Abilene Motors Magazine: Issue 7

N O W T H R O U G H D E C E M B E R 2 4 T H

AutomotiveRestoredHistory

TEXT BY JOHN SMITH | PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

NEW VENUE CALLED D & W UNDERGROUND WILL SHOWCASE RESTORED AUTOMOTIVE HISTORY

ABILENE, TX - We are excited to reveal a new rental venue opening in Abilene, Texas. This venue is called D & W Underground, which has a rich automotive history that dates to the early 1900s. Today, a local businessman who is also an automotive enthusiast owns the venue. He wanted to remain anonymous in this article.

The new owner of D & W Underground believes that car enthusiasts and the community will be amazed to learn about the automotive history of the new venue, which came into existence over one hundred years ago when S.B. Shelton owned the building in 1919.

Initially, an apartment complex, that fell victim to a horrible ablaze. This was due to incorrectly installed gas pipes. At that time, they were still in the initial stages of their development.

S.B. Shelton bought the debris at South and Elm 1201. Buick later approached him with the intent to construct a showroom. The new building started reconstructing in 1927 and did not finish until the next year or so. Unfortunately, the Buick showroom succumbed to the Great Depression in 1930, significantly reducing vehicle demand.

The redacted explained, “Former Abilene mayor, Jesse Franklin Winters purchased the building after retiring from his famous baseball career. He transformed the Buick showroom into the D & W Tire Company. His name may sound familiar because Winters Freeway is named after him.””

“The new owner removed six arches and made a drive-thru gas station in the corner of the building from 1931 to 1951,” the redacted added.

The building’s name has changed a few times over the decades. It has been called D & W Tire Company, D & W Appliances, D & W Furniture, and later Thomas Everett’s Furniture.

This venue is called D & W Underground, which has a rich automotive history that dates to the early 1900s. Today, a local businessman who is also an automotive enthusiast owns the venue. He wanted to remain anonymous in this article.”

However, the redacted restored the original floors and ceiling decor after purchase. Thus, maintaining the original integrity of the structure. He ensured that the building was not modernized too much.

“I restored the Coca-Cola sign on the building corner from the 1940s,” he said proudly. Other neon-restored signs and decorations are part of Abilene’s history. The light bulb melts glass signs to welcome visitors entering D & W Underground. The signs belong to different decades of the 1920s to 1940s, such as West Texas Utilities and Ice Light and Power.

The redacted is a vast car lover! One day he was driving around Abilene. It was the start of COVID, and everything seemed so dull. He saw a “for sale” sign on the building and went to inspect it, and when he saw the new floors, he identified the building as a Buick dealership and immediately identified the building’s potential with its history and ceilings. “The previous owner already fixed the roof after a severe hailstorm in 2016,” the redacted clarified.

One of the first things he did was remove the holes and the drop ceiling. The unnamed owner also hired a painter who continuously worked for seven months to restore the art deco paintings of approximately 13,000 lineal feet. He also discovered period-appropriate ceiling fans and restored the original castings.

The color scheme of white, green, and peach complement the bar. The yellows pick up the hue and bring cohesion to the rose gold wallpaper. “The 1920s color scheme blends perfectly,” the redacted commented.

D & W Underground owner has an amazing automotive collection that we had the honor of seeing in person and it is in a class of its own. He started collecting signs three decades ago.

He was always a fan of signs. The redacted aim of setting up a place where everyone can admire them with the same zeal.

Even though D & W Underground will not feature the cars highlighted in this article, the signs perfectly complement the automotive theme of the venue. “I think the car pictures, signs and motorcycles will create the ambiance together,” said the anonymous owner.”

“The Coca-Cola sign on the building had 590 bulbs. It took seven months to restore it because it was fourteen feet tall and 24 feet wide,” said the unnamed owner. The Coca-Cola sign is incredibly special to D & W Underground and the city of Abilene, Texas. It holds the same regard as the Pegasus sign to Dallas. It is truly captivating when it is lit, especially at night.

