Nostalgia drives vintage vehicle fans

MIDDLEBORO -- Jim Peters can recognize the difference between a 1956 Chevrolet and its 1957 counterpart from a block away.

“Every year had a distinct style,’’ he noted.

And he had a chance to make that distinction at the third annual auto show at Pierce Playground Saturday, Oct. 31.

“Cars today have no style,’’ he said. “They’re all jelly.’’

The calendar rolled back a few decades at the event, when drivers could showcase their vehicles and visit with fellow vintage car enthusiasts.

 As classic 1950s and 60s tuned played over the loudspeaker, Peters explained the affection for days gone by.

“This group here is interested in nostalgia, what was going on in the fifties and sixties,’’ he said.

 Some vehicles dated well before that. Peters eagerly stepped behind the wheel of his 1933 Ford three-window coupe. The car literally has miles on it” He drove it from his home state of Indiana to his current home in Grafton.

David Clement of Pembroke said he has been “a gearhead my whole life.’’

His orange 1933 Ford hot rod allowed him to fulfil a dream: He built the vehicle himself.

“I always wanted to build a car,’’ he said.

And this vehicle is not just for show, he stressed.

“I’m of the mindset of, Why have it if you’re not going to drive it?’’

 One thing he does do, he said, is park it carefully.

With a paint job costing $20,000, he keeps his distance from other vehicles.

Peter Smith of Dighton regularly takes his 1955 Chevrolet to cruise nights and shows such as the Middleboro event.

“I grew up with these cars,’’ he said. “It brings back memories.’’