American Children’s Home 20th Annual Show-Off Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show
The front of the American Children’s Home in Lexington, North Carolina.
What could be better than a gathering of cars, trucks and motorcycles? Not much, unless that function benefits a nonprofit, as it did at a recent event held in Lexington, North Carolina.
Indeed, the campus of the American Children’s Home was both the host and beneficiary of an event that supports approximately 70 youngsters, all of whom need a substitute family. Some of the boys and girls live on campus. Others are in family foster care. All the children are given the help they need now as well as preparation for adult living.
As you might imagine, the mission is critical. And it is an ongoing one, established in 1928 by the Junior Order United American Mechanics North Carolina State Council. Today, the home works closely with county Departments of Social Services, accepting referrals in keeping with its mission.
There is nothing like an antique roadster to put an exclamation point on a summer auto show.
20th Annual Show-Off
For the 20th consecutive year, the home hosted an annual show-offer of cars, trucks and motorcycles. Rained out in May, the show was rescheduled for July 14. Despite blazing skies and summer traffic, hundreds of entrants and volunteers came out.
Most of the entrants were classic cars and trucks from the 1950s, 60s and 70s, but there were late-model cars and trucks on hand as well. There were also more than a dozen motorcycles and a handful of antique cars.
A contingent of motorcycles represented their class.
Ample Time to Show Off
Held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in front of the home, the show accepted entrants throughout the morning. Judges began tallying early on with more than 75 awards offered.
This gentleman pulled down one of the top awards. Can you guess his ride?Vendors, food tents, raffles, a kids zone and a silent auction, were also part of the show. Home staff and volunteers ensured a smooth show, with public announcements offered as needed.
By 1:45 p.m., the awards portion began. The first group recognized were the “Top 40” finishers followed by several “best of” categories. The awards ended with both the Best of Show and ACH Choice Award winners recognized.
As for the models on hand, we took more than 300 photos, then narrowed that to about 100 as featured here. More than half are captioned, while the last group has been presented without comment. If you notice an error, we’d appreciate you leaving a comment. Most of the make, model and year information was taken from the entry placard located on the dashboard.
Early 1970s classics in a line.As usual, the Ford Mustang well represented at this year’s show.1969 AMC Javelin.AMC faithful were active participants in this year’s show.
Chevrolet Models
A line of classic Chevrolets.Chevrolet Bel Aire.1957 Chevrolet Bel Air.1955 Chevrolet C3100 truck.1968 Chevrolet Camaro SS.Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.Customized rides, including this early Chevrolet Camaro, were well represented.1971 Chevrolet Camaro Z28.Poison Ivy with her equally green Chevrolet Camaro.1965 Chevrolet Chevelle.1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible.A circa 1960 Chevrolet Corvette converible.We haven’t seen a new Chevrolet El Camino since 1987. Nor are we likely to again.1964 Chevrolet Impala coupe.1964 Chevrolet Impala station wagon.This Chevrolet Impala may eventually be restored.Asking for a friend: what year is this Chevrolet Impala coupe? 1966 or 1967?Early 1970s Chevrolet Nova.1950 Chevrolet Styline Special.Classic Chevrolets.
But, wait…there’s more!
2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser convertible.1938 Chrysler Royal.A specially modified late-model Dodge Challenger.A specially modified Dodge Charger.1966 Dodge Coronet two-door sedan.1972 Dodge Demon.1965 Ford Cobra replica.1951 Ford F1 pickup truck.A sixth-generation Ford F Series pickup truck.1965 Ford Mustang.A retro Ford Thunderbird.Ford V8 Droptop Coupe.A Ford Mustang with dihedral doors.1956 International S 160 truck.2005 Lotus Elise.1968 Pontiac Firebird convertible.A late-model Pontiac Firebird.1970 Plymouth ‘Cuda convertible.1972 Plymouth Duster.A late-model Ram 1500 crew cab.One of the more unusual non-production models on display.Early 1950s pickup truck.This 1956 Oldsmobile 88 Holiday garnered one of the top awards.Hurst/Olds: 1966 Oldsmobile 442.Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight convertible.1964 Pontiac GTO.Pontiac GTO.A few British models were on hand, including this MG.Two bugs in a row.A modified Volkswagen Beetle.Vendors lined the green in front of the home.Three raffles were held, including a 50/50 raffle.Games, including corn hole, keep youngster busy.The Lexington Fire Department on hand with its classic firefighter truck.Awards time with dozens of winners announced.
Matt has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources including NAPA, CarsDirect, CapitalOne, and Driven Autos.
