Two hundred antique and custom cars. Two hundred stories – some that recount their 100-year heritage and others that describe their unique restorations. Both machines and narratives were on proud display at Saturday’s monthly Cruise-In at Spanish Springs sponsored by The Villages Region Antique Automobile Club.
One visual standout was the bright crimson red 1912 Ford Model T displayed by Kevin Sevigny, of Leesburg.
“The color is original,” he said. “Everyone thinks Model T’s were only painted black. But, from 1908 to 1913, there were red, green, midnight blue or black. Then, in 1914, Henry Ford decided to use only black because it dried faster.”
Sevigny pointed out the car’s two snow skis that could replace the front wheels and were attached to the front axle. The rear tires then were fitted with Rid-O-Skid brand chains providing the needed traction.
“Everything is original – from the ignition keys and coils to the Ford-manufactured fire extinguisher,” he proclaimed. “My next goal is to refinish the roof canvas.”
Further down the line-up of early twentieth century vehicles was Tom Marshall’s 1921 Depot Hack.
“Hack was an early name for taxis,” the Village of Rio Ponderosa resident explained. “This was a taxi driven in Manchester, Michigan, and has been in my family for more than 60 years.”
At the other end of the ‘original vs modification spectrum’ was a 1940 Ford Deluxe Coupe owned by Bob Kloosterman, of the Village of Sabal Chase.
“I put in a 1998 Camaro engine,” he pointed out. “And, the original body and frame now has high-gloss boysenberry paint. The hood and front have ‘extreme’ rainbow paint that changes colors as the car is viewed from different perspectives.”
He also altered the two doors that are hinged to the body at the rear rather than in front.
“These are called suicide doors. They could open while driving and could pull out the occupants. So, I added an internal bolt, with a remote-control switch, that keeps the door closed.”
He would fool passers-by who noticed the lack of exterior handles and asked how he got inside. Kloosterman waived one hand with a flourish, while his other hand, in his pocket, pressed the remote button. Magically, the doors would pop open.
Perhaps one of the largest cars circling the Spanish Springs bandstand was a 1942 Chrysler.
“I’ve had this car for 45 years. Everything is original – from its engine and seats to the paint and its three bench seats,” said Richard Courmettes, who lives in Santiago. “The original owner was the State of New York and was used as a ‘sedanbulance’ during World War II. The middle bench was removed and the rear one dropped down, enabling wounded soldiers, on stretchers, to be transported from Cooperstown.
Courmettes, the Antique Automobile Club’s webmaster, estimated that there were 200 cars on exhibit. Some were from his club’s 80 members as well as other enthusiasts from similar clubs throughout the region.
“I often take ‘ol Betsy out to exercise her,” he said looking at his unique vehicle. “This is better than having a dog. I don’t have to run.”
