Picture Top Thrill Dragster

Riding in style

FRONT ROYAL -- Stepping onto the lot of Jack Evans Chevrolet on Saturday was like walking into a time warp.

Dozens of vehicles -- including a 1932 Ford Roadster convertible, a 1966 Corvair, a 1934 Chevrolet two-door coach, a 1965 Mustang, a grape-soda colored 1954 Ford F100 pickup, a 1972 Vega, a 1971 Blazer, a 1964 Falcon and three 1957 Bel Airs -- were on display during the dealership's annual car show.

"It just seems like it's bigger every year," dealer John Evans said. "It's a nice mix of cars. We've got the original cars. We've got the hot rods. We've got the antiques."

He said about 60 cars were at the show, which has been around about a dozen years.

The rock band Eye Soar performed with special guest Danny Walton on keyboard. Warren County girls softball players were selling concessions.

"We're car nuts here," Evans continued. "We love cars. I've always been into hot rods and classic cars. It's just a good fit for me, and you know, we're coming up on the 100th anniversary of Chevrolet. These shows are what makes it. The heritage. The history. It's what it's all about."

Evans was the owner of one of two Bel Airs painted tropical turquoise. Climbing out of the driver's seat of a red Bel Air was Rick Thorpe, of Front Royal.

"Thought it was sweet," he said. "Wish it was mine. It was nice of the guy to let me do that. He offered, and I took him up on it."

Even though sitting in the 54-year-old car was sweet, it wasn't his favorite ride on display.

"Oh wow, give me a minute," Thorpe said as he considered his top choice, which turned out to be one of the turquoise Bel Airs. "They're all great, [but] that one would have to get my vote, just for being the cleanest. It looks like the most well-kept."

He'd never been to the show before, but plans on becoming a regular and "coming back year after year."

Sharon Duncan, too, was enjoying the show.

"We just got here," she said. "So far, I like the music and I like that car."

There was no guarantee the black and white Cadillac Eldorado Brougham would be Duncan's final favorite, though.

"I haven't had a chance to look around, so I probably like them all," she said.

Duncan's son, Tim, brought his wife, Sandy, and sons Matthew and Brady to the show along with his 1969 Camaro. They were admiring an alcohol dragster.

Cedar Point - Top Thrill Dragster Station During ERT | Flickr ...

≪a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewb94/5967933681/" title="Cedar Point - Top Thrill Dragster Station During ERT by Andrew 94, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6144/5967933681_0aefe8d681_s.

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