(Posted Aug. 17, 2020)
By Theresa Hennis, Staff Writer
An array of vintage cars on display under sunny skies brought a crowd, and oldies music and grilled pork chops kept that crowd entertained and well fed.
On Aug. 15, American Legion Post 176 hosted its Annual Cruzin’ Car Show at South Charleston Presbyterian Church.
Frank McCubbin Sr., 82, of Selma brought a 1965 Volkswagen Beetle, a 1967 Chevy Nova, a 1951 Ford Deluxe, and a 1951 Chevy 3100 to the show. All are black, and he calls them Frank’s Toys.
When asked if black is his favorite color, McCubbin said, with a grin, “Black paint is cheaper but harder to keep clean. I restored all of them myself. This is the first time I’ve had all four vehicles together at a car show.”
A 1955 Gypsy Red Chevy Nomad received a lot of attention. Its owner, Paul Packer of Springfield, said he and his wife bought it in New Mexico while he was stationed in the Army then drove it home to Ohio.
“People need to come to these car shows,” Packer said. “These car shows are a dying breed. It ain’t about winning anything. We come because of the people we meet who love cars and who love seeing other people’s cars.”
A 1971 Chevy Nova hot rod painted Candy Brandywine Metallic with a big block 402 sparkled in the sunshine.
“In 1969, my first hot rod was a ’69 Nova with a 350, and when this one came up, I bought it,” said its owner, Mike Sell of Urbana. “I do these car shows for relaxation and running with friends. It’s a lot of fun.”
Jerry Bales of London displayed his red 1975 CB360T Honda motorcycle with a custom-painted sidecar sporting red roses. He bought it for his significant other who recently passed away. She would drive it while her disabled daughter rode along in the sidecar.
“This is a garage-kept motorcycle in mint condition,” said Bales, who has the bike up for sale.
He is ready to part with it because memories of his girlfriend riding it make it hard to see it every time he enters his garage.
In addition to the music, food and vehicles, the car show included 50/50 drawings and an invitation to cruise past South Charleston’s new Veterans Memorial. All proceeds from the event go to the American Legion scholarship fund.
