ATTRACTIONS
Tom Foster
EVENTS
Showing off muscles Local car show revs up interest among automotive enthusiasts. STORY: JAMES COMBS
≈ PHOTOS: NICOLE HAMEL
ose Fuentes pops the hood of his 1968 Chevrolet Camaro to reveal an engine as clean and shiny as the white exterior. Nine years ago, he restored the vehicle, installing a 400 horse, small-block engine and a new 700 R4 transmission. He also repainted and reupholstered the vehicle. His classic Camaro has two distinct features: it’s one of only 4,896 models to come with a bench seat rather than the standard bucket seats. And it was one of only 5,294 models to have a gearshift on the steering wheel column instead of between the front seats.
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“It runs great,” Jose says. “I’ve taken it as far as Georgia and Tennessee.” Jose is one of many car buffs who frequently roll into the Eustis Classic Car Cruise-In on the fourth Saturday of each month from 4-8 p.m. The downtown area becomes a massive parking lot as an amazing collection of cars stretch as far as the eye can see. As classic songs like “I’m a Believer” and “Respect” blare from a loudspeaker, sun rays beam down on mighty fine pieces of machinery, revealing their meticulously polished surfaces, sparkling chrome, and shiny tires. The show offers appeal to all age groups. For older people, it’s a trip down memory lane. For younger people, it’s a rare glimpse into the automotive industry of yesteryear’s design, styling, engineering and performance.
Unlike some car shows, none of the vehicles are roped off, so car aficionados can get up-close views of both the interior and exterior. And owners are enthusiastic to talk about their automobiles. Kevin Sheppard, who lives in Volusia County, came to the show in January to showcase his 1928 Ford Model A Sedan. When he purchased the car six years ago, it had all original parts. He spent $7,500 beefing it up, including the installation of a 350-airboat engine and a new coil spring suspension. He also repainted the vehicle with orange flames. It’s quite the conversation piece. “I cruise in this every weekend,” Kevin says. “Women often wave to me. Women also want to take pictures with their kids standing outside the vehicle or sitting in the front seat.”
