by Sylene Argent
On Friday, around 40 classic, custom, and new model vehicles lined the grounds of the Essex Railway Station as part of the 3rd Annual All Ford Car Show.
The event is hosted to honour the long-standing history of Fords being sold in Essex Centre through a variety of past, and present, dealerships. This brand of vehicle has been sold in Essex since 1926.
The Old Car Detective Bill Sherk presented the event and Heritage Essex, which maintains the Essex Railway Station, was one of the event sponsors.
One of the eye-catching vehicles on display included a 1931 Model A, which Blake Hunter of Leamington owns.
Hunter rebuilt the car in 1999 with his father, adding customized gull wing doors and painting it blue, inspired by the logo of his favourite pop.
“We wanted it to be different,” he said of the design of the vehicle.
Hunter enjoys showing off his Model A at many area and regional shows.
In addition to the classic and custom vehicles parked onsite, Ken Knapp, another sponsor of the event, displayed four new vehicles during the show.
While the majority of the All Ford Car Show took place outdoors, special displays were included inside the historic train station that featured train engine art.
Bill Gay of Heritage Essex was pleased with the event turnout and was thrilled the day offered great weather for the event.
This year, a special plaque was awarded in memory of Bob Blair, an Essex Ford sales representative and well-known community volunteer, who donated time and support for many local organizations, including the Annual Ford Day at the Essex Railway Station.
The plaque was presented to an individual who has been involved with repairing, building, and showing off automobiles in this area. The winner also had to be a participant in car shows in and around Essex. The 2019 Bob Blair Memorial Plaque went to Mr. Robert (Bob) Brown.