Thursday, June 6, 2013

Dad nails the Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Cadillac Car Show in Colorado

I have made fun of my dad’s photography skills for most of my life.  He hardly ever took a car picture that didn’t have half the car cut off.  I just never thought he was any good at it.  But last weekend, dad went to the Buick, Pontiac, Oldsmobile, Cadillac Car Show in Colorado.  He was willing to take a camera along, but honestly, I didn’t expect much.  I was dead wrong, though.  I have to give him credit; he took some great pictures.  Turns out the ‘ol man can find his way around a camera after all!

This is the ninth year for this show, which is held in the Shepler’s Western Wear parking lot in Greenwood Village near Denver.  It is hosted by the Rocky Mountain Oldsmobile Club, which makes sense given the makes of cars that are invited.  It’s a great show because of that.  I mean, I like Corvettes, Camaros, Mustangs, and Chevelles too, but sometimes it’s nice to get away from those once in awhile.

Dad went to the show with his longtime friend Pat Casey, who drove his pretty Richelieu Blue ’61 Pontiac Catalina four-door hardtop.  I have actually ridden in this car before, and it is every bit as nice as it looks in the pictures—maybe nicer.  Pat added the Pontiac eight-lug wheels and special brake rotors after he bought it, and other than the stance it is in mostly stock configuration.  Pat really enjoys this car, and takes it to car cruises all over Colorado Springs.  Of course, with a car this nice, it would be hard not to enjoy it.

Dad said this ’50 Cadillac four-door sedan was especially nice, and that the owner was really enthusiastic.  The car was mostly original, although it had been painted recently.  And it was loaded to the gills with everything from power windows to a Wonder Bar radio.  Dad claims that it was one of the nicest cars at the show.  They don’t always have to be a flashy red convertible to draw attention.

GMCs were also part of the show, and this ’57 stepside was an excellent example.  First of all, you see much fewer of these than you do Chevys, which already makes it more interesting.  And when you look at all the chrome and details on these, you can see that they were shooting for a more discerning clientele.  Plus, this one had the 347-c.i. Pontiac V8 under the chrome-vented hood, making it all the more desirable.

Later, the boys went to a car cruise in Colorado Springs, so the photo album isn’t completely devoid of Corvettes and ’32 Ford hot rods.  Here’s a ’60 Chevy Impala four-door sedan.  You know, the Hover Motor Company car lots like the one at the top of this page were located in Colorado Springs.  Who knows—this car may have passed through there in about 1966. 

They also made s stop at Vern’s house.  Vern is an 84-year-old former Air Force fighter pilot who flew in World War II, and he is lifelong car collector.  He lives in a sizable house on the north side of Colorado Springs, and it is crammed full of car parts.  Two large garages contain most of his cars, with more fun stuff parked outside.  Vern has good taste in cars, with a red ’58 Cadillac convertible with gold Sabre wheels, and a pale yellow ’54 Roadmaster convertible with those ever-desirable Kelsey Hayes wires.  This looks like it would be a fun place to check out, and I’m sure Vern has some stories to tell.

I am very proud to suggest that you take a look at dad’s slideshow below.  There are 133 great pictures there, and I know you’re going to like them.  I think I may actually have dad take more pictures—there’s definitely some talent there!  Click this link for a better version of the slideshow

4 comments:

  1. Mr. Hover,

    Ya Da Man !!!!!!!!!!!!

    Great..job...."So there Sonny" !

    Don - Basehor, Ks

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks Dad! ya done good... the pictures in content and quality are certainly post worthy. At least I'm pretty sure they are ; my eyes may have received permanent damage from that 'interesting' blue interior... [and next time, feel free to bring that yellow 65 442 post car, or the H/O home - I can come get it at your house :) ]

    ReplyDelete
  3. Not to ever complain about the incredible effort, but it would help readers like myself if you let us know what we were looking at. I recognize a 57 Chevy, but a 63 Olds gets past me sometimes. I'm a big fan of your site and love old cars more than I thought I did.

    Joe

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, man. I'd love to be able to label every picture, but I don't think I'd have enough time to sleep if I did that!

      Delete