Spring Jefferson Car Show and Swap Meet
Written by Keith Fudge

Last April, Dennis Gage and the crew from My Classic Car headed to Jefferson , Wisconsin for the 27 th Annual Jefferson Car Show and Swap Meet. Even though the weather wasn't very cooperative, it didn't keep folks from coming to the show referred to as “The Big One.” They might find the parts they need or have a chance to purchase the car of their dreams! Dennis spoke to Gary Esse, the Event Coordinator for the show. He said there were more than 40,000 attendees on hand for the event and that this year the Car Corral featured more than 1,300 cars for sale. Several vendors stocked with vintage parts and other accessories were also in attendance from everywhere in the region including Iowa, Illinois, and Minnesota. Gary also mentioned that the sales figures for the Car Corral had been somewhere in the neighborhood of 35%. Two years ago they had approximately 2,000 cars for sale. As I said earlier, even though the weather was not the best, it really didn't matter. This was a show for “certified car nuts” to brave the elements. It just goes to show you, “If you have it, they will come!” After they talked about some of the great cars that were on the grounds, Gary and Dennis took a break for a cup of coffee before they hit the show area to see some of these awesome rides!

First, Dennis ran into Bradley Stanton, the owner of a sweet 1964 Dodge Polara 500. Bradley purchased this example of early Mopar muscle approximately two and one-half years ago in its present condition. He said that his wife found the car and told him about it. He then purchased it soon after. The interior of the car featured a factory center console and bucket seats. It is also equipped with power steering and has the optional seat belt package. Under the hood, is the Dodge trademark 318 V-8 that has been pepped up with a Weiand intake manifold and Edlebrock carburetor. Other than that, Bradley said everything was original. He also told Dennis that this event was an annual trip for him no matter what the weather was like and that he drives his cars to each show. Next, Dennis found John Knab and his “so ugly it's cute” 1962 Plymouth Valiant. This original Mopar was purchased at an estate sale in New Jersey in 1995 and was driven back to Chicago after the sale. This stock cutie features some trademark Plymouth traits such as a push-button transmission and a 170 cubic-inch Slant-Six engine. John says that his wife really enjoys driving the Valiant because of its maneuverability. Later, Dennis ran into Ray Theama and his slick 1952 Buick Mild Two-Door Hardtop. Ray told Dennis that this Red and Black two-toned beast was a Wisconsin car. When he purchased it, it wasn't too rusty. The interior of the car was just as impressive as the exterior and was also decked out with a two-toned black and red color scheme. While walking around the car, Dennis talked Ray into raising the “piano” style hood. Ray complied and revealed a straight 8 engine fed through a Stromberg carburetion system. This is one cool ride that truly took us back to the “Nifty ‘50s.” Finally, Dennis found Dean Probst and his 1982 Corvette Berlina. The Phillips Motor Corporation produced these rare customs in Pompano Beach , Florida . This particular car is one of 168 made and the only four-speed that was manufactured. Dean told Dennis that it was sold at the Milwaukee Auto Show and from there was placed in a warehouse where it sat and sadly enough, deteriorated. Dean went on to say that the car was in extremely poor shape when he finally purchased it. He added that the interior was covered in mold, and the engine was seized and rusted. However, if you could see what Dean has done to the car today, you would never believe that it was once in the condition that he described. It was obvious that Dean thought a great deal of this unique beauty as he called it his favorite car. I'm also sure that he really enjoys driving it because he said, “the ladies love it!” Way to go Dean! Thanks for rescuing this beauty from a terrible fate.

We had a ball at “The Big One.” Even though the weather was gloomy, all participants were happy to be just where they wanted to be - with the cars that give them so much enjoyment. That's the scoop from Jefferson , Wisconsin . So, until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”