A paradise for classic car lovers
GLEN CARBON — Overcast skies didn’t dampen the enthusiasm for the 2023 Kicks on 66 Car Show on Saturday.
The show’s new venue was Schon Park and the village combined the Glenfest event, usually held in October, with the car show. The park’s main parking lot was designated for elected officials and first responders and served as a gateway for classic car owners to enter their vehicles.
Edwardsville residents Lisa and Jeff Downs brought their white 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle coupe to the show. Jeff Downs said the car retains its original bodywork.
The Chevelle was a Chevrolet A-body or mid-size car of the time. GM completely revamped the A-bodies in 1968, and the 1968 through 1972 models, especially the two-doors, became highly sought after by collectors. They are often referred to as the last true “muscle cars” from General Motors.
In 1972, engine production began to be measured in net terms, rather than gross. Three years later, catalytic converters became standard in the exhaust systems of all cars and light trucks sold in the United States, ushering in what collectors sometimes refer to as the “era of malaise.”
Cars galore
Following the park’s route, several members of the Looking Glass Corvette Club out of Highland brought their Corvettes out for display. On the other side of the track, a smaller group of Nissan Gateway Club members have planned a variety of Nissan Zs ranging from the early 240Z to the 280Z to the 300Z to the modern 350 and 370Z. The first two numbers indicate the engine volume in litres.
It should not be overlooked that a small space has been allocated for two-wheelers and three-wheelers. There were motorcycles, Polaris catapults, Boss Manias, and more.
Parking was available at nearby churches and the village hall complex across the street. GEM electric buses moved between the parking lots, transporting visitors to and from the exhibition easily.
Near the T-intersection, John Gascott of Collinsville brought his 1957 Chevrolet Corvette, a Chevrolet II convertible from the early 1960s, and a 1970s Dodge Super Bee. He rebuilt the Chevy II into a restomod while the Super Bee is a rare Mopar and attracted a lot of interest from older Mopar fans at the show.
Nearby, an early 1980s Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 was parked next to an early 1970s Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme coupe. Chevrolet responded to the sales success of the Ford Mustang with the Camaro, although it took three years.
In 1970, the second generation Camaro bowed, creating a striking coupe body that proved very popular and endured for the next 12 years.
Historical sets of wheels
Oldsmobile had more success on its hands during the Me decade of the 1970s. The Cutlass Supreme sold more as a single model at the time than most GM divisions today sell each year. By the mid-1970s, the Colonnade Coupe version of the car was ubiquitous, with its ‘waterfall’ grille, quad headlights and slim taillights.
The Dodge Ram Power Wagon of the early 1980s, which struck out on its own, is a testament to the underdog status of these trucks, which ran a distant third place behind Ford and General Motors pickup trucks until a new generation of Ram bowed out in 1994.
Nearby, a surviving vehicle is a 1939 Chevrolet 1.5-ton grain truck, complete with a Stovebolt six-cylinder engine. Next in line was Lucy, a 1949 Plymouth Special Deluxe sedan.
Other nearby vehicles included a 1939 Ford pickup truck; The 1963 Ford Ranchero was based on the company’s compact Falcon line; And a 1987 Chevrolet El Camino.
Finally, the highlight of the show was a 1960 Chevrolet Impala Restomod, a bubble-roof coupe with some modern touches. Many older visitors can’t help but stop to look.