Redacted believes the D & W Underground location chose him rather than the other way around. The restoration allowed him to build a unique vision that could not have been possible if the location had already been repaired. The repair and networking allowed him to learn new things about the building. In short, it was an informative period for him.

D & W Underground will exhibit signs from the West Texas Utility from 1903 to the 1920s. The collection also includes 1940s signs. Of course, the Buick dealership sign that started it all is also part of the viewership.”

The spark for collecting automotive signs came from his grandmother, who owned Motor and Motels on Route 66. The highwaywelcomed traffic from different states, such as California, Arizona, and New Mexico. The redacted enjoyed the lit signs during the summers as a kid. He aims to convey the same feeling with D & W Underground by setting up more restored neon signs.

The second inspiration for D & W Underground is Ray Hall. In the 1940’s he developed a passion for fixing signs and even chased hail storms throughout West Texas. He eventually started his own business called Neon By Ray in Abilene, Texas. Sadly, he passed away due to pancreatic cancer. Yet, Ray and his stories will live on at D & W Underground.

Even though D & W Underground will not feature the cars highlighted in this article, the signs perfectly complement the automotive theme of the venue. “I think the car pictures, signs and motorcycles will create the ambiance together,” said the anonymous owner.

The unnamed owner’s passion for race cars and motorcycles has allowed him to travel all over the world, especially Europe and South Africa. He is a dedicated admirer of the scenery and the locals. He will welcome friends and acquaintances from the places he visited at D & W Underground’s opening.

D & W Underground will exhibit West Texas Utility signs from 1903 to the 1920s. The collection also includes signs dated back to the 1940s.

Of course, the Buick dealership sign that started it all is also part of the viewership. There are many other dealerships and brands, such as Mercury and Ford. The entire sign collection will commemorate automotive history and unite people who have similar interests. The venue owner will also establish a separate section that showcases gas pumps and car signs from the 1960s.

D & W Underground is an amazing new rental venue that will open in the Spring of 2023 in Abilene. The venue can accommodate any type of event. The automotive history, neon lights and decor creates an atmosphere that no other local venue can offer. If you are looking for a unique venue to host your upcoming event, this will be the perfect place for you.

The second inspiration for D & W Underground is Ray Hall.

In the 1940’s he developed a passion for fixing signs and even chased hail storms throughout West Texas. He eventually started his own business called Neon By Ray in Abilene, Texas.

CLASSIC TRUCK

TEXT BY FEDERIC MARTINEZ | PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

ABILENE, TX - Some enthusiasts satisfy their longing for cars by buying the vehicle that they’ve always dreamt of having and then modifying, upgrading and maintaining it as a hobby. Then we have people who are crazy enough to not only buy cars by the dozens but also have multiple cars of the same make and model. This might sound odd at first but is normal when you look at it from an enthusiast’s perspective.

A resident of Abilene since childhood, Randahl Lohse’s family first moved here when his dad, a military man, was stationed at Dyess Air Force Base. His father was also a mechanic and that is exactly how he fell in love with cars!

At the age of fifteen, he even ended up building his first engine, which went into a 68’ Ford Falcon that he bought for 200 bucks—his first car ever!

His father was also a mechanic and that is exactly how he fell in love with cars! At the age of fifteen, he even ended up building his first engine, which went into a 68’ Ford Falcon that he bought for 200 bucks—his first car ever! ”

One year later, Randahl ended up meeting his future wife, Debra Lohse and got married after seven years of dating. He has since been living a family-oriented life, working as a firefighter for three decades before finally retiring in 2018. He enjoyed his line of work and considered it to be the best job in the world. One thing that fascinated us was the house that the Lohse family lives in today. Randahl conducted most of the construction mostly by himself and with some help from his friends. He even went and explored other houses under construction when he faced problems, this was way before Youtube. This shows how consistent and dedicated he is with anything that he does, exclusively because of the “If you can do it, I can do it!” approach.

