The 1957 Chevy

A SLICE OF AMERICANA—

They had a Cruise In on the village green Friday evening. Proud and aging cars were everywhere; around the Gazebo and on the lawn in front of the village hall. And up and down Main St. And on Howard Smith Blvd., and along the bank parking lot.

Old cars reigned supreme. It was their evening to take a bow.

And, right there in front of the bandstand for the whole town to make a fuss over was a spit-shined, 1957 Chevy, Bell-Aire, 2 door sedan. My oh my.

Its transmission did not have overdrive—but my nostalgia glands did. I used to own one like that.

My reflection peered back at me from its mirror-smooth bumper and I peeked inside being careful not to touch anything. I could almost smell the burger and fries from Porky’s out there on Ashland Rd. That’s where we hung out after high school back when this car ruled our hearts. The first time.

Then, over there by the hedge was a 1952 Chevy; another one like I used to own, and wish I still did. I remember the rumble of its pipes as it rolled down Ashland Hill past the high school classroom where my future bride studied that period—way back then. The split, exhaust manifold made it sound terrific.

Around the corner near Church St. was a 1954 Olds, Delta 88. Remember them? I had one of them too. They had more chrome than many of today’s cars have steel.

Then down by the hardware store, acting kind of ashamed was a 1962 Ford Fairlane. It is awaiting the restorer’s magic. But, it gave my heart a good tug. That was the first new car we ever owned.

While the Fairlane and I were sharing that moment, a 60ish GTO eased gently toward its assigned parking space; one of the last of an estimated 300 entrants. I could hear the rolling beat of the camshaft and there was thunder just waiting to rattle its pipes, but, it behaved itself.

My neighbor John Mays had his pristine,1990 Cadillac sedan there. I once had an apartment smaller than that car.

I talked to the fellow who owned the DeLorean. They were made in Ireland for only two years, 1981 and ’82. I almost tripped over that spiffy little thing. Their body was made entirely of stainless steel. If the gull-wing doors were open you could fall into the driver’s seat. Today’s value, “...about $40,000.” he told me.

Well liked local educator Jerry Marshall and several of his buddies put this event together. There was one last month and a couple more are planned this summer. Dave Kapes, who owned the 57 Chevy I lusted over, is a friend of Jerry’s.

Dave is from Apple Valley and he appeared pleased I did not slobber on his car when we first talked.

I had to chew on cotton balls to avoid embarrassing myself.

Thanks guys for a marvelous show. And thanks Bellville with your Gazebo and village green—for being the perfect venue for this large dose of nostalgia.