July 18, 2006 > Newark Antique And Classic Cars

by Arnie Becker

Beautiful cars, old cars, police cars, one person cars and a WWII jeep were all on display at the 1st Annual Hot Newark Summer Classic Car and Truck Show, Saturday, July 8, at the Newark Pavilion. Sponsored by the Newark Chamber of Commerce and Classic Cruisers U.S.A the event was organized by Linda Ashley, CEO of the Newark Chamber of Commerce; John Sargent of Classic Cruisers and Dick Modezeleski of Rainbow Funding & Real Estate. It was obvious that a lot of loving care, money, and time had been spent restoring or maintaining the cars on display. For the most part, you could look but not touch; but even that was amazing.

One hundred and fifteen cars were exhibited during the course of the five hour show. The winner of the show was a 1933 Packard owned by Ralph Malaniri from Castro Valley. Ralph shared with Dick Modezeleski that this is the very same car that he was brought home from the hospital in when he was born. That could certainly qualify as conservation and stretching the life of a car. Lyle Shiffer of South San Francisco exhibited a 1960 Chevrolet Impala that he brought new and it still looks that way.

The show also provided a time for people who have either known one another, or known of one another and their cars to sit down and exchange stories about their cars and their lives. Participants ranged from 17 years to over 70. The Newark Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) took the opportunity to set up a table and educate Newark residents about how they would operate in time of disaster and how residents could participate in the CERT program.

There were two single seat gasoline cars that certainly beat sticker shock at the pump, with interest from young and old alike. This writer has never seen the kind of customization of what were originally factory standard older street model cars. Chrome on the back of the engine compartment in which you could see your face reflected, chrome engine parts that gleam, wiring that had not a spec of dust on it, leather seats that you could eat off of, and even exhaust pipes that were immaculate.

John and Jerry Martin, a father and son team, exhibited a bright yellow custom Ford Model A Coupe with painted flames. Knowing the problems of painting anything without running or smearing, it was easy to imagine the number of hours that went into customizing this vehicle.

Dick Modzeleski, the driving force behind organizing the show said "I am so happy for the turnout and the community. This event was run as though it had been going on for years and everyone had such a good time. All of the vendors were great and the show was a success by all accounts."