Randahl has also applied the same dedication towards his love for cars and trucks. Specifically cars from the 60s and 70s, that he has admired from a very young age. Most of his cars can be labeled as “built not bought” because he works on them in all his free time. With cars as beautiful as his, it is no surprise that he always tries to take part in car shows every time he hears about one. And while calling it a hobby, we’d emphasize how enthusiastic he is about these cars.

It was in his childhood that Randahl absolutely fell in love with the 60s F100 trucks and later bought three of the exact models.”

It was in his childhood that Randahl fell in love with the 60s model F100 trucks and later bought three of the exact pickups. Shortly after retiring, he bought six vehicles. His car collection includes another beautiful 68’ Ford F100, a 65’ Ford Econoline Pickup, two 67’ Mercury Cougars, a 62’ Mercury Comet S22, and a 70’ El Camino that he has owned for over 40 years.

Randahl’s current project is a 66’ Ford F100 that he found in Lubbock, TX. It was already in great shape due to a thorough restoration already done to it. He later added automatic power steering, power brakes and a smooth C6 automatic transmission to make it more comfortable, along with a gorgeous, original Ford Rangoon Red paint.

He also plans to beef up the engine to at least 500 hp but he is not stopping there. Randahl has a long list of parts waiting to be added to the mix, we’re super excited to see the final transformation!

He later added automatic power steering, power brakes and a smooth C6 automatic transmission to make it more comfortable, along with a gorgeous, original Ford Rangoon Red paint.”

3RDANNUALCARS&CANDY TRUNKORTREAT

TOM’S TIRE PROS HOST ANNUAL HALLOWEEN EVENT FOR THE 3 RD YEAR IN A ROW IN ABILENE, TEXAS

TEXT BY JOSH SMITH | PHOTOS BY NICK KLOSTER

ABILENE, TX - For the third year in a row, Tom’s Tire Pros put on an amazing family-friendly Halloween event at their location in Abilene, Texas. At the storefront, there were parked decorated cars showcased throughout the parking lot and kids running around in costumes of Disney characters, Spiderman, police officers, firefighters, monsters and more!

The popularity of this annual event has definitely grown over the years. This year, Tom’s Tire Pros went all out and added more activities for the families to enjoy.

There was a clown who made balloon animals for the kids and face painters who painted the kids’ faces.

There was even live music played by a DJ, named Steve Lujan, who also works at Tom’s Tire Pros! The parking lot was full of smiles, candy and excitement.

Many different cars came to the event this year, including vintage Mustangs, Camaros, GTOs, Corvettes, Challengers, Chargers and more. We are extremely grateful to everyone who showcased their amazing rides. The event would not have been possible without them.

It was the third time that we and our partner Tom’s Tire Pros hosted the event. Every year, we have a blast working together! Every year, We look forward to this event and working with Tom Ceniglis and his wife, Angie Ceniglis, who are the owners of Tom’s Tire Pros.

We admire the Tom’s Tire Pros employees’ work ethic and execution skills; they make this event run so smoothly.

This year, Tom’s Tire Pros went all out and added more activities for the families to enjoy. There was a clown who made balloon animals for the kids and face painters who painted the kids’ faces.”

The car show is a wonderful way to give back to the community. It’s Tom’s Tire Pros’ way of saying thank you for supporting our business for so many years. Tom Ceniglis Jr. expressed his feelings about this year’s event.

“We are so grateful for all of the families that came out and made the Abilene Motors Magazine & Tom’s Tire Pros 3rd annual Truck or Treat-Cars & Candy Halloween event successful. The event was enjoyed by all, both adults and children. As the years go by, we hope to grow the event and have more and more entertainment each year.”

This year, we estimated that over 400 kids attended the event and over 350 lbs. of candy was distributed! Tom’s Tire Pros owner Tom Ceniglis Jr., is grateful that they came together to create a great environment for families to visit and for the children to have a safe and fun experience.

