Mopars In The Park
Written by Keith Fudge

Last summer, Dennis Gage and the My Classic Car crew headed to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” as they attended the 19 th annual Mopars in the Park. Held at Raceway Park in Shakopee , Minnesota , this event started in 1985 as six friends got together and decided to have an all-Mopar show. Today, more than 500 cars are registered and in attendance as the event has become quite a regional, and national event. After he arrived, Dennis spoke with Dave Sweet, one of the original six and the Event Coordinator, who told him about the show.

Dave said that the Midwest Mopar Club is the host for the event; he also stated that participants come from far and wide for the show. While most of the registered vehicles are from the midwest, there are also attendees from Canada and from as far away as Alaska ! Dave also said that while you can see plenty of cool Mopars here, that it is also a place where you can find lots of parts as they also hold a swap meet featuring more than 100 “swappers!” There is also a pig roast that everyone is invited to attend, and there is a super cruise that lasts from one to two hours! At that point, Dennis decided that it was time to check the pig, so with that in mind, Dave and Dennis took a stroll around the grounds.

There were some fabulous cars at Mopars in the Park and one of the coolest was Dick Johnson and his sweet 1937 Chrysler Airflow. Everything on this lowered custom was fashioned by Dave except for the interior. The Airflow was resting right on the ground as we looked at it, but Dave said he raises it four inches with air-ride to drive it—and drive it he does! This one is no trailer queen and the phrase written on the license plate explains why. Sporting a tag of “Hemiflo” gives a clue to what rests beneath the hood and when the top was popped, so did Dennis's eyes! Nestled neatly inside was a new 465 horsepower crate Hemi also outfitted with a 100 horsepower nitrous boost (Dick referred to it as “a passing gear”). In short, this ride was simply overwhelming and we could easily understand when Dave told Dennis that the car had garnered the honor of 2002 Street Rod of the Year by the Minnesota Street Rod Association. Thanks, Dick and keep on truckin'! Next, Dennis found Warren Iverson and his cool 1967 notchback Barracuda. Covered in the shade of 1998 Dodge Ram Intense Blue with white stripes that match the interior, this fast fish is powered by a 1971 340 cubic inch engine that is bored .030 over. Making somewhere in the neighborhood of 355 horsepower, this is one cruisin' Barracuda! Great car, Warren !

There were some great rides at Mopars in the Park and the 20 th show promises even more in the way of cool cars and fabulous fun. The dates for this year's show are June 5-6, 2004. So, if you would like more information on this year's event, or if you want to see some great photos of the 2003 show, then give them a visit on the web at www.midwestmopars.com . So, until our next road trip, remember, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”