…and most of the hours leading up to it. However, the Antique Vehicle Show at Mystic Seaport the last Sunday in September was still a treat for determined Museum visitors decked out in rain gear and carrying umbrellas. I know. I was one of them!
Although only a fraction of the expected 120 exhibitors were willing to subject their restored motor vehicles to Sunday’s persistent rain, those who did provided visitors with a tantalizing taste of what this annual event must be like when clear skies prevail and exhibitors are out in full force.
It was so cool seeing century-old vehicles parked along the Museum’s Village Green as though their owners were off running errands or shopping. Movies depicting that era or a painting or nostalgic Christmas card scene are just no match for actually admiring these awesome motor vehicles in person.
Restoring these beauties is obviously an expensive labor of love, but to John Parker III of North Stonington, CT, it’s a passion well worth it. His magnificent red, brass-trimmed 1921 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost Tourer led the 3 p.m. parade.
Among the vehicles parading several times around the Village Green with “ooga-ooga” horns sounding, were a snappy royal blue 1924 Studebaker Light Six Coupe, a magnificent 1927 yellow Cadillac sporting big white wall tires, several shiny black Ford Roadsters, a vintage Mystic Seaport truck, and a bright red 1912 Overland Roadster with beautiful brass rimmed lamps and headlights. Seeing Chick and Gail Chandler rounding the bend in their open orange1914 Metz Speedster, I couldn’t help thinking that their happy waves and smiles were partially showmanship but also happiness that they would soon be headed home to Charlton, MA and dry clothes!
It was unfortunate that the weather dampened this year’s Antique Vehicle Show, but when this special event is advertised next year, do yourself a big favor. Don’t miss it! You’ll take a step back in time and probably wonder, as I do, if any of our 21st century cars will some day make it to antique status and warrant an exhibition spot at the Mystic Village Green curb.
Blog written by Trudi Busey
