Spotty weather didn't slow crowds much at Carolina Car Classic last weekend

If executives of Detroit's Big 3 were looking for strong sentiment for American cars, they surely would have found it at the second Carolina Open Car Classic & Hot Rod Run.

Domestics dominated the show, held Dec. 5-7 at Boone Hall Plantation in Mount Pleasant. More than 500 vehicles took part. Oh, there was a smattering of imports such as Jack Lambert's yellow 1968 Austin Healey Sprite. But even he was more taken by a 1974 GMC pickup truck, modified to churn out 1,200 horsepower and shod with 26 inch wheels.

The three-day event struggled with inclement weather but managed a solid showing after a rousing start in 2007.

"I think the turnout has been very good," said Ken French, of Saturn of Charleston, who was the master of ceremonies for the classic.

Gregg Holloway of Cripple Dog Hot Rods is the creative force behind the show, launching the spectacle last year to show that the Charleston area can support a large car festival with music and family entertainment. Festivities this year included a shag competition, jump castle for kids, Talledega Speedway remote control race cars and the Southern Belle beauty contest with young women dressed in antebellum costumes and posing for photos with spectators.

Holloway plans to continue with the Charleston area show each December while launching a second event in Jacksonville, Fla., on Memorial Day weekend, French said.

Row after row of sports cars, classics, street rods, pickups and motorcycles lined an open field at Boone Hall, and a limited number of vehicles stretched alongside the noted Avenue of Oaks.

Bob Bruce of Ladson displayed his 1946 Chevy Suburban truck, reconditioned with teal and cream interior and orange highlights including the seat belts. He opened the cargo bay, removing an extra seat from the original that had seating for seven. He installed additional gauges on the dashboard, and a metal Locar-brand street rod shift. All told, he's invested "something in the vicinity of $40,000.

"It's a pretty good show," he said. "I wish they had more cars."

Don Reavis of James Island had one of the brightest models on display, a hot orange 1934 Plymouth street rod. "It rides like a new car. I've got independent suspension," he said. "It's got a Mustang front end, Chevy rear end, seats from GMC." His favorite addition? "I put air conditioning in it."

David Decker of Mount Pleasant revved his 1974 GMC truck, which originally was a basic pickup, bringing oohs and aahs from the other car owners and show attendees.

He gradually rebuilt the truck, fitting in the extra-large wheels without hiking the frame. "It took me 12 years," said Decker, who sought body work from Southern California specialist Don Emery. It paid off: the truck recently appeared on the Power Block program on Spike TV.

One of the longest treks to the open car show was by Alpina, Mich., resident Charlie Campbell, who owns a house in Carolina Beach, N.C. He traveled down the coast in a 1957 Ford Fairlane 500, noted for its fins and spare tire in back. "I like the body style," he said.

While the weather was overcast and crowds not as large as last year, the 2008 show was generally considered worthwhile by organizers and patrons alike.

"The Charleston show has a lot of class, a lot of character," said former NASCAR driver and part-time Charleston resident Paul "Little Bud" Moore, who brought his mint condition 1962 Chevrolet Nova.

Reach Jim Parker at 937-5542 or jparker@postandcourier.com