Special thank you to everyone in the local car community that came out and attended the 3rd Annual Cars and Candy Trunk or Treat this year. Everyone we spoke to said they had a blast. Tom’s Tire Pros showed their appreciation by giving everyone who showcased their vehicle an exclusive one year special discount.

With the success of this year’s event, we are definitely looking forward to next year. So, don’t forget to mark your calendars. We hope to see you at the 4th Annual Cars & Candy Trunk or Treat!

Many different cars came to the event this year, including vintage Mustangs, Camaros, GTOs, Corvettes, Challengers, Chargers and more. We are extremely grateful to everyone who showcased their amazing rides. The event would not have been possible without them.”

This year, we estimated that over 400 kids attended the event and over 350 lbs. of candy was distributed! Tom’s Tire Pros owner Tom Ceniglis Jr., is grateful that they came together to create a great environment for families to visit and for the children to have a safe and fun experience.”

FAMILY & LOWRIDERS

RUBEN SHARES HIS PASSION FOR LOWRIDERS WITH HIS FAMILY

ABILENE, TX - Owners of lowriders, take pride in their rides. Still, few come close to Ruben Anthony Holguin, who has been passionate about lowriders and customized them since his teenage years.

Ruben was born and raised in Abilene, Texas. His friends and family call him Ant or Anthony. Growing up, his household consisted of his mother and two younger brothers.

Ruben’s mom was a single parent, she worked multiple jobs to keep a roof and warm food on the table. As his mother was working early and late hours, Ruben would spend time with his brothers at the Boys & Girls Club and Recreation Center Programs.

This schedule lasted until middle school when the boys participated in track, baseball, field and football.

TEXT BY JOHN SMITH | PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

Ruben was the oldest. Thus, responsibilities came quickly to him. Therefore, he learned to drive when he was eleven. This was the start of a beautiful journey that would lead him to his love for lowriders. The first car that sparked his passion for cars was his mother’s 1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While his mother was working, he drove the car to complete errands around the town. Since the family income was limited, he would fix spark plugs, wiper blades, and change light bulbs in the car. He would try to fix any car issues they had to save his family money.

Ruben was an active student in the mechanic’s class for his sophomore year of High School in 1992-1993. He wanted to learn more about cars and how they worked mechanically. With knowledge in hand, Ruben became an expert in changing valves, cover gaskets, and drum brakes. This does not mean he was a certified mechanic. However, Ruben gained enough knowledge to get a car that is not running back on the road and the driver home safely.

The remaining years of his intermediary education were very routine and mundane. However, Ruben’s life took an unexpected turn in his senior year of high school in 1994-95, which is when he met his biological father for the first time. He also found out he had five half-brothers and a sister too. Ruben always wanted a sister, so this was his dream come true.

Although this was a lot for Ruben to take in as a teenager, he was eager to get to know his father. Therefore, he started spending more time with his dad and working together on his 1972 C10 pickup. Initially, Ruben watched his father do the work. Eventually, he started to use his mechanical knowledge to help whenever could.

The first car that sparked his passion for cars was his mother’s 1983 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. While his mother was working, he drove the car to complete errands around the town.”

The father-son bond was established very quickly as they fixed the truck together. After Ruben spent time with his father for a few months, he spent more time with his brothers and sisters whose obsession with lowriders developed his passion for lowriders. The half-siblings were constantly working on their cars, tweaking them mechanically, or making upgrades and modifications. Ruben would spend time with his siblings, swapping for parts, talking about cars, or just drinking and spending time together. Their favorite hobby was having a cold beer and talking about their love for lowriders.

Ruben graduated from high school in the summer of 1995. It must come as no surprise that he was on a mission to find the perfect first ride that he could transform into a lowrider. One day, he was traveling to Houston to visit extended family. It was a humid July month as his eyes locked with a 1984 T-top Monte Carlo. Ruben saw the car through a hole in the wall while standing on the front porch.

Ruben had saved a few thousand dollars over the years while working different jobs. He inquired about the car, the owner’s sales price was a little high for Rubens budget.

