Nearly 200 cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters and even a modified little red wagon took part in the Platte River Cruise and Car Show in North Platte on Saturday.
Nationally known artist Ryan Evans from the television show Counting Cars was part of the festivities, as was Groovy’s Garage from Sardis, Miss. and Rattenrod Pinstripe artist Sara Kirby.
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Upper photo by George Lauby: Miss Rockabilly Trixie Von Torque (Paula Sanata) of Henry, Nebraska, with a 1955 Chevy Belair in its original patina.
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The motto of the show was “If you’re proud of it, bring it” and all kinds of vehicles were on display, some fresh out of storage, some high-end, customized and restored vehicles.
The show was held in the vacant building complex at the corner of Second and Bailey, a new location this year that seemed to be a good fit.
Dozens of awards were given out. Many exhibitors, like Tony and Katie Lindsey and son Gary Koch of North Platte, didn’t win any awards but still had a lot of fun.
This was Katie’s first time taking part in the Miss Rockabilly Pin-Up Girl contest. And it won’t be the last, she said.
Tony showed off his 1959 Plymouth Special Deluxe, a car that has been in the family since 1959. Tony said he took it out of storage a few years ago and got it up to scratch. He fixed the brakes and the electrics, teaching himself in the process. He recently took the car on a road trip and enjoyed it. The car did 60 mph and got 20 miles per gallon of gas. It starts right up, he said, thanks to a six-volt system.
“It was so simple back then,” he said. “Why didn’t they stick with it? You can fix almost anything with a 7/16-inch wrench, a half-inch wrench and a screwdriver.”
They call the car “The Picnic Basket,” Katie said, partly because the cream color reminds her of something like that.
Tony said he recently took it on a night drive and was impressed by the dashboard lighting, including a helpful little lamp above the key slot.
Gary Koch brought a 1954 Ford Mainline to the show that runs well and is still a work in progress. He recently replaced the springs and shocks.
The three belong to the Roadman Car Club based in Holyoke, Colorado.
For more information about the big car show, see Newsletter Print edition of July 10.
AWARD WINNERS:
The best of the show (selected by Ryan Evans) – Shawn Peterson’s 1969 Ford Mustang Shelby.
Division Awards
Bikes, 1st – 2024 Hyper GoGo Pioneer 12 owned by James Cissell.
Floor, 1. – Poppy Garcia’s 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo.
Floor, 2nd – Torino Cobra by L. Moore, built in 1969.
Pre-1970 production – Pat Wiezorek and his 1963 Dodge 426 Max Wedge.
4×4 lift, winner: Tony Anway with a 1982 Jeep CJ7.
Preferably RatRod (selected by RatRod Magazine) — Harry & Deborah GArdner with her 1946 Chevy tilt-bed pickup.
Tuner, 1. – Logan Schmadeke with his 2020 Toyota GR Supra.
Custom, 1. – Leland Spanjer’s 1950 Ford 2-door.
Custom, 2. – Susie McKenney and her 1970 BMW 2002.
Custom, pre-1970 – Dominic Shakin and his 1965 Chrysler Newport.
“If you are proud of it, “Bring It!” Awards
Brian Mixer and his 1996 Saturn SC2.
Larissa Walter and her 1988 Dodge Diplomat.
Zyler Cissell and his HyperGarage Cruiser 12.
Special Awards
Best BAss/Stereo – Andrew Melchert
Loudest Exhaust – Brandon Wilson
Low Car Limbo – Jedidiah Burkholder.
Cruisin the One’s Prestige Award – Roger Freeze, 1989 Z28 Chevy Camaro
Built Not Bought Awards
Mike & Carol Ripple – 1958 Impala
James Tomilson – Harley Davidson FX Chopper
Jason “Gordo” Sermeno – 1966 Chevy Impala Lowrider
Gary Brogdon – 2004 Dodge Dakota
Donnee Weverka – 1927 Model T
Dirt Drags Winners:
2 wheel drive – Lance Witt with 1977 Datsun 280Z.
Four-wheel drive – Stevie McCuiston and his 2019 Chevy Silverado.
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