Boardwalk Car Show
Written by Keith Fudge

Recently, Dennis Gage had the opportunity to travel to Wildwood, New Jersey for the 13th Annual Boardwalk Classic Car Show.  This seaside destination and event attracts tourists and participants from all across the country and features some of the coolest cars seen anywhere!  Dennis spoke with Bill Garland of the New Jersey Hot Rod Association who told him about the history of the event and its location.  Bill said that the show was designed to boost tourism in the area, and the New Jersey Hot Rod Association holds shows in the spring and in the fall.  When speaking of the history of Wildwood, Dennis noted that many of the motels in the area still have a 1950s and 1960s look to them.  Bill stated that while many have recently been torn down to build condos, there is now a movement to preserve and renovate many of these historic motels.  He also mentioned that many famous entertainers such as Chubby Checker and Frankie Avalon got their starts singing in Wildwood.  Bill said that this year the two-mile boardwalk would host somewhere between 600 and 800 custom and classic cars.  After hearing that, it was time for Dennis to take a stroll on the boardwalk to see some of these fantastic rides!

First, Dennis found Charles Rice and his customized 1940 Buick.  Painted in Candy Apple Red and featuring a “flip-up” piano style hood, this custom cruiser is the cat’s meow!  Charles said that his son did the bodywork that featured shaving the handles, frenching-in the tail lights and antenna, and giving the Buick a 4 ½ inch chop!  Charles said that he did the mechanical work, and under the hood is a 425 cubic-inch dual quad Buick V-8 from a 1964 Riviera.  The interior features custom Cadillac seats and a tilt and telescopic steering wheel.  Charles said that he drove the car approximately 125 miles to the show.  We bet that some heads were turned in traffic!  Next, Dennis talked to Ed Szymansky, the owner of a 1963 Mercury Marauder.  Ed has owned the car for two years, and its recent exterior makeover screams 1960s custom!  Painted in white with red stripes and accents, this pinstriped beauty is too cool for school!  The car has been lowered and Ed replaced the stock with some taillights from a 1959 Caddy.  He has also staggered the lights to create a really cool look.  Also, to enhance the low and lean look, Ed installed a set of non-functional lake pipes!  On the inside, the Merc retains its stock interior that is in really good condition, and no wonder!  The car only has 87K original miles!  Under the hood is the legendary and reliable 390 cubic-inch engine.  In fact, Ed drove the car five hours from Connecticut to get to the show!  Dennis’ next find is a real sight!  Gino Irvello is the owner of a stunning Shamrock Green 1970 custom Cuda! Gino owns a body shop and did all the bodywork himself.  Under the hood is a fully blown 572 cubic-inch Hemi that makes in the neighborhood of 1,100 horsepower.  That supplies the power to 33-inch rear tires!  The interior features a custom dash, race shifter, and Pep Boys seats that have been recovered to Gino’s specifications.  What a ride!  One of the coolest cars that Dennis saw was Richard Caffiero’s rare two-door post 1955 Ford Customline.  With a fantastic paint job of silver and teal complete with silver flames, this car is what Richard describes as, “nice, neat, and clean.”  The two-toned color scheme is carried into the interior as well.  Powered by a 1987 Cougar 5.0 liter, this engine gives great performance and 20 miles per gallon.  American Racing Torque Thruster wheels and an 800-watt stereo complete this cool ride!  The last car that Dennis saw was Daryl Matthew’s 1961 Bubbletop Olds Dynamic 88.  This car was built in Michigan in 1994, and Daryl purchased the car in Georgia.  It has been shaved, lowered, and features some great custom bodywork including having the exhaust running through the bumper.  The dash is stock with the exception of digital updates, and the 468 cubic-inch Chevy moves this Olds down the road in style and with plenty of power!  Daryl describes the car as, “old style meets new.”  What a great cruiser!

Dennis had a great time at the Boardwalk Car Show in Wildwood, New Jersey.  If you would like more information on the event, give a visit at www.wildwoodnj.com and go to “events.”  The 2007 event will be held September 20-23.  That’s it from the Boardwalk, so until our next visit, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”