Hinckley Car Club draws motorheads to share their pride and joy

August 30, 2023

By Chris Studor

For some, a field of dreams is a baseball field, but for others it’s a field of cars from classic to hotrods.

On Aug. 6, the grassy field at the Brooklyn Exchange Cabin was a car enthusiast’s field of dreams featuring 120 cars and attracting hundreds of visitors, all courtesy of the Hinckley Car Club.

This is the third year for the show, which has grown from just 70 cars to the 120 cars that strutted their stuff at this year’s show. As visitors entered the show, John McGee, State Farm Insurance sponsor, greeted visitors with tote bags and free goodies. Inside the cabin and on the porch, guest could enjoy refreshments served by Boy Scout Troop 226 of Strongsville. Fosters Pub donated pizza to the event and Hoppy Dudes Brews served beer, with all profits donated from the sales.

Viewing the field from the top of the hill, rows of cars beckoned onlookers. Dan Klag of Hinckley was on site with his 1964 Ford Galaxy convertible.

“I’ve been a gear head all my life,” said Klag. “To have it here at the show is real hometown fun.”

On the opposite end of the spectrum was Scott Noss with a 1959 GMC, one-ton panel truck, which he said used to be a small school bus.

“When I was painting it, I could see the bus number, No. 21 painted on the inside,” said Noss.

One of the top-three winners from last year’s show, Dale Henricks, was in attendance with his 1941 Buick but in another color from the maroon-colored Buick he showed in 2022.

Calling himself just “Tom,” this proud owner of a 1976 white MG said he has driven his car throughout the entire Emerald Necklace (Cleveland Metroparks) system.

There was more to the show than just cool cars, however. The club held a “Stuff the Truck” event. Loading on bag after bag of pet food was township trustee Melissa Augustine and father-and-daughter team Randy and Kaylee Miller. The pet food will be donated to a local SPCA.

In addition to the intrigue of just about every type of automobile, the club invited a special guest, George Britnell of Strongsville whose hobby is building miniature engines. Britnell built every part for the array of engines spread across two card tables and every engine could run.

Most guests didn’t leave without purchasing a Cars at the Cabin t-shirt being sold by Rick and Chris Urban. The sleek car design on the front with the club’s logo on the back had the shirts selling like hotcakes.

In keeping with tradition since the first year of the show, the trophies from the three winners were all made of car parts.

“We’ve been told by car show enthusiasts that we have the best trophies,” said Hinckley Car Club president, Ron Wayda, who posed for photos with the unique trophies alongside Jason Herb, club treasurer.

Winners of this year’s show include: First place – James Bunsey, 1969 AMX; Second place – Russ Kennat, 1972 Oldsmobile 442; Third place – Dave Krail, 1971 Ford Bronco; Fourth place – John Macar, 1968 Dodge Dart; Fifth place – Ron Beach, 1957 Chevy Nomad. The Hinckley Car Club’s Pick of the Show was Dwain Kibler’s 1957 Ford Ranchero.

Profits from the non-profit Hinckley Car Club will benefit two organizations: the Brooklyn Exchange Club, which helps veterans and children, and ASPCA or no-kill animal shelters. It is estimated that $600 in donations will be donated to each organization.

The Hinckley Car Club currently has 60 members and meets at 6:30 p.m., the second Tuesday of each month, at the Brooklyn Exchange Cabin, 2400 State Rd., in Hinckley. ∞

Two card tables spread with miniature engines attracted car enthusiasts at the third annual Hinckley Car Club Cars at the Cabin Show. The engines were all hand built by Strongsville resident George Britnell who was invited to the show by the Hinckley Car Club. Photos by C. Studor.

Bag after bag of pet food was donated to local pet shelters. Loading up the truck are, Hinckley Township Trustee Melissa Augustine, along with Randy Miller and his daughter, Kaylee.

Photo (main at top of page): This Volkswagen Beetle brought back many memories for the outpour of visitors.