Staff writer
Lowell Heinrichs of rural Hillsboro found plenty to remember and admire Saturday at the Route 66 Classic Cruisers Car Show at Memorial Park in Hillsboro.
More than 70 car owners brought their sparkling vehicles to line the park drive for public inspection; their cars and trucks ranging in age from a 1918 Ford to a 2012 Rausch Mustang.
“I saw this one when Ray (Abrahams of Hillsboro) bought it over 40 years ago,” Heinrichs said. “It had been fully restored using a laquer but it cracked. This was our winter project this year. We used about seven coats of paint and clear coat on it.”
Heinrichs and his son, Romney, operate Collision and Restoration southwest of Hillsboro. They have been a partnership operation for close to nine years.
“It works out well for us,” Heinrichs said. “I can’t think of anyone else I would rather work with.”
Father and son do not work on engines, but have a waiting list of restoration projects.
“We use a rotisserie when everything has to come off,” Heinrichs said. “We always have something to work on.”
Abrahams said he was very happy with the work the Heinrichs did on his 1932 Chevrolet Cabriolet this past winter. He said the vehicle was special to him because it was one of only 4,500 made.
“I also like it because I’m a Chevy man,” he said. “I’ve driven some Fords through the years, but my heart beats for Chevy.”
According to Abrahams, owners from the surrounding area brought in the largest number of cars in the history of the Hillsboro car show for display this year. Fifteen cars were provided by club members.
Participants in the show played several “car part” games under the shade trees in the middle of the park, such as a belt toss and Frisbee tire targets, in addition to enjoying the nice weather and visiting with others about their favorite subject — cars.