However, he did not back down. He spent four hours with the owner, trying to reduce the price that accommodated Ruben’s savings. Thankfully, the vehicle owner agreed, and the 1984 T-top Monte Carlo was now Ruben’s.

After Ruben bought the car, he was excited to show it to his family in Abilene. They all were happy for him and loved the car. In time, this car would become his first lowrider. Since then, he has owned many different makes and models of lowriders. Here he explains that each lowrider is unique in its special way. He commented on why he loves lowriders.

“Every car you come across is never the same as the next guy’s car or even the same as the one you may have seen elsewhere. They are unique in every way expressing that individual’s personality. The peacefulness is just riding around in a classic car with the windows down, stereo up and getting thumbs up from passersby. Also, anytime I need to relax and get away, I can step into the garage and tinker with the cars here and there. I can just get lost in the task and forget about my difficult day or anything else I have on my mind. It is an escape that lets me gather my thoughts.”

Ruben is now a member of a local car club. Coincidentally, the lowrider car club began in the same summer that Ruben bought his first lowrider. He was kind enough to tell us how the Royalty Car Club was founded.

“After returning to Abilene after a week, I couldn’t wait to show the guys what I had come up with while I was gone. Towards the end of that summer, all the guys were spending time together with members from another lowrider car club that just happened to be close friends to them. One of them suggested that the clubs should come together to become the biggest car club in Abilene. The only way everyone would agree on it is if they could agree on a new car club name, so that’s when Royalty Car Club came about. That was 27 years ago and counting.”

Each member of the Royalty Car Club is unique, with different interests. It celebrates inclusivity and distinctive personalities to celebrate lowrider’s interests. Ruben considers every member his family. Every member is either related to Ruben or a childhood friend, they all grew up together. For many years, they have celebrated multiple birthday parties, enjoyed Sunday afternoons and worked on their cars together.

Ruben is a family man blessed with three lovely daughters who seem to follow in their old man’s footsteps with their passion for lowriders. One of his daughter’s was by his side at the photoshoot for Abilene Motors Magazine. We had a chance to chat with him about his family life and if they are enthusiastic about lowriders as he is. This is what he said:

“Fast forward to 2006, and by now, I am married and have my first daughter on the way. I have now moved on to fixing my second lowrider car. My first car lasted a few years until I ran into a bad deal with a car painter that refused to do the work that I had paid him for in full. So, with a new baby coming, I knew I had to act quickly while I had the money in hand, so I found a 1982 Monte Carlo that a friend wanted to sell. That was six months before my oldest daughter was born.

The 63’ Impala has a 350-engine crate with five-speed Tremec manual transmission; the corona cream with a turquoise interior adds personality; Ruben upgraded the discs with modern brakes; and gold accents run throughout the car. In addition, the center gold wire Zenith 13 x 7 wheels create a unique presence.”

While building my family, I was also building this new car. Now I have three daughters: Mersai is 16, Makaya is 11 and Amerie is 6.”

Ruben’s daughters have all been a part of his lowrider passion since they were born. Anytime he does anything lowrider-related, cruising or car shows, he has one, two or all of them with him. They don’t miss time going with him very often.

With his daughter’s growing passion for lowriders, Mersai, the eldest, claims the Monte Carlo. The middle daughter wants the 1963 Impala, and we can see why she has her eyes set on this beauty. The 63’ Impala has a 350-engine crate with five-speed Tremec manual transmission; the corona cream with a turquoise interior adds personality; Ruben upgraded the discs with modern brakes; and gold accents run throughout the car. In addition, the center gold wire Zenith 13 x 7 wheels create a unique presence.

On the other hand, the 1982 Monte Carlo is an investment. Ruben has entered many car shows with this lowrider. It has a Hydraulic setup, a Kandy Brandywine paint job, a custom velour interior, and a 4160e transmission. Lastly, the lowrider also has painted wheels, a chrome motor, and front-to-back suspension.

