Voss was right as the cars started arriving at 4 p.m. By 5, there was a steady line along Loop Road in Centerville, leading to the giant used car parking lot that was cleared for the event.
Ed Crowder was an early bird with his 1960 Cadillac 62 series.
“I’ve been to every one of these, and frankly, it’s one the best cruise-ins I’ve ever seen, and I’ve been to shows all over. Everything they do is to make sure you have a great experience: clean parking lot, lots of volunteers, plenty of food choices. It’s just so well organized,” Crowder said. “While it’s a lot smaller, I’d compare it to the Good Guys show – just really professional and well done.”
Don Dobbs was taking a look at Monte Willis’ ‘57 Chevy station wagon gasser and he explained why he was there with his ’65 Oldsmobile 442.
“I came to the first one last year and I mark all the dates on my calendar as soon as they announce them,” he said. “This is first-class all the way, and such a wide variety of cars to see. I’m out every weekend at a show from Lansing to Gatlinburg, and this is really one of the best. It’s just a good time for anyone who likes cars.”
Willis was making his first appearance at the show with the station wagon gasser he has been building for two years. Powered by a Chevy 396 with two 4-barrel carbs and a 400 turbo automatic, Willis’ car may be headed toward a drag strip later this summer.
“I hope to have it on the strip at Kil-Kare for the ‘Gathering of the Geezers’ in mid-August. I’ve always wanted a gasser like this so I’m building it,” he said.
Some of the proceeds from the cruise-in go to Aim for the Handicapped, explained Voss.
“We are encouraging people to register their cars for judging, and by doing so, we raise more money for Aim, and they also get registered for door prizes. Tonight we giving away a flat screen TV, Advance Auto Parts gift buckets, Scott Schwartz Photography and a Rose/Bench autographed baseball. Plus we give a trophy to the best car, truck and People’s Choice.”
Voss also honored one of Dayton’s more famous “car guys,” Don Boeke, better known to many as “The Egyptian.” Boeke has been doing custom body work, painting and pin stripping since 1957.
“I’m really not much for this type of thing, but Voss asked, and then explained that it’s for a charity. How can you say no?” Boeke said between handshakes and comments from people on the lot. Just then John Voss cruised up on a golf cart, and Boeke and Voss spent a number of minutes reminiscing.
“I brought out a number of cars that I have painted and also owned and brought my ’34 Ford roadster too,” Boeke added.
There was a row of about 10 “Egyptian” machines, everything from a Corvette to a Mustang to a ’32 Ford. The Mustang was painted by Boeke in 1983 and graced the cover of HOT ROD magazine in 1984. It still looks just as good today, 44 years later.
Voss will hold one more cruise-in this summer on Aug. 11. For more information, go online to www.vosscruisin.com.
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