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Vintage Cars To Roll Into DeVane Park

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By BILL RETTEW JR.

Highlands Today

Published: August 17, 2008

LAKE PLACID - For those who enjoy cars that are more than just sheet metal and Styrofoam plastic boxes designed to stretch a gallon of gasoline, the annual Caladium Car Show is the place to visit. It will be held Saturday, Aug. 23.

Many vintage cars on display at DeVane Park, off Interlake Boulevard, during the event which coincides with the Caladium Festival, date to when gasoline contained lead and engine power was more important than fuel economy.

But not every one of 75 to 100 expected street rods, customs, antiques or special interest cars might be known as heavy metal.

Organizer Bob Larson's 1962 Dodge Dart is one car that aficionados rarely view. With only 74,000 original miles on the odometer, the Dodge Dart will turn heads.

"It wasn't very well accepted," said Larson. "It's a very rare car and it looks like there is a shark mouth on the front."

Larson said the real attention getters and crowd favorites are the street rod classes of cars. Car owners sometimes spend more than $80,000 to remake and customize a vehicle.

Many custom car designers work from a stripped down car body or almost completely from scratch.

Hotrods often feature wild colors and are a throwback to the 1950s.

Larson hopes that car enthusiasts, both drivers and spectators alike, continue to show at the event, although gas prices hover around $4 a gallon. Last year, 151 cars were displayed.

Fifteen judges will award three prizes in each of 23 classes. Judging will cover five categories: interior; engine; paint; wheels; tires and overall appearance.

"It the most reasonable show around this part of Florida," said Larson. "It's a wonderful setting for a car show."

Registration starts at 9 a.m., with most vehicles displayed by 9 a.m. Prizes will be awarded at 2 p.m.

The free event will feature vendors, door prizes and a 50/50 drawing open to the public that will include as prizes tickets to the Fall Classic and Mobil One 12 Hours of Sebring endurance races at Sebring International Raceway, plus a tool kit.

Bill Rettew Jr. may be contacted at 386-5857 or wrettew@highlandstoday.com

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