Ruben enjoys going to local car shows whenever he has the chance and has won many awards over the years. But what he loves more is supporting the community or cause that these shows help financially. Additionally, he has the chance to talk about cars with other automotive enthusiasts. He also enjoys spending time with his kids while they are with him since they love to travel, and cars too. His wife may occasionally attend, whenever she can. She is very supportive of his passion. One thing is for sure, Ruben’s passion is shared throughout his family and if you ask them, they will tell you that lowriders are more than just a car. They are a big part of the family too.

Each member of the Royalty Car Club is unique, with different interests. It celebrates inclusivity and distinctive personalities to celebrate lowrider’s interests. Ruben considers every member his family.”

HEROES CAUSE

ABILENE, TX - Local businesses working closely with non-profit organizations promote welfare and trust in their communities, help the less fortunate and celebrate inclusivity. Therefore, the initiative is appreciated. If you are looking for an example of a successful collaboration, look no further.

This year, Abilene Auto Spa and Big Country Mopar teamed up to host the first-ever Heroes 4 A Cause car show in Abilene, Texas.

Abilene Auto Spa is a car care center in Abilene. They have been actively offering car detailing services in the Big Country area since 2006. The business was also featured on the cover of Abilene Motors Magazine’s last issue. If you are from the Big Country area, there is a good chance you have heard of Big Country Mopar, which has more than 300 car club members. Both, the car club, and business take pride in giving back to the community. So, this was the perfect collaboration to pull this event off and they did!

TEXT BY JOHN SMITH | PHOTOS BY CHRISTOPHER MAWSON

Leslie Sepeda is the owner of Abilene Auto Spa. She is deeply committed to helping veterans and the less fortunate. Every year, her company donates to local charities, and this year she teamed up with Big Country Mopar car club to give back to the community with Heroes 4 A Cause. Leslie and Big Country Mopar President, Casey White organized this year’s car show benefit, which was an enormous success.

The Heroes 4 A Cause was a dedicated effort that was a collective idea. “For months, we were brainstorming about ways to introduce an event that represents the community perfectly,” commented Leslie. The goal of the collaboration is to provide financial stability to individuals who cannot support themselves financially.

If you are looking for an example of a successful collaboration, look no further. This year, Abilene Auto Spa and Big Country Mopar teamed up to host the first-ever Heroes 4 A Cause car show in Abilene, Texas.”

Abilene Auto Spa and Big Country Mopar laid the foundation of the event.

WNC Guns provided a fantastic location at their storefront on 4618 South 14th Street, where there was plenty of space for all the vehicles.

“Thankfully, the event was hosted on a Sunday,” commented Casey. The event took place on a significant day in American history, September 11th.

Making the day a perfect fit because Heroes 4 A Cause celebrated the U.S. Military, veterans and benefited non-profit organizations that help wounded veterans and first responders.

Heroes 4 A Cause distributes donations to Texas Hunters for Heroes, which is a dedicated organization that works with wounded veterans and first responders to teach them about fishing, hunting and other outdoor activities. The non-profit organization also focuses on therapy, counseling, and PTSD recovery.

Abilene Auto Spa and Big Country Mopar laid the foundation of the event. WNC

Guns provided a fantastic location at their storefront on 4618 South 14th Street, where there was plenty of space for all the vehicles.”

The second organization that received donations from this event is Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The medical institution raises funds for millions of children under different hospital treatments. The donations are sent to local hospitals, investing in research and funding life-saving medical trials. Furthermore, the donations will also provide pediatric medical equipment, emotional support and financial assistance to families who cannot afford the treatment.

For their respective charities, Melinda from Hendricks Children’s Miracle Network and Chris from West Texas Hunters for Heroes each were presented with a $2,158.31 check, bringing the donation total to $4,316.63. Both Leslie and Casey were proud to be able to give back and said they could not have had such a successful event without the help from the event sponsors and the community.

Heroes 4 A Cause was a great event according to the organizers. They said that this would not have been possible without the generous donations from the event sponsors and help from all of the volunteers.

