By Kerry Rahm
krahm@wbcowqel.com
It was a gorgeous day to behold a variety of classic cars at Saturday’s 25th annual Graffiti Cruise in downtown Bucyrus. The show, organized by the Crawford County Customs and Classics Car Club, is one of the city’s prominent events, drawing in locals and out-of-towners alike.
Car owners and enthusiasts gather in droves for this one day, all day event, which features cars from 1991 or older.
Washington Square and the central Sandusky Avenue area were already packed with cars by the start of registration at noon, and a lengthy line at city hall showed just how many participants were in a hurry to register for the event.
Owners hovered near their cars, some lovingly waxing them down, most eager to talk about their cars and the stories behind them.
Larry Wingert of Willard acquired his 1978 Corvette last winter from California. The car’s body and the glossy dark cherry paint were done in Honolulu, Hawaii. Wingert upgraded its already sleek lines by adding lower air dams and a spoiler on the rear. The engine and transmission were upgraded as well.
He’s “been at it for 40 years,” and this particular car he has “taken it to a couple of smaller shows.” He is looking to sell the Corvette at $16,500 or for the best offer he gets.
As for what brings him to the Cruise, he says, “I’ve come down here for several years before, and there’s some friends of mine that are here, so, I wanted to come down and spend the day.”
He appreciates the welcoming environment here in Bucyrus.
“I think mostly that the law enforcement is very tolerant on things that go on, and it’s not a big deal, they don’t make a big issue out of a little burnout here and there, and it just makes for a really fun day.”
A crisp yellow 1970 Roadrunner (complete with Roadrunner logo on the front left fender) was brought in by Jim Benner of Republic.
Benner “bought it out of a barn,” and the once brown vehicle was painted yellow chrome because his college age son loved that color. Benner has taken it to Upper Sandusky and some “small church shows” this year.
He has taken to the event every year since it started- “It’s the closest… it’s nice and it’s well done.”
Eliminators member and owner of the Crazy Fox Saloon, Larry Williams was found across from his establishment, right there by Mansfield Street, helping to man the perimeters of the event.
He’s been involved with it for 20 years, “helping out the 4C’s,” and came with his sky blue 1955 Chevy Bel Air that he has owned for five years, and one he calls “a very dependable car… you could drive it [from here] to California.”
Nearby was a fiery red 1934 Ford two door, three window coupe which Williams previously owned and sold to a friend.
He has nothing but praise for the event, and says of his own Eliminators Car Club and their charity work, that he’s “Very, very proud to be a member.”
Another local, Carol Rindfuss, had her 1955 Sunbeam Alpine convertible out in the sun. Red with a cream interior, the car is a rarity. “There’s not many left in the U.S.,” she says.
Carol, along with her husband, John, have owned it since 1966, and proudly states, “We dated in it. We did laps in it.”
The Alpine has had a little refinishing done since the last year’s Graffiti Cruise (where it won the “Best of Show” award), and it took almost one year to do it, with the help of Dave Witmer in Washington Court House. With the advent of the internet, as well as Witmer’s British connections, he was able to attain all the parts that needed restoration.
The couple will take the car out to other shows this year, but next year “We’ll just drive it.”
A 1957 Pontiac Chieftan, painted in Flamenco Red Mica and modified with modern running gear, was brought in by Tiffin native Steve Lepard.
He has had three other classic cars in the past, but is down to the Chieftan at this point.
Coming to the show for 20 years, Bucyrus has always left a lasting impression on him. “Great show, lots of cars, lots of good people around here.” He spoke about how, in years previous, he would park in front of a house and the residents would bring him lemonade or a sandwich.
Lepard had nothing but good things to say about the event.
“Everybody loves it here.”
A mysterious character who identified himself only as “Bruce Wayne,” said he left his “Batcave” (Memory Lane) and “Gotham” (Galion) behind to show off his 1966 Batmobile at the Cruise.
It gets a lot of attention, with its familiar, striking shape, bat logos, and gadgets. This particular car took one year to build from the ground up.
“Wayne” says this is his seventh Batmobile to build and sell.
“It’s the most recognized car in the world, it brings back a lot of memories, and it brings a smile on everybody’s face that sees it… ‘cause they grew up with that car, you know what I mean?”
Just as last year, this year’s Graffiti Cruise will give money toward a good cause. Part of the $20 registration fee will be donated to a charity in honor of long time 4C member Chuck Billings, who recently passed away.
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