Well, I just got back from competing in my first car show.
It was quite an eye-opening experience. First of all, let me say it was
a lot of fun and a great show. There was an incredible turn-out. The
last time I went to this event there were maybe 2 dozen cars there.
Today, there were about 160, and it took up 4 or 5 city blocks. The
show was held in the old downtown section of Panama City, right in front
of the historic Martin Theater, where I saw Doris Day in "The Glass
Bottomed Boat" in about 1964 or thereabouts, and nearly choked to death
on a piece of popcorn. I believe there was also an Imperial in that
movie-- isn't that the one where Doris runs a open convertible through a
car wash?-- however I don't remember that scene, I only remember choking
on the popcorn.
But I digress.
Anyway, this used to be the main commercial "strip" in town, but over
the years it fell into disrepair because of the mall they built, etc.,
etc. However, lately the Downtown Improvement Board has started to
revitalize it and this car show was one of its efforts. I am digressing
again, but if any of you want to start a car show in your area and there
is a group like this, they might be able to help you. I feel glad to
know that my participation in this event helped the efforts to revive
downtown.
But anway, back to the car show. I learned a lot today. First, I
learned that there are several items I will need to bring to the next
one I go to:
1. suntan lotion
2. a bigger belly (should be no problem; I'm already headed there)
3. a pair of white Gold Cup Fluffies socks to wear with my dark brown
loafers & shorts
4. a full size, one piece, completely collapsible & stowable picnic
table with fold down seats & umbrella
5. a small gas stove, big cooler, picnic basket, reading materials, etc.
6. mirrors to lay down on the street around my car so people can see the
underside of my car, which I have spent the last 6 months detailing
7. all my trophies
8. a giant magnetic wind-up key to stick on the roof (I think this would
look particularly attractive on an Imperial)
9. an assortment of not-so-clever and somewhat obnoxious signs to post
all over my vehicle, such as "Don't Touch Unless You're NEKKID!"
10. a big boomin speaker to put in my trunk and play tunes with; crank
this up occasionally to demonstrate your power & masculinity, and get
people to notice you
11. a tape recorder to record the "experts" talking about your car
and last but not least, 12. a crying towel for when you lose out to the
17 year old kid with his awesome, tricked out '87 Camaro
But seriously, folks, what I really learned is that, as a competitor, I
was totally unprepared. I thought I had a clean car-- I spend a heck of
a lotta time washing it and waxing it, etc.-- but when I walked around
and looked at the other cars I nearly got sick. It's amazing the time &
work (& money) people put into their cars. I was talking to the owner
of a '56 Cadillac Sedan de Ville and he told me he spent about 40 hours
just polishing the stainless trim on his car. It looked it, too. So as
a competitor I have a long way to go.
I also learned that Imperials are extremely rare. I already knew this,
but this show really brought that fact home. None of the organizers of
this thing really had any clue where to put my car (in what class).
There was no "luxury class," so I went with special interest. And most
of the people who stopped and looked at my car had no idea what it was.
A few old-timers did, and they always said things like "I haven't seen
one of those in years!" Or "My Daddy had one like that." My favorite
comment, I suppose, was the fellow who took one look at my car, shook
his head, and told his friend:
"Ninety mile an hour, cruise all day in that thing."
Of course, then there was one "expert" who informed me there were 2
engines available for my '68, a 413 and a 440, and it was just too bad I
didn't have the 413, because it was basically a "bored out 440" and
therefore bigger and better. I don't know where he got this story; I
think maybe he got his years mixed up and got it backwards, but I didn't
argue.
There was a Packard Mayfair there . . . I think it was a '52? . . . that
was in beautiful shape, red & white, fully restored, and I told the
owner about the Packard Club in B'ham so maybe he will show up at a show
up there . . .
And there was a green early 50's Dodge Coronet with Dyna-Glide that has
been just about all over the world. It was bought in Bakersfield,
California, driven across the U.S., and then shipped to Germany where
the owner used it in weddings. Then he moved back to the U.S. and
brought it with him! The car is really fascinating, since I don't
believe I've ever seen a Coronet that old before.
There were a collection of mysteries as well. They're "mysteries" to
me, anyway. Why someone would drive a brand new 2002 Mustang or
Corvette off the showroom floor and into a car show, I just don't know.
It's a new car. I mean, you can still buy them. I see them on the
street everyday. I just don't get it, but maybe it's just me . . .
Well, this is getting looong so I'll stop but it was good experience and
really taught me a lot about the competitive side of the hobby. I
missed the camaraderie of the IML events and being able to drive
everybody's cars, but it was still fun.
By the way, I won 3rd place. The car that won first place was a 2000
Cobra. To me, a 33 year old Imperial vs. a 2000 Cobra is an odd
match-up, but I guess that's what you get in the special interest class.
Next time I'll win! :)
Mark
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