Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Turnout Down For 10th Annual Cardinal Car Classic
FARMINGTON — The turnout was down for the 10th Cardinal Car Classic but still 72 antique and classic cars and trucks showed up for the annual event in the Farmington High parking lot.
This year's show was organized by two Farmington High groups, the FFA and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America.
Awards given included the top 60, people's choice, best of show and work in progress.
The following received trophies this year:
“Best of Show” - Bill Long of Joplin, Mo., with a 1957 Chevy Bel Air Two-Door Post.
“People's Choice” - Willie Watts of Farmington with a 1967 Chevy Chevelle.
“Work in Progress” - Galen and Tracy Peters of Farmington with a 1967 Ford 100 pickup, Ronnie Skelton of Fayetteville with a 1940 Chevrolet Coupe, Mark Davis of Prairie Grove with a 1900s Ford Custom Wood Rod and Gary Kinion of Farmington with a 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle.
“Work in Progress, Best Import” - Derek Nichols of Springdale with a 1967 VW bus.
The Cardinal Car Classic usually draws more than 100 vehicles each year. Michelle Beeks with the Farmington School District said she did not know why participation was lower this year. Sometimes, other car shows affect turnout, she noted.
One newcomer this year was Tom Gantt of Washburn, Mo., and he brought his 1946 Ford pick-up wrecker. Gantt said he's worked on the vehicle for more than two years and began showing it for the first time this year. Five trophies from five car shows were on the ground in front of the old wrecker.
“We've had lots of fun with it,” Gantt said.
The Ford pickup wrecker is set on 1978 Dodge chassis and has a 318
engine. The front bumper is from a 1967 Volkswagen bus. Parts from old coffee cans are used to cover rust areas and an antique yellow emergency light is atop of the truck.
“We have Chevy parts and Ford parts and lots of pieces to make it work,” Gantt said.