Classic vehicles stir up excitement on Square
By Kathryn Simpson, Headliner News 06/18/2003
Drivers, mechanics and nostalgia-seekers crowded Ozark's historic downtown to see the automotive antiques dating back to the late 1920s.
But many of these cars didn't "act their age." The highlight of the event was timed races east on Elm Street between Second and Fourth Streets. Many of the race participants achieved speeds greater than 50 miles-per-hour, leaving long rubber streaks and enthusiastic fans of all ages in a cloud of smoke behind them.John and Barbara Mutschler, Santa Clarita, Calif., have been racing Model As fro eight years. The husband and wife team have a good recipe for success: He's the mechanic and she does the driving. In fact, Barbara Mutschler won the race by speeding up Elm Street in their Model A four-door sedan faster than any other participant, earning the Mayor's Choice Proclamation for her expertise. She said the hobby holds a lot of attraction for many people.
"First of all, you get a lot of attention from people," Mutschler said. "I think most of the people like it because it reminds them of their youth. It's really a lot of our heritage."
Lloyd Peters, Erie, Kan., has owned eight Model As. He said the car's place in American culture began because Henry Ford, knew how to make it attainable.
"It was a poor man's car," Peters said. "(Henry Ford) made it for the poor man."
Peters said in the late 20s and early 30s the Model A two-door sedan and coupe sold for the equivelant of about $375 today. He added the coupe was a smart buy for other reasons, too.
"There weren't any doors in the back," Peters said. "You could throw the kids in the back and you didn't have to worry about them falling out."
Raul Castillo, Los Angeles, bought his 1930 Model A coupe for $50 when he was 15 years old. Now 60-years-old, said he's kept his Model A for almost half a century because of sentimental value.
"I went to high school in it," Castillo said. "I joined car clubs in it. I got stopped and the cop said the only thing legal on it was that it belonged to me. So I parked it and it sat for 30 years."
He began competing in Model A races about 12 years ago. He said it's easy to get hooked on the friendly competition.
"It's addictive," Castillo said. "The excitement that you get out of it."
The Midwest Regional Driving Tour is a week-long event based out of Springfield. Drivers will spend the rest of the tour traveling to Branson, Stockton and other Southwest Missouri areas.
©Ozarks Newsstand 2004
