Chevy car show brings unique classics to Lima
Jul. 31—LIMA — The Vintage Chevrolet Club of America (VCCA) held its 58th Central Meet at the Allen County Fairgrounds on Friday and Saturday.
"Last year was the 57th but they didn't have it (due to COVID-19) so we decided for the region we would have the 58th Central Meet here," said Cal Klickman, event organizer and member of the VCCA.
Ten different states, including Ohio, were represented during the event.
"We had 98 registered VCCA members bring their cars — either drove them or trailered them," Klickman said.
Ken Koontz from Beavercreek, Ohio drove his 1931 Chevrolet Sport Coupe to the show with just under 41,000 miles on the odometer.
"It was built in Norwood, Ohio in November of 1930 so it's an early '31," Koontz said. "It's been in my family since 1960. My dad restored it the first time in 1965 and redid it again in 2002."
Koontz says the car has gotten a lot of attention and awards.
"It's won everything it could win in three different car clubs," Koontz said.
The show not only included the vintage Chevrolets but also a public car show, which added more than 150 additional cars to the show.
"Because the guys who own cars this summer just went nuts because they couldn't do it last year. So we opened up a public car show," Klickman said.
Gene Mansfield, of Leipsic, drove his 1949 Mercury to the public car show.
"What's unique about this car is it's got the original flathead V-8 engine in it and Borg-Warner overdrive transmission. A lot of hot rodders go and put a small block Chevy in there but this has the original driveline so that part is unique. The engine's been overhauled and everything," Mansfield said.
Mansfield picked up the car last October from the estate of the man who owned it and he's careful where he takes it.
"Lima from Leipsic and Napoleon and Findlay, that's about as far as I go. I told the family (he bought it from) it will never see the interstate and that I was not going to flip the car. It's 74 years old and I'm going to drive this car until I'm gone," Mansfield said.
Proceeds of the car show go to help the West Ohio Food Bank in Lima.
Reach Lima News reporter, Sam Shriver at 567-242-0409.
