Classics grouped at West Ashley eatery for “launch” of outdoor car show season

An olive-colored 1946 Plymouth graced the epicenter of the monthly car show aside Bessinger’s Bar-B-Q, held on a bitterly cold night March 3.

Johns Island car buffs Judi Meyer and husband Tony Meyer own the classic. As with many enthusiasts, the reason they acquired that particular model goes back to their formative years.

“In 1948, my Dad bought a two-seater. I drove it all the way through high school,” Judi Meyer said. “Daddy paid not quite $2,000 for it in 1948. My Mom has the original bill of sale,” she said.

“It took me 40 years to get one back,” she quipped.

The impeccably cared-for model was one of 75 cars, trucks and motorcycles that lined the field and covered the parking lot beside the Savannah Highway restaurant. The monthly Open Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show is something of a tradition, taking place every first Wednesday from March through November. Held before the time change, the March show is considered the unofficial kickoff to the outdoor car show season locally.

Long-time organizer Tom Jameson said he was pleased with the turnout on an evening when temperatures dipped into the 30s.

“People are really ready to get out,” he said.

Drivers and passengers bundled up in wool coats and leather jackets to showcase a plethora of vehicles, from Hugh Hiott’s bluish-green 1922 Ford Model T to Barry Taylor’s pitch black 2006 Ford GT. Oldmobiles, Camaros, Chevelles, Thunderbirds, BMWs, Corvettes and Mustangs were among the models that filled in the gaps.

Local car aficionado Lenny Branch brought two “beach buggies,” a 1953 Ford and a ’65 Fairlane Squire station wagon.

Wilson Felder, who owns an unusual 1926 Essex, drove up in a rather rare four-door 1932 Ford street rod. He said, “It’s something different” - most ’32 Fords these days are two-doors.

A row over, Harold Moormann parked his cherry red 1939 Chevrolet street rod. Although Moormann has maintained the car, he can’t claim the paint work. “I bought it like that.”

Regulars and newcomers alike came out to support the show, champion future events and just display their pet machines.

Take the Meyer couple.

Two or so years ago, Tony and Judi purchased the ’46 Plymouth sedan, which has a similar body style to the ’48. The model, known for a rounded body, has been fixed up and driven periodically since then. One of the last restoration steps was a paint job completed the week before the Bessinger’s show.

The vehicle’s 3-speed manual transmission is on the steering column; include reverse and the gear-shifting motion forms the shape of “the lovely H,” Judi Meyer said. But there’s no complaints with the 64-year-old edition.

“It drives like a honey,” she said.

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