VILLAGE OF MINOA – The gathering of “orphan vehicles” in Minoa’s Lewis Park on Aug. 20 put a spotlight on classic marques produced by now-defunct manufacturers.
This year’s event was the eighth in a series of car shows that began with a cruise-in on a sizable front yard in East Syracuse belonging to Victor and Connie Oliver, the husband and wife who still organize the showcase for rarely seen and unheard-of automobiles.
“This is the opportunity for the odd cars to get a little respect and note,” Victor Oliver said.
Drawing in motor enthusiasts from the local area and longer distances, the Saturday afternoon show put a focus on Hudson, Essex and Terraplane vehicles, but anything that fit the description of “orphan” was welcome.
Remsen resident Phil Williams made the hour-plus drive to show off his 1947 Hudson pickup, one of about 3,200 made.
He said his displayed vehicle is a three-quarter ton truck with a low center of gravity.
“You don’t see hardly any of them today,” Williams said. “But it’s pretty heavy-duty, and it drives like it too.”
Cicero resident Rick Panek brought out his 1987 sidecar hand-built with elements taken from a previously attached Harley-Davidson motorcycle, while Clay couple Jim and Barb Mills arrived in a red 1960s Chevy Chevelle Super Sport and a 1950s Chevy Bel Air four-door respectively. The Mills said they usually keep those vehicles in a garage unless the sun is shining or a car show comes to town.
Around 20 awards were given out during the event, including ones for best vintage truck and best unrestored vehicle, but a 1968 Rambler American owned by Randy Poplawski of Camillus was ultimately named best in show.
Victor Oliver estimated that over 200 cars showed up to the park, but he said the heat might have kept away would-be registrants.
Still, he thanked the volunteers involved and the food trucks present, adding that he looks forward to next year when a Divco milk truck convention will take place.
The net proceeds of last weekend’s gathering of orphan vehicles benefited the Onondaga County Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Foundation, the Minoa Fire Department and Project Healing Waters, which holds rehabilitative fly fishing classes for disabled military personnel.