Inaugural FDMT Car Show Rolls into Town

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The Fire Department of Montgomery Township’s inaugural car show fundraiser Saturday at the overflow parking of had current, classic and antique car lovers more amped than a souped-up small-block Chevy hot rod.

Throw out a classic ride and, most likely, it or one of its class, was there: 1972 Dodge Swinger Dart, 1969 Mercury Cyclone, 1973 Chevy Camaro Z28, 1940 Ford Tudor Deluxe, 1937 Ford Slantback, 1980 MGB, 1990 Mazda RX-7, 1923 Ford T-Bucket.

Dennis Tosten, of Chalfont, had his multi-award-winning 1980 Fiat Spyder on display.

“It’s a rare automatic,” he said. “It’s in original condition, original paint, original seats, in mint condition. It’s pretty tough keeping it that way.”

Tosten has had his Fiat for about a decade. He wanted to get a roadster, but ended up buying the Fiat when it came up for sale.

“I had a couple Porsches in my youth, a couple 914s. I used to race,” he said. “I got the one Fiat and restored that one. I hooked that up for racing and had a blast. This came up for sale and it was right spot at the right time.”

Most of his awards are for originality, he said. Tosten liked how the show was a Peoples’ Choice award show.

H.S. Manning, of Lansdale, brought his 1996 BMW 850ci out of the garage for theshow.

“They only made 1,200 of them. Eight-hundred stayed in Germany. This also has a V-12 engine,” he said.

Manning said the show was a good reason to get it out.

“It’s something a bit different,” he said. “I haven’t driven it in a while.”

Montgomery Township Police Chief Richard Brady had his award-winning, twice-restored 1960 Chevy Corvette at the show.

“I’ve always had a Corvette or two,” he said. “It’s just another toy.”

Most of the trophies won are for its class, he said.

Brady bought the Corvette about 30 years ago; the styling and handling of the roadster is what attracted him to the car.

“It’s not a bad turnout for the first year,” he said. “It will increase in participation as time goes on.”

Bob Tower has owned his 1956 Chevy Corvette for about 31 years.

Before it was the original look it is today, it started out in boxes.

“It came in boxes. I had about 25 boxes in this car,” he said. “It was stored up in a barn near Wilkes-Barre. A friend’s friend owned it. He got us together, made a deal and 31 years later it looks like this.”

The red seats, steering wheel and dashboard was the way the cars came in 1956.

“It was one of the most popular colors for that year,” Tower said.

In the 31 years, he has put 4,000 miles on the car. Tower called it a “garage queen.”

“Once you own a Corvette, you’ll always own a Corvette,” he continued. “They are just wonderful cars. They are fun to drive and everybody likes to see Corvettes.”

Tower was amazed by the car show. He hoped the weather would have been nicer.

“I think if they continue to do it, it will be great every year,” he said.

The car show was the brainchild of Montgomery Township firefighters Tim Murray and Paul Smith.

“Our fire company is one of the newest in the country – we’re only 10 years old this year – so we wanted to start some traditions that we could build upon for the next 10 years,” Murray said. “My goal is to have the lot filled from corner to corner some day.”

Proceeds came from registration fees for the show: $15 for car, $10 for table and $30 for vendors. All proceeds go to FDMT.

“We have about $2,000 of door prizes donated,” Murray said. “There are local ones, but a lot of national companies too. It’s us trying to branch out farther and see how far we can go.”

One title sponsor was in Montgomeryville. Its franchise owner, Ken Dixon, had is Ferrari on display at the show.

Smith said the show is a starting point for the fire department.

“You get your name out there, and people start recognizing who you are in the show,” Smith said. “You build on it as it goes year to year.”

Judging was done by all the drivers and attendees. Smith said there were trophies for Best in Show, Most Likely to Get Pulled Over, Chief’s Choice and Ladies’ Choice, as well as trophies for various classes. All in all, 35 trophies were awarded Saturday.

“Everybody had a great time,” Murray said. “And the food is very good. That’s the best part of it.”

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