Shared love of cars creates different, classic stories for fans
10:18 p.m. Sunday, June 10, 2007
Topeka — Whether it's revving up the engine or wiping it down to give it that glossy shine, it's not easy for car fanatic Gary Holthaus to keep his ‘69 Mustang looking brand new.
“Money-wise, I got a bunch more than I expected to. Time wise I got about 3-and-a-half years in it; putting it together,” says Holthaus.
The gold-colored Mustang is equipped with its original paint color, motor and transmission. And Holthaus says he never thought the car he bought for his son in high school would turn out to be the hobby father and son value together.
“We enjoy it. We take it out, take it to car shows, cruises and have fun with it.”
Holthaus was one of about 100 entries at the St. Matthew's Church Custom Car Show. Car lovers of all ages got to check out some of the classic cars of the past.
“A lot of time the cars have some kind of memory attached to the past and so it's just a good way for them to keep that memory going,” says Father Jerry Volz of St. Matthews.
Dan Scott bought his classic on the internet four years ago and has spent more than $20,000 fixing up what his grandson calls "Papa's Lightning McQueen."
“Just driving it on the highway, that's the best thing about it... makes me feel like 19, 20 years old again,” says Scott.
But it wasn’t just the antiques catching eyes; one 1998 Honda Accord has won numerous trophies for its unique interior that includes 15 TV's and a video game setup. And the owner, a Fort Riley soldier, says the $10,000 investment was worth it.
“Just love the way everybody walks up to your car and get the awe effect. That's what you enjoy the most, the awe effect,” says the car’s owner, Cornelius Smith.
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