Classic, vintage cars as far as the eye can see
For years, the rusted Bermuda brown 1964 Studebaker sat untouched in Jay Crites' garage -- much to his wife's dismay.
But the classic car aficionado saw its potential and eventually restored his baby back to its natural beauty.
His Studebaker was among about 75 antique, classic and vintage cars on display Sunday at the 40th annual Father's Day Classic Car Show at Oakbrook Center.
"It took me 10 years to restore it," the Elk Grove Village man said while proudly showing off its original interior upholstery. "It still runs really well. Back when I was growing up, your car was a part of your family. We worked on our cars for the most part all the time."
In its fourth decade, the folks at Oakbrook Center put on the largest open-air classic car exhibition in the Midwest. Exhibitors hailed from across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota.
But Sunday's early morning storm sent exhibitors scurrying to cover their cars under canopies or in the parking decks. Trees tumbled. The center also temporarily lost power. Still, the sun popped out just in time for the 11 a.m. opening.
Darrell Miller and his 9-year-old son stopped in the shopping center to buy a gift certificate, but soon found themselves among the estimated 75,000 people who were expected to check out the classics.
"I was just telling him about how a lot of my relatives had cars like this when I was a kid," the Darien father said, while showing his son, Darrell Jr., a brown two-door 1972 Cadillac DeVille.
The show featured several early models from the 1900s to 1960 roadsters. A post-war 1961 Imperial Crown convertible with red interior was one of about only 430 made. It cost just $7,150 back in its day, according to owner Frank Troost.
The annual show is organized by the Greater Illinois Region of the Classic Car Club of America and sponsored by the Continental Motors Group. Folks taking in the show got a chance to vote for their favorite car and a chance to win a $1,000 prize package. Besides bragging rights, the winner receives a Wheels of Choice award.
"They don't make them like these anymore," said George Kanary of Hinsdale, while showing off his black 1956 Imperial Chrysler. "I think that's part of the reason people enjoy (the show) so much. It's nostalgic."