Classic Cars Presented at Senior Community

Owners of some of the finest vintage vehicles in the region arrived Saturday to display their prize carriages at the third annual car show at the Lodge at Cold Spring.

Joe Maruffi of Rocky Hill boasted about the level of custom-design on his 1972 Chevelle SS 454. 

“The interior’s all custom. The engine’s custom. Almost everything’s custom.”

Deep River‘s Tim Kiaffas exhibited his automobile, a 1934 Ford Coupe, hood-open to showcase its engine.

“It’s 355 cubic inches with aluminum heads on it. Probably 325 horsepower.”

Steve Milbrandt of Meriden, proud possessor of a 1970 Chevelle, admitted he participated more to witness other classic autos and swap notes with fellow aficianados than to show off his own ride.

“Mainly I just came to see cars and talk cars.”

Lodge resident Naomi Feeney echoed Milbrandt’s desire to survey the collection of vintage cars, though she was disappointed not to see her favorite. 

“I’m looking for a Model A Ford, but all they have is Chevys.”

Chevys definitely were the most represented vehicle make at the exhibition and they would bring home two of the top three prizes. Bruce LeFebvre received the Manager’s Award for his white 1959 Corvette. Joe Femia was given the Resident‘s Award for his blue 1955 Porche 356 Speedster. And Karl Schweiger drove off with the People’s Choice Award in his red 1963 Impala.

The exhibition, which is sponsored by the Saturday Nite Cruisers Car Club, raised over $2,000 for Seniors Have Dreams, a Make-A-Wish styled charity for the elderly.