HUMBOLDT 鈥� A mere three weeks after Harlan Coakwell finished the restoration of his 1930 Model A Ford, he was showing it off at a Humboldt car show that focuses on Ford vehicles.
The Warman resident purchased the vehicle in July 2017 in Vernon, B.C. He did much of the restoration himself, but did bring outside help for specialized tasks like interior work and upholstery.
鈥淚 always wanted a five-window coupe,鈥� he said.
Coakwell was one of 45 showing their Fords, Mustangs, Mercurys and Lincolns at Hot Cars in the City, hosted in Discovery Ford鈥檚 parking lot on Aug. 10.
Wally Brecht, the organizer, started the show eight years ago. Brecht, who works as a salesperson at Discovery Ford, said the idea to put on an antique and special interest car show came when the dealership鈥檚 sales people were talking about organizing community events connected to something they had a passion for.
鈥淚've always had a passion for antique cars. I know how much guys spend in blood, sweat and tears, fixing them and making them look brand new again. They've spent thousands of dollars on them, and then they park them in their shed or their garage,鈥� he said.
鈥淗ow do they show these vehicles to anybody? The car show is a great way.鈥�
Brecht said the first year, he called up some friends and had 13 vehicles displayed. Each year since, it has grown bit by bit, with this year鈥檚 being the biggest yet. Exhibitors came from all over, including places like Humboldt, Fosston, Biggar, Warman, Saskatoon, Lanigian and Watrous.
Because of the show鈥檚 focus on Fords, Mustangs, Mercurys and Lincolns, the show isn鈥檛 as large as some of the other car shows in the area, which accepts all makes and models.
鈥淚 think that makes it a little more specialized to me, and unique,鈥� Brecht said.
The show also had a barbeque, which was staffed this year by Arts Humboldt. The supplies were donated to the arts organization and they鈥檒l keep the proceeds.
Brecht said residents should expect the show to return next year some time in August.
鈥淚t's just been a blast and I couldn't do it without the help of a lot of the people from the dealership. It's amazing how much help I got to put this on.鈥�
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