Classic cars make classic show in downtown Peabody

PEABODY — They gleam like gems. And on a glorious Sunday afternoon it wasn’t surprising that downtown Peabody got a good turnout for its second-annual Classic Car show on Main Street.

A kind of fairground atmosphere marked the day, as the street was closed to traffic for more than four hours.

Classic vehicles, some going back nearly 100 years, lined Main Street, backed into spaces from Washington Street to Park Street, with still more in adjacent lots. This came despite the fact it was a rain date, explained Ron Khasibian of the Essex County Cruisers, the group that helped put the event together.

“It’s a pretty good show today,” he said, noting the various booths and, a new feature, the food court. Car owners were kept busy explaining the intricacies of keeping their Model As, ’57 Chevys and Ford trucks running and, in most cases, shinning. “They put a lot of money in the paint jobs,” explained Khasibian, a retired Raytheon engineer. 

Chuck Fitzpatrick of Lynn has been in love with cars since he bought his first while still a 14-year-old living in Vermont. Yesterday, his 1951 Ford Beachwagon, also known as a “woody,” had the look of a brand new vehicle parked in the showroom. How did he do it? “You take the whole car apart. Then you put it back together working your way up.” He did the job last year. “It was a rust bucket,” he smiled as opened the flawless door.

In restorations, he explained, some old parts are sandblasted and painted to look like new. Some are simply replaced with new parts. Unlike modern vehicles with plastics made to look like wood, this car has paneling originating with a tree. It’s applied both inside and out.

“It’s hard to drive,” Fitzpatrick conceded. “No power brakes, power steering.” But he takes his wife out in it all the same and enjoys the head turning looks the car gets. Modern cars might be safer, more durable, but he nods when someone suggests there’s a depressing sameness about them.

“People like the old cars,” said Fitzpatrick, also retired as the owner of a business repairing forklifts. “They’re interested.” He gestured to the crowds walking past, stopping to study the vehicles, walking around them, looking at the interior, snapping photos. “Look how many people are here.”

Clark Labbe of Danvers brought his ’57 Chevy, souped-up with a portion of the engine protruding from a gap in the hood. “I like to drive,” he smiled, showing off his vehicle. Only last month he celebrated Memorial Day by appearing in Beverly’s parade driving a Sherman tank. “I built this,” he pointed to his car, “after watching ‘American Graffiti."” 

Nearby, Tom Blackler of Marblehead stressed that his 1929 Model A Roadster, complete with rumble seat, features all original parts. “I sandblasted and painted everything,” he smiled, sitting behind the wheel and causing some passersby to jump as he demonstrated the oogah horn.

Paula Burnet and husband Milt were here because it was beautiful day, she said. It was instructive too. They learned something about old cars. The couple lingered over a model from the 1920s. To qualify for the show vehicles were required to have an antique license, available from the state only when a car is older than 25 years

The Downtown Association sponsored the event as a way to get more people to visit local shops. “I think this is a bigger crowd than last year,” said a delighted Joan Morrissey of the Association. “The cars are beautiful.” She resolved that they will do it again next year, “With the good graces of the city.”

Classic cars make classic show in downtown Peabody