Swampscott car show cruising into fourth year

SWAMPSCOTT – From a 1932 Hot Rod to a 2012 Dodge Challenger, more than 200 cars will assemble this weekend for the fourth annual Classics By The Sea Car Show.The pristine-condition vehicles will be parked on the Town Hall lawn from 10 a.m. to noon Sunday. Space in the adjacent Linscott Park and on Monument Avenue will be used if necessary.”It’s overlooking the water; it’s a beautiful place to have a car show,” said Recreation Director Danielle Strauss, the event’s chief organizer.Strauss said she was first approached about the idea in 2010 by then-Town Administrator Andrew Maylor, asking her to organize a car show for the following month.”Four weeks, get it done, Town Hall lawn” were the only instructions Maylor gave her.However, Strauss got assistance from resident car aficionado Doug Dubin and Lynn insurance agent David Zeller.Strauss said that although 25 people initially registered for the event’s debut, “150 cars showed up that first time.””We were ready for that many cars, but I wasn’t expecting 150,” she said.Strauss pointed out that each year, the number of cars has averaged between 100 and 150.Dubin said he plans to bring his 1969 Chevrolet Nova SS while a friend will be rolling up in a 1948 Chevrolet pickup truck. He added that the event typically features Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Mustangs.”It’s a good venue; you basically see everything there,” he said.Strauss added that the event has grown primarily from word of mouth among North Shore car enthusiasts.”People love to talk about their cars,” said Strauss. “Most of these people are in car clubs.”She said that prizes will be awarded for best paint job, best street rod and people’s choice, among others.However, she explained that attendance is almost entirely hinged on the weather, as owners do not like having their vehicles exposed to the elements. Therefore, an Oct. 19 rain date has been scheduled.In addition to the cars, Strauss said that members of the Swampscott Rotary Club, the Boy Scouts and the YMCA will be at the event. Public Health Nurse Roseanne Bruno will also be on hand to administer free flu shots.