Newcomers, old timers show, view, buy

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Tyler and Nick Deluca of Minooka look at their reflections in a 1957 Ford Skyliner convertible during the Lion’s Club Fall Classic Car Show east of Morris Sunday. (Herald Photo by Christina Chapman)

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After years of restoring his 1948 Lincoln Continental Convertible, George Parise of Coal City was able to enter it in its first car show Sunday – the Morris Lions Club 23rd annual Fall Classic Car Show.

The classic car even won its first trophy – the Lady Lions Choice Award.

“Not bad for our first award,” Parise said. “We just finished the car, it’s a family restoration.”

The Lincoln was one of 651 cars on display during the Morris Lions Club car show.

The Morris Lions Club is a 52-member service organization with an emphasis on helping the visually and hearing impaired.

The number of show cars was down quite a bit from last year’s 1,100, but members were still satisfied.

“We were down a little bit, but that was because of the overcast and cold,” said Doug Linn, Lions Club member in charge of the car show. “Most show car owners don’t like to bring out their cars when there is a chance of rain.”

The Car Corral, which features cars for sale, was not down too much from the year before, with 175 cars, and the Swap Meet vendors selling car parts and memorabilia were up, with 480 vendors as opposed to last year’s 400, Linn said.

The Lions Club even had to turn some vendors away.

“Some thought because the economy is so bad people were trying to sell more,” Linn said.

For many show car owners, the Lion’s Club show at the LyondellBasell Recreation Area is the last one of the season.

“We’ve been doing this one since the first year. We’ve missed a couple because of the weather. But it’s the last car show of the year, so after this we go home and start working on it again for the winter,” said Paul Mathes of Hammond, Indiana.

Mathes was showing his mild custom 1957 2-door Plymouth. Mathes said he raised the fins himself and chromed everything himself.

“It’s beautiful. I’ve never seen anyone chrome a dashboard before, that’s a first. What a neat idea,” said observer Gary Shipley of New Lenox.

The car show attracts any car from antique vehicles to more-modern customized cars and trucks. Some come to show off their hard work, others to check out new techniques and some to shop.

“It’s a real nice show. We heard about it for the first time. We like the antiques and are looking to buy,” said Ray Thompseno of Burbank. “We found a couple in the Car Corral.”

Many of the vehicles are owned by locals and some from all over the country. The farthest-traveled show car came from Las Vegas, Nev., this year, Linn said.

The Morris Lions Club categorizes the cars in 42 classes and gives an additional seven special awards, all judged by 40 people from local car clubs.

All the money raised from the event goes to local service organizations and the club’s service projects, including maintaining Morris’ Lions Park and the purchase of eyeglasses and hearing aides for local residents in need.

“All the money raised here is spent in Morris,” Linn said.

Totals from the fundraiser were not available before press time.

Rick Tonkovic of Channahon purchased his 1963 Chevy Nova from the Car Corral 5 years ago and loves bringing it back to show off his improvements.

“I put in the interior. You don’t want to start from ground zero, it’s too much money and you’ve got to be an expert at everything,” Tonkovic said.

The Morris Lions Club raffled off a 1972 Ford Mustang Convertible at the event. Sonny Sownefeldt of Tinley Park was the winner.

For more information on the Morris Lions Club, visit www.morrislionsclub.com.

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