show was organized well and was very orderly,” Counselor said. “It’s was a great event for anyone who wants to come out and look at cars.”

Kam Bradman's 1972 De Tomaso Pantera won in the foreign car category.  Photo by Mallory Stiles.

 

Kam Bradman earned first place in the foreign class with his 1972 De Tomaso Pantera. He said there was a lot that stood out at the car show.

“Everybody here is friendly,” Bradman said. “The organization was fantastic and the shows that we go to are usually organized just as nicely. … I will tell you this much, the way they staggered the parking was fantastic, absolutely awesome.”

Russell Weid stands with his 1968 Charger, which won "Best of Show" honors.  Photo by Mallory Stiles

 

While there were a lot of winners, there was only one “Best of Show” award, and that prize went to an extremely customized 1968 Charger owned by Russell and Diane Weid.

Russell Weid said he found the car in a barn about four years back and bought it as a simple restoration project, which quickly expanded after a conversation with his designer.

“The name of the car is incision,” Weid said. “The name came from the fact that almost every piece of metal on this car has been touched and surgically cut by my builder, Jesse Hernandez, of Jesse's Classics and Customs.”

Todd Swales owns Capital City Auto Collection, a classic car brokerage dealer, and GT Auto Appraisers, an automotive appraisal business, but is also the head sponsor of the Capitol City Old Car Club.

Swales judged the day’s events. He said there were roughly 120 cars that showed, which he considers a good turnout, adding there was a lot of variety and rare appearances.

He said hosting the event at LCC west campus was a “real game-changer” and he couldn’t have been more thankful for the facilities being open and air conditioned.

To Swales, cars are more than just a means of transportation; they are little pieces of nostalgia.