Heroes 4 A Cause registered seventy-four vehicles for the car show where there was a broad variety of vehicles present. The attendees saw many types from classic cars to newer models, custom builds, hotrods and more. There were Challengers, Camaros, Chargers, Mustangs, Pick-Up Trucks and pretty much every type of vehicle you can think of. Members from the local police department, fire department, and military were also present and showcased some of the vehicles that help serve the community.

The event concluded with the organizers picking the Top 30. There was also the Hero’s Choice and Shock & Awe Best in Show after the military branch browsed the car collection to pick their favorite. The weather welcomed more visitors than expected, it was a beautiful sunny day and a perfect day for a car show.

Heroes 4 A Cause was a great event according to the organizers. They said that this would not have been possible without the generous donations from the event sponsors and help from all of the volunteers. Expectations for next year’s event are already high. Abilene Auto Spa and Big Country Mopar’s car show benefit was an amazing event and most importantly, they helped others by giving back to the community.

For their respective charities, Melinda from Hendricks Children’s Miracle Network and Chris from West Texas Hunters for Heroes each were presented with a $2,158.31 check, bringing the donation total to $4,316.63.”

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ABILENE, TX - Community events bring everyone together! However, public welfare is especially important when the year ends. The 13th Annual Toys for Tots Car Show and Toy Drive is an excellent opportunity for Abilene residents to admire cars while supporting the less fortunate.

“This is our 13th Annual Toys for Tots Car Show and Toy Drive,” Steve Longmire said excitedly. He is a Supervisor of Judges and Senior Judging Instructor of the Big Country Car Clubs, the host of this yearly event. During the interview, he said:

“Several car clubs in the Big Country all work together under the umbrella of our non-profit organization known as the Big Country Car Clubs Council. All of us have worked together to create this incredible annual event.”

For the 13th year in a row, they offered a wide variety of handmade goods and more at the car show. There were many opportunities to win prizes through raffles. This year, they gave a ton of excellent tools as prizes. However, the most fabulous prizes are opportunities to admire different vehicles. “Any car you imagine is at the 13th Annual Toys for Tots Car Show,” said Longmire.

The event involves a collaboration with the United States Marines, the mightiest forces on our planet. Toys for Tots was their initiative which has now grown into an annual celebration. Unsurprisingly, this year will mark the 75th birthday of the event.

Longmire added, “We cannot thank the community enough for supporting the Toys for Tots Drive. One family donated 226 toys and another couple brought 180 toys.”

The car community contributed significantly by donating toys that will be given to kids in Abilene, Texas, and the surrounding areas. The donated toys will help many children have a memorable Christmas this year. The time to give back and think of others is upon us. This event definitely motivates you to step back and contribute to the communal progress.

Many families and children attended the 13th Annual Toys for Tots Car Show and Toy Drive. While couples admire the vehicles, their children can donate and feel proud about giving toys they do not need.

We got a chance to speak with Marc Newman, the President of the Big Country Car Clubs. He is also a member of the Big Country C-10 Club. Moreover, Newman owns a 1979 GMC Jimmy and a 1954 GMC Panel truck, which were showcased at the event. Marc Newman told us about the history of the event:

“The car show has grown so much since we first started. The amount of support we have received over the years is unimaginable.”

Community events bring everyone together! However, public welfare is especially important when the year ends. The 13th Annual Toys for Tots Car Show and Toy Drive is an excellent opportunity for Abilene residents to admire cars while supporting the less fortunate.”

He insisted that you do not need to be a car lover to volunteer at the car show. They are always searching for younger guys with a passion for giving back to the community to lead the event. “We are getting older and would love to see this amazing event continue for many more years,” said Newman. The newer generation will keep the event engine running, leading the charge for the future Toys for Tots Car Show and Toy Drives.

Unfortunately, unfair weather was forecasted days before the event. Which isn’t the best time for the owners to drive these amazing vehicles. However, the organizers, marines and attendees arrived in the beautiful weather to make the car show a huge success.

