So there I was, cruising down the Perimeter Highway last Sunday at about 7:30 in the morning when I spotted a nice-looking 1966 Chevrolet Biscayne wagon on the side of the road with the hood open. I was in a rush, on my way to the Manitoba Classic and Antique Auto Club's annual swap meet at the Red River Exhibition Park, but in my mirror I caught a glimpse of a fellow gearhead with his head tucked under the hood. The code of the road dictates I had no choice but to stop and offer help. After driving for a few miles in search of an exit, a U-turn was pulled... and in no time flat a friend was made.
While trying to boost the car, I learned the owner's name was Kelly and that he was from Teulon. Despite our efforts, the car wouldn't start, but Kelly said he was meeting some friends at the swap meet and would make arrangements to have the car towed later, so I offered him a ride.
There was something for everyone at the Manitoba Classic and Antique Auto Club's annual swap meet, held last Sunday at the Red River Exhibition Park.
The trip was short, but we quickly realized we had lots in common and became fast friends. As we walked into the swap meet, Kelly paid my $3 admission and thanked me for the ride. It was at that exact moment, for me anyways, that the 2008 cruising season officially commenced.
Folks often ask me what it is about old cars and the truth is, while they do certainly pull at my heartstrings, for me, and no doubt many others, this hobby is just as much about the people as it is about the cars.
I pictured myself on the side of that road in one of my old cars, and just knew Kelly was the kind of dude who would have pulled over to help me out, even if he was in a hurry. That's what it's all about, as Bob Chubala from the Manitoba Association of Auto Clubs once pointed out to me; it may be the cars that bring us together, but it's the people that keep us there.
As it turned out, this short blip in the screen had little impact on the amazing booty I found at the swap meet, which was incidentally one of the best in recent memory.
Right off the bat there was a gentleman with an old wooden California fruit box full of rusty old licence plates for sale. A package deal was struck and the entire box was purchased. As I pulled my little wagon around, I was reunited with countless friends who haven't been seen since the snow started flying last fall. Checking out what your friends buy is half the fun, and everyone I spoke to was like big kids who had just dug up buried treasure. I bought a stack of STP decals for a song, along with some Harley parts for my bike and for 10 bucks I purchased an awesome orange Bell Star II helmet just like the one Evel Knievel used to wear. I even bought some vintage snowshoes for my friend, Jay -- he lives in a log cabin and kind of looks like Grizzly Adams, so that purchase was a no-brainer. The funniest item I found was an old switchblade comb for a buck. It suited my buddy, Greaser Greg, way better than me, so I gave it to him.
Griff Gill purchased this flatheadpowered ’39 Ford DeLuxe Coupe last winter in Mesa, Ariz.
Along with the auction, there was also a huge car show. It was better than ever, with a sweet lineup of custom and classic cars and trucks on display. Like clockwork, every spring a few old cars that are new to the province or haven't been seen in years emerge, and this year was certainly no different.
This summer, when it comes to auto related events, there is more to do than ever. Literally every weekend is jam-packed with exciting things to do and see. The biggest dilemma will be where to go, as many weekends feature multiple events.
This Sunday, following the car show at the South Beach Casino, located 30 minutes north of Winnipeg on Hwy. 59, I'll be heading over to the Pony Corral on Grant Avenue to kick off another great summer of Sunday-night cruising. I'll be hosting the event every Sunday throughout the summer and am absolutely pumped. The show begins at 6p.m., but you better get there early. It was a long winter and I have a funny feeling this summer is going to be bigger and better than ever. We are, afterall, the cruising capital of Canada!
Here’s hoping Kelly’s Biscayne made it back to Teulon.
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