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Primping Their Rides

An antique GTO is part of Steve Schaffer’s collection of vintage automobiles.

Maybe it brings to mind the glory days of youth, but whatever the reason, Fairfield County residents seem to love collecting and restoring old cars.

Steve Schaeffer, owner of Lancaster Auto Recycling, calls the town a hotbed of vintage car club activities.

“People tend to restore the cars of their youth,” Schaeffer says. “The older generation restored Model Ts. Our generation is very big in restoring the cars of the ’60s and ’70s. Maybe they couldn’t afford that GTO or Chevelle then, but they can afford it now.”

Along with operating a business specializing in salvaged car parts, Schaeffer serves as treasurer of River Valley Rods and Customs, one of several vintage car clubs in the area. Other clubs include Lancaster Old Car Club and Corvettes of Lancaster.

The clubs’ popularity brings plenty of opportunities to shine up and show off those rides at area car shows, or “cruise-ins,” as they are known.

River Valley alone will put on 11 events in 2007, raising funds for such worthy causes as treatment of mental health, scholarships, construction of wheelchair ramps, fireworks displays and nursing home residents. All the area clubs come together for the Earth Angels Super Cruise, a benefit for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Many of the cruise-ins have 120-125 cars participating, Schaeffer says.

Not all of the attraction for old cars stems from a youthful obsession. Some restorers simply have a need for speed – and possibly an eye on their investment portfolios.

“They are what you make them,” Schaeffer says of the vintage autos. “The GTO and Chevelle have the power to pin you in the seat. It’s certainly different from your basic front-wheel-drive econ­omy car. These cars offer a lot of thrill for the buck. And they don’t depreciate.”

Story by Catherine Darnell
Photo by Brian McCord

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