Driving Down Memory Lane Sandpoint Packed With Vintage Automobiles For Lost In The 50’S Car Show

Talk of horsepower, paint jobs and the good ol’ days filled the streets here Saturday as crowds gawked at blocks of vintage cars.

About 460 of the polished chrome and steel machines roared into town this weekend as part of Sandpoint’s Lost in the 50’s car show and dance.

The event packs the city with car buffs and nostalgia seekers.

“We know you can’t go back to the past but you can sure remember it, and these cars bring back a lot of memories,” said Gary Bean of Chewelah, proudly sitting next to his red 1957 Chevrolet.

“It took a lot of patience and money,” he said of the restored auto. “But it makes you feel good when people stop to admire it.”

Hundreds of people spent the day going from car to car, eyeing chromed engines, upholstery and meticulous metal work.

“This was a time when cars looked different, they had personality,” said Keith Ellingson of Spokane who was showing a 1935 Dodge sedan.

“The newer cars, you can’t tell one from the other, and everything is so high-tech you can’t work on them.”

None of the cars in Saturday’s show was newer than 1969. They included classic ‘50s and ‘60s autos, street rods, sports cars, antiques and even pickups.

“When we first started the show 10 years ago we had 26 entries. We have come a long way,” said organizer Sally Transue.

The city even got into the spirit this year, parking its 1948 La France fire engine on the street. The city no longer needs the outdated, convertible truck and was hoping someone would pay $4,000 to take it home.

A few cars were for sale, many with sticker prices higher than new cars. But most owners just wanted to show off the machines they’ve poured their hearts, souls and pocketbooks into.

Spokane resident Doris Whipple and her husband had a steady stream of admirers in front of their 1941 Hollywood Graham. The sign on the window kept them from getting too close though. It read: “An antique auto is like another man’s wife, look and admire but do not touch.”

Doris Whipple figures the car is worth about $30,000, but she’s not selling.

“My husband has his life blood in this. It’s his pride and joy,” she said.

Pictures next to the restored car show what it looked like when the Whipples bought it for $2,200: a gutted, rusted hunk of steel.

“When he pulled in with it I thought it was a piece of junk,” Doris Whipple said. “I couldn’t believe he paid that for a metal shell, but that was a mere pittance compared to what he’s put into it.”

Ivan Wallgren drove his 1967 Ford Mustang from Deer Lodge, Mont., for the show. He’s worked on the car five years and isn’t exactly sure how much its cost him.

“I keep all the receipts and put them in a bag, but I’ve never taken the time to add it up. I’m afraid too,” the 77-year-old said.

The hubcaps alone on the baby blue Mustang, with a license plate reading “EZTULUV,” cost $108 apiece.

“I do this mostly for fun,” said Wallgren. “For the old folks it’s a time for a lot of reminiscing, and for the younger fellas this is their dream. This is what they would like to do someday and the kinds of cars they would like to drive.”