Atlantic Nationals
Written by Keith Fudge

Last July, Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car had the chance to “take off to the great white north” and attend the Atlantic Nationals in Moncton , New Brunswick , Canada . Rapidly becoming the premier auto event in Eastern Canada , this show attracts well over 1,200 specialty vehicles including street rods, customs, and vintage automobiles. More than 30,000 spectators from all across the U.S. and Canada are also on hand for the fun!

Hosted by the Greater Moncton Street Rod Club, this event also supports several worthwhile organizations such as the Children's Wish Foundation and the IWK Children's Hospital. While he was there, Dennis spoke with Bill Doherty, Show Chairman, who told him a bit about the event. Bill told Dennis that this was the third year for Atlantic Nationals and that the show just keeps getting bigger and better. This four-day extravaganza includes a cruise-in, a drive-in movie complete with a pig roast and beef roast, a show-n-shine, and plenty of music! There are also judged shows with representatives of the National Street Rod Association on hand as well as members from the Canadian Street Rod Association there to join in the festivities. Bill also told Dennis that there were participants registered from all across Canada and the United States including Texas , Florida , Michigan , and Georgia . He also said that seven of Canada 's ten provinces were represented! As Dennis pointed out, this show is becoming he premier auto event in Eastern Canada, and by the way, there was also some pretty good seafood there as well; however, the main attraction was cars and Dennis couldn't wait to hit the show area to see some of those great vehicles and have a chat with their owners.

First, Dennis ran into Gilles Malenfant and his awesome custom 1940 Pontiac Business Coupe. Gilles said that he built this bad boy from the “bottom up” and believe us, he did it right! Painted in light lavender complete with a ghosted image of a legendary Pontiac Indian Chief, and powered by a Corvette engine, Gilles told Dennis that he drives this car everywhere; in fact, he has even driven it to Oklahoma ! For this trip he pulled a trailer for a twelve-hour drive! Way to go, Gilles! Better for this bad boy to be pulling a trailer than to be inside one! Next, Dennis met up with Dennis Murray and his sweet 1960 Mercury Colony Park station wagon! Dennis Murray said that they made the trip all the way from Newfoundland and what a vehicle to make it in! This nine-passenger wagon is a numbers matching, frame-off restoration. Sporting a red exterior complete with that “woody-look” that many of the wagons that the era possessed, this Merc is powered by a 430 cubic inch, 310 horsepower engine. The new interior is absolutely flawless and the wagon was optioned with a rare power window for the tail gate! Dennis Murray stated that his family is crazy about 1960 Mercurys and they're currently restoring a convertible! These cruisers are just too sweet for words and it is good to see them on the road!

The Atlantic Nationals feature plenty of family fun and entertainment and if you would like to make your plans for this year's event, give them a call at 506-386-1644. If you would like more information you can also give them a look on the web at www.atlanticnationals.com . So, until our next road trip, remember, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”