SIX NATIONS — The humidity broke just in time for the Townline Gas and Variety’s inaugural Car and Motorcycle Show on Townline Road, Saturday afternoon and early evening. Scott Hill, who owns the gas bar and variety store at Townline and Mohawk Road, hosted his first car show, but it will not be his last.
“I am very pleased with the turnout today,” said Hill. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do for a few years and this first time is just putting everything in place to do it, and everything just kinda came together.”
There were more entrants and viewers than expected for a first time show with nearly 50 vintage cars and 18 bikes lined up with some show vehicles spilling into Townline Variety’s own parking spaces.
Last summer, customer and friend, Dave Tachauer from Simcoe and Hill were having a coffee and he suggested Townline Gas and Variety host a car show.
“It didn’t happen last year, but we tried it this summer,” says Hill. “Dave travels the circuit and was a great help in the logistics and contacts needed to host a car show, so I didn’t have to go into it blind.”
There is a kind of fraternity amongst vintage car and bike people and most of those on the circuit have come to know and make friendships amongst themselves, trading stories and leads on vintage car parts and restoration techniques.
But there is also a practical side to owning vintage cars. Investing in vintage cars is one of the safest places to put one’s money, since, like art, it will always appreciate despite the market, and one can actually insure the vehicle for more than it’s worth.
However, most owners do it for the joy of sharing a mutual passion with other like minded restorers and collectors.
“It’s a passion,” says Tachauer. “These are respectable people and they love to show up. It’s a perfect venue and a perfect day.”
Hill made a point of not charging any kind of entry fee for Saturday’s show.
“These guys put a lot of blood, sweat and money into these cars and I just don’t think it makes any sense that they have to pay to show them,” he says.
Town Line Gas and Variety put up the prize money for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd for cars and for motorcycles.
The show was open to all cars and motorcycles and it’s the people who attend who voted.
“We’re just giving back to the community with this event and to our customers,” says Hill. “This just makes my day and I am excited to see these cars.”