One of the most memorable moments of the event every year is around the time the car show awards are presented. This is when the National Anthem is played, and the US Marines stand proud and suited to represent their country. Every participant pays respect to the red, white, and blue flag. It is such a beautiful site to see.

This year, the event raised $2,040 in cash and more than 650 toys were donated. The Big Country Car Clubs and the Marines achieved their goal of making this holiday season grand and festive for many.

Have a memorable holiday until next year. The 14th Annual Toys for Tots Car Show and Toy Drive is expected to be even bigger and better than this year’s event. So, mark your calendars for the same week in November and make Christmas a little brighter for the children in your community.

The car community contributed significantly by donating toys that will be given to kids in Abilene, Texas, and the surrounding areas. The donated toys will help many children have a memorable Christmas this year.”

ABILENE, TX - When a goal sticks to a person’s mind like a tattoo on the brain, it’s almost impossible not to achieve it. Whether it’s starting a business, achieving a perfect physique, becoming an astronaut or ever simply buying a dream car. The satisfaction one gets when a dream becomes a reality is unmatched. A simple individual who grew up on a farm, later fell in love with cars and eventually ended up buying those beautiful machines. That’s the story of David Coker, a true classic car fanatic!

Born in Texas, David has spent time in a handful of cities in the Lone Star state. Those cities include Stamford, Hamlin, Merkel, Sweetwater and, of course, Abilene. Sometimes the relocation was for school, sometimes for family and loved ones. Eventually, he would settle down after marriage, and move to Abilene.

David has always been an automotive enthusiast as long as he could remember. When he was in high school he was part of a Car Club, and drove a 90cc Honda motorcycle. Family and responsibilities became a big reason for him to put his cherished hobby on hold, but as soon as his kids graduated, he jumped back right away without an ounce of doubt in his mind. This led him to meet like-minded people who worked hard to restore and loved classic cars.

David has always been an automotive enthusiast as long as he could remember. When he was in high school he was part of a Car Club, and drove a 90cc Honda motorcycle.”

For years, David had his eyes set on a Fairlane 500, he focused on getting one. And as soon as he found the one he wanted, he went ahead with the deal and got a 1967 Ford Fairlane 500 from his good friend Mickey Lawrence. B & B Body Shop, which is also owned by one of his close friends, D. A. Bishop did the exterior work. It’s been a solid journey for this car with three engine swaps and proper restoration of both the interior and exterior. But now, it’s safe to say that this ride has become a rock-hard competitor in any car show, a project that always impresses its admirers.

When David was younger, he had to place his love for classic cars on hold. This is when he had to make a sacrifice that would pay off in the future. When he was trying to further his education, David found himself at a crossroads. He had to decide between keeping the beloved 57’ Chevy he had at the time or paying for college tuition. That’s where he took an unwilling stand to support his future, he sold his beloved vehicle. This helped him in the long run and he eventually secured his dream job. Which allowed him to comfortably support his family.

Years later, he was able to get back into the car scene. Soon, he would meet new people on the scene and interact with car clubs. He later joined a car club called the Last Chance Car Club. The club members meet every week to catch up, admire each other’s rides, share stories and eat great food.

There is a saying that says,“If you love something, let it go. If it is meant to be, it will come back again.” That is the case with David, who put his love for classic cars on hold to support his family. Now, he gets to enjoy his 1967 Fairlane 500 with friends who share the same passion as he does.

For years, David had his eyes set on a Fairlane 500, he focused on getting one. And as soon as he found the one he wanted, he went ahead with the deal and got a 1967 Ford Fairlane 500 from

his good friend Mickey Lawrence.”

WELCOME TO BIG COUNTRY COLLISION

Big Country Collision is a premier auto body collision repair shop serving Abilene and the Big Country. We specialize in major accident repair, minor repair and PDR. Big Country Collision is customer oriented and committed to excellence.

When an accident does occur, it’s important to know where you can take your vehicle to be repaired properly. Your Insurance Company may «recommend» a repair facility, but you have the right to have your vehicle repaired at Big Country Collision

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