2008 Classic Car Show

The winning contestants (above, left to right): Dr. Ron Rufo (2nd place, 1959 Cadillac convertible), John Ashmore (5th place, 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS), winning team of Tammie Lombardi and Bob Gibson in period costume holding trophies for 1st place (1933 Ford Roadster) and 3rd place (1933 Ford 4-Door Phaeton), and Robert Fuller (4th place, 1957 Ford Retrack Table-Fairlane 500).

Oldies Still Goodies!

Mike DiFoggio said he’s been racing, wrecking and repairing fast Chevrolets since he was a teenager. He even spent 15 years on the professional drag racing circuit, but that was a long time ago. These days his hands are mostly on the steering wheel of M. DiFoggio & Sons, Inc., Crestwood, IL. But he still reserves a little time for his passion. Gordon King never raced cars professionally, but he has done plumbing work for former NASCAR great Fred Lorenzen, who lives in the Chicago area. “I’ve made several plumbing repairs on his home, and we’ve become good friends,” Gordon said. Today he brought his 1961 Dodge Lancer, a recent addition in his life.

Dennis Mandala also has a plumbing company to run these days (D.A.M. Plumbing Co., Melrose Park, IL), but he still loves to spend an occasional weekend at shows like the Antique Car Show, held Sept. 20 at the Plumbers’ Hall. On this perfect Saturday afternoon he was joined by his wife Christina, daughter Teddy and son Dennis Jr. On this day all three gentlemen had only one job to do. They were among the owners of about 30 antique car who gathered to show off their four-wheeled classics and celebrate their love of old cars. Today was just for fun. There were plumbers, non-plumbers, and members of clubs with names like “Chicago Gearheads” and “Jokesters.” All age groups were represented, from retirees all the way down to kids at least 10 years shy of getting a drivers license.

Bob Gibson, 80, went home with 1st place and 3rd place trophies for his two 1933 Fords. The veteran mechanic who made car repair and restoration his life’s work since his discharge from the Army in 1946, was old enough to actually service the old Fords when they were still on the road. Clothed in a pinstripe suit and Fedora cap and accompanied by “Flapper Dancer” Tammie Lombardi, he also recalled how passengers of the era dressed.

Chris, 10, the grandson of retired plumber John Gall, believes today’s pricey Ferrari or Lamborghini can’t hold a candle to the old cars on the show lot. “I like them a lot better,” he said. Besides his grandfather’s 1977 Chevy El Camino wagon, he said he would like to go home with the bright red 1959 Cadillac convertible. “I like the fins and the big torpedo headlights,” he said. “It was the kind of car Elvis drove.”

Unfortunately for Chris, however, Ron Rufo, the Caddy’s owner, isn’t likely to part with his pride and joy (2nd prize winner) anytime soon. The Chicago policeman and criminal justice instructor simply loves the car that he towed home 17 years ago and completely restored too much to part with. Dr. Rufo said he turned down a $225,000 offer for the Caddy and a ’59 Pontiac convertible he also owns.

This was the second show for Michael Peters’ 1966 Olds Cutlass F85, a car he went all the way to Blackwell, OK, to purchase last year. He’s entered the car in a few shows so far, but hasn’t won anything yet. “For me the real enjoyment comes from just riding. I love driving,” he said. It was the second time for Dennis Mandala and his 1968 Chevelle SS. “I know these guys in the ‘plumbing world,’ but I don’t get to see them as gearheads. It’s all about cars, and there are always good cars here,” he said.

Who Got The Checkered Flag?

Bob Gibson’s two vintage 1933 Fords took 1st and 3rd place honors at the Car Show. He was assisted during the day by Tammie Lombardi. In his 80’s, Gibson says he stays in shape by keeping his hands busy under the hoods of the 18 antique automobiles he has fully restored.

• 1st Place: Robert Gibson – 1933 Ford Roadster
• 2nd Place: Dr. Ron Rugo – 1959 Cadillac Convertible
• 3rd Place: Robert Gibson – 1933 Ford 4-Door Phaeton
• 4th Place: Robert Fuller – 1957 Ford Fairlane 500
• 5th Place: John Ashmore – 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS

Robert Fuller proudly displays the 4th place trophy he picked up for his 1957 Ford Fairlane 500.	John Ashmore holds the 5th place trophy he received for his 1969 Chevy Chevelle SS.

Image Gallery

(Click on pictures for a larger view)