Motor Paradise
Car Lovers Swarm Bergman ParkBy Dennis Phillips dphillips@post-journal.com
Article Photos
If you're a lover of cars, Bergman Park was the place to be on Sunday for the 26th World Series of Cars.
Thousands of spectators and classic car owners from the region journeyed to Jamestown for the car show that raises money to host the Jamestown Babe Ruth World Series. How much money was raised Sunday is not known yet, but last year's event raised more than $200,000.
The annual World Series of Cars, which has around 8,000 visitors, is recognized as one of the best regional automobile shows in the Northeast, with more than 400 cars shown off by their proud owners.
Many of the sponsoring and supporting groups have special activities and displays. Examples of these include drawings, contests, product displays and special interest items.
But most people were there just for the cars.
Jamestown's own Pete Volpe was there showing off his restored 1941 Chevy Business Coupe, two seater. The car, which was originally purchased from a Jamestown car dealership, took Volpe around six months to restore. He said he has restored so many classic automobiles over the years he has lost track, but believed it was between 10 to 15 vehicles.
''I don't know, I've always just loved cars,'' Volpe said to why he enjoys owning and working on classic cars. ''I've been working on them since I was 14 or 15 years old.''
Dan Chrispen of Westfield brought his 1969 Mustang Grande, which was the first year Ford produced that model of the famous muscle car.
''I've been coming to these events ever since I purchased the car,'' he said. ''I wanted one for years. I never thought when I drove them back in the day about keeping it and being able to do this.''
Chrispen said he bought his Mustang about four years ago and enjoys now going to car shows with his wife, Sandy, a little more than before he purchased the show car.
''When ever I would come to one of these before I would kick the tires of some of them wishing I had one myself,'' he said. ''Now I do and we have a lot of fun at the shows.''
Dale Rodgers of Girard, Pa., said he visits all the car shows in the region with his 1957 Chevy convertible.
''This is a great show,'' he said. ''I enjoy it every year.''
Rodgers said he doesn't know why he is a car enthusiasts because his parents weren't into owning and caring for classic automobiles.
''It's just something that gets in your blood,'' he said. ''I've always loved them.''
Rodgers said he has visited Chautauqua County for several car shows like one held at Midway Park and for a car cruise in Dunkirk.
''There always a lot of fun to get out and see the cars, talk about the cars,'' he said. ''New York has a lot of good shows.''
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hoser48
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07-27-09 10:29 PM
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I've seen Pete Volpe's car and it's a beaut.
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