BELLEFONTE — It’s Bellefonte Cruise time again, and like every year, I can’t wait to head to the Cruise and marvel at amazing cars, trucks and motorcycles.
I’ve seen many of them already, of course, but every year there are a few new-to-me cars that are so impossibly beautiful and well kept that I’m left to wonder, ‘How can a 70-year old car be that cool and still be in perfect condition?’”
I grew up in the ’50s and ’60s when the classic cars featured at the Cruise were just cars driving around on the streets. Cars that were owned by my family members and friends. In those days, there were ’57 Chevys zipping all over the place.
So every year, I have my Cruise List: A list of cars that I fondly remember from back then and that I want to see again, looking like they’ve just been washed and waxed.
In no particular order (except maybe for the first one), here is my list of cars that would be like a dream for me to see at this year’s 35th annual Historic Bellefonte Cruise:
1959 Studebaker Silver Hawk
This was the first car that my father bought for me and my mom, not long after I got my license. It was red, black interior, Ford 8-cylinder engine, automatic with two doors. It ran great and had enough room for four (or five) of us to drive around to dances, after game hangs and practices or wherever we wanted to go. Everyone called it the “Rat Mobile” because “rat” rhymes with “Pat” and, well, you get it.
Alas, when I went into the Army, my dad traded it in for a, get this, 1964 white Rambler station wagon. With a push-button gear shift and bad dieseling. Oh, well.
If I saw a Silver Hawk in Bellefonte, I’d make an offer for it right there.
1964 Pontiac GTO
My sister started working right after high school and had enough money to buy a GTO. Red, with a white interior and cool wheels. I don’t know where she got it, but it was one of the nicest cars in town, and she loved driving it around at about 10 mph to let everyone see it.
It’s considered a big-time classic today, and unfortunately, I don’t think I’d have enough money to make an offer if I saw one of these classic cars at the Cruise.
1970 Dodge Challenger RT
Not to be outdone, my brother bought one of these, but I do not remember exactly what year. It was that metallic light-brown color with the dark roof and racing stripes all over.
It was very fast and very loud, and I’m sure in the eyesight of a lot of the Whitehall cops. I saw some of these before, and I’m hoping for another one again this year.
1964 Corvette Stingray
My friend Joe went to work for Bethlehem Steel, making good money, and bought one of these (either a ’64 or ’65) shortly thereafter.
It was dark red, brownish leather interior, stick shift, and I don’t think he ever drove it over 40 mph. He took meticulous care of it, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he still had it today.
Maybe he’ll bring it to Bellefonte — I sure hope so.
1959 Cadillac
Yup, the one with the fins — yellow.
My dad one night brought this car home from one of his friend’s dealerships, and my mom was not happy. She made him take it back first thing the next morning.
But I loved it, and I was crushed he had to take it back. I probably would have gotten to drive it.
So whenever I see one, hopefully this year at the Cruise, I think, “What if?”
1957 Chevy Bel Air
Of course. What list would be complete without a ’57 Bel Air? They were all over the place at the time, so it’s no wonder everyone loves to see these. I still look forward to seeing them.
My list could go on further, but those are the ones at the top.
I should also mention that there is an “anti-list.” That is, terrible cars that I would still like to see — maybe. Cars like: That Rambler; My other sister’s Vega — eww!; an Edsel, that is inevitably always at car shows; and finally, my dad’s 1951 Ford Panel Truck with a double-clutch transmission.
That’s my list. If you see any of these at the Cruise before I get there, let them know I’ll be visiting soon.
