Like many Northeast state residents, we look forward to the arrival of spring being heralded by the Rhinebeck car show weekend, which traditionally falls on the first weekend of May. This two-day event, held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck, New York, - roughly 2.5 hours north of New York City, on the Hudson River - is often the first large show that many regional vehicles are dusted off and driven to.
This event is hosted by the Hudson River Valley Antique Auto Association, a group made up of six local car clubs: the Red Hook Car Club, the Mid-Hudson Regional Group of the A.A.C.A., the Hudson Valley Regional Group of the Early Ford V8 Club, the Hudson Valley Region of the Model A Restorers Club, the Woodstock Motor Club and the Orange County Classic Car Club.
The Hot Rods, Customs and Race Car event was held on Saturday, May 2, and counter to the forecast, showgoers enjoyed surprisingly pleasant weather; 11,000 people came in to enjoy 600 hot rods and customs. Sunday’s Unmodified Antiques and Classic Cars to 1984 event wasn’t so lucky, weather-wise, as gloomy skies and sprinkles dampened cars and showgoers alike. Still, about 7,500 people came through the gates to view 700 antique and classic cars and trucks. The large swap meet and car corral areas were busy both days.
Sunday’s clouds notwithstanding, there was still plenty of fine sheetmetal, wood and fiberglass to enjoy, regardless if you’re an American or imported vehicle fan.
A special display of stunning wood-bodied vehicles ranging from a Ford Model A to large GM station wagons drew a crowd. The Model A, seen here and below and belonging to Richard Eistertz, won Best of Show.
Flying the AMC flag was Kirk and Mary Benham’s pristine 1965 Rambler Classic Cross Country station wagon.
Goshen, New York, resident Skip Tetz’s 1928 Buick looked regal in black with green and cream trim.
John Snykus of Kripplebush, New York, brought his 1917 Luverne fire truck, a hit with kids of all ages.
This handsome second-generation 1967 Plymouth Barracuda fastback was shown by William Riach of Wallkill, New York.
This stunning triple-green 1971 Oldsmobile 4-4-2 convertible belonging to Tom Miller of Red Hook, New York, showed how subtle and classic GM’s later muscle cars could be. This car won the “Contemporary Classic” award, indicating that it was best in show for later model vehicles.
We were tickled to come across Saugerties, New York, resident Ronald Strasser’s Driveable Dream-worthy 1963 Studebaker Avanti R1 automatic (and the beautifully restored supercharged four-speed ‘63 Avanti R2 of Jack and Kathy Rodhouse of Becket, Massachusetts, by its side), as we’re currently putting together an Avanti Buyer’s Guide for the August issue of Hemmings Classic Car magazine.
Rhinebeck always has a good turnout of classic Mercedes-Benz SLs, and this eye-catching 1964 230 belonging to Jerry Robinson was one of the finest.
A pair of classically styled Morgan roadsters flew the banner for the English marque’s 100th anniversary, which is being celebrated throughout 2009.
Tell us the last time you saw a 1947 Rover 16 saloon like this handsome example belonging to Milan, New York’s Stephen Beer?
And the nearby Rhinebeck Aerodrome brought a couple of their antique show vehicles - an Army livery Ford Model T and a 1920 Buick roadster- for display.
Keep an eye on the calendar for 2010, as this two-day show will take place on May 1 and 2.
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