Quality and quantity reign at Historic Montesano Car Show

It felt a little bit like a Southern summer day on Saturday, with high heat, some definite humidity and no clouds in sight.

The weather in Montesano and the beauties in sight — classic cars that included Ford Model A’s, Packards, shiny trucks, El Caminos, “true” Cadillacs — as one person said, and other classic automobiles from about 50 years to 100-year-old cars that lined the streets for the Historic Montesano Car Show — conjured up thoughts of the unparalleled artistry of Stevie Ray Vaughan, who was born, raised, and lived in Texas.

Why? His rhythmic playing of the guitar melded with his complex leads in one of many of his classic songs “Pride and Joy”, works seamless with this subject. You’re dealing with people’s prides and joy. You’re dealing with their “sweet little babies”, and if you mess with their cars “you’ll see a man get mean.” Or in Sue Schorn’s case, she owns a pristinely painted and waxed 1957 Ford Thunderbird. After working for decades in order to celebrate her retirement, there’s no doubt she’d certainly fight for her auto’s honor.

Another mesmerizing entry was a white 1961 Studebaker Hawk with silver trim. That “sweet little thing” looked flawless — hand-washed and waxed to perfection. One of only 3,661 produced, according to the card signed by Kenny and Kathy Durkee, it’s a shame there weren’t more of them on the road. It was one of many that was worth it for people to stop and stare. The Durkees, from Renton, aptly named it “Truly Scrumptious.”

Taking the country roads

Shawn Shay, of Tacoma, owner of one of the shiniest engines along Main Street, couldn’t pinpoint what he loves most about his 1972 Pontiac Sprint. All he knows is his love of the 52-year-old Pontiac, as Vaughan wrote in his song, “won’t never grow old.”

“I’ve had it 25 years,” Shay said as he tried picking the engine as his favorite feature. “I built it the way I wanted it to be. It’s hard to break it down to one thing. After 25 years, it is a part of the family.”