6/27/2007 12:23:00 PM Rakers rally for 50th anniversary car show
This 1956 (left) and two 1955 Thunderbirds from Canada drew a crowd. – Photo by P atrick J. Sullivan
About 170 cars and trucks were on display at the fourth annual Rakers Cruz In. – Photo by Patrick J. Sullivan
From Canadian Thunderbird owners on a Mystery Tour to a muscle car with a history on film, the car show marking the 50th anniversary of the local Rakers Car Club drew a great selection of chromium steel.
The fourth annual Rakers Cruz In on June 23 brought about 170 vehicles to Memorial Athletic Field in Port Townsend.
There was original paint and custom paint and the red, blue, yellow and incredible lilac paint on vintage cars with the Island Vintage Thunderbird Club from Vancouver Island, B.C.
"Everyone has been so friendly," said Howie Cronk, who surprised the four other car owners in his caravan with the car show visit.
There were custom pipes and old pipes. The loudest pipes belonged to the vintage top fuel dragster - the second-fastest race car in the nation in 1964 - that Wayne King of Gardiner brought for display. The nitro-fired 354-hemi engine attracted a crowd when it was started. King had many new photos to share of his Southern California drag racing in the 1960s.
Jim Morgan of Seattle brought his 1969 Dodge Charger "General Lee" car used in the "Dukes of Hazzard" television series. One of the car's wheels is stamped for Warner Brothers TV, one of three such wheels known to exist, Morgan noted.
The George Earl Memorial Choo Choo, a parade float used by the Port Townsend Kiwanis Club and rebuilt with help from Rakers members, was also on display.
"It was a great show, and we thank everyone who helped celebrate the Rakers 50th anniversary," said Bill Eldridge, Rakers president.
Trophy winners
The People's Choice trophy winners were Joe and Val Fort of Victoria, with their lilac-colored 1956 Thunderbird.
Businesses and individuals sponsored trophies that they awarded based on any criteria they chose.
Circle and Square Auto: Chevrolet Impala. Mike Hammers Insurance: "Best Unfinished," a 1930 Ford.
Classy Chassis: 1956 Fort Thunderbird. Blossom Brother Inc.: 1951 Chevy coupe. Carl's Building Supply gave two trophies: a 1955 Chevrolet sedan and a 1959 Chevrolet Impala.
North Olympic Mustangs: 1927 Stutz Blackhawk. Hadlock Building Supply: 1947 Woody wagon. Quimper Credit Union: 1933 Ford pickup. Parson's Landscaping: 1969 Dodge Charger, an original "General Lee" car from the TV series "Dukes of Hazzard."
Les Schwab Tire Center: 1947 Ford coupe. Bill Smith Camera Images: Buick Roadmaster. Central Welding Supply: Oldsmobile custom. Paws & Claws 4-H club gave the "Bruno Award" - for the car the late Boxer dog mascot would most like to ride in - to a 1951 Chevrolet.
Bob and Brian: Willys pickup. The King of Adelma Beach: 1955 Ford Sunliner. The Toy Shop: 1940 Ford convertible. Hadlock Motel: 1967 Chevrolet Camaro RS. Eldridge Homes: 1957 Chevy sedan. Ferino's Pizzeria: 1970 Dodge Challenger RT convertible. Kitsap Bank: 1931 Ford. Westbay Auto Parts: unrestored 1966 Oldsmobile Toronado.
The Port Townsend & Jefferson County Leader newspaper: 1968 Oldsmobile 442 "W car" with an original owner. Seton Construction: 1960 Pontiac Ventura. Triple A Fire and Safety: 1955 Chevrolet Bel-Air. Pontius Trucking Co.: "Best Sports Car" 1962 SunBeam Alpine II.
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