Car show continues attracting a crowd

Jun. 4—The San-Lee chapter of the American Automobile Club of America hosted a car show on Saturday that brought a crowd to the streets of downtown Sanford.

Steven Niezgoda registered his 1968 Plymouth GTX, which stands out with a custom "poly limelight" green color.

Niezgoda, who bought the car 13 years ago, said it was originally a little darker shade of green. It's 95% original with only a aluminum radiator and electronic ignition added, he said.

"I take it out every week," driving for 5 to 10 miles, the Sanford resident said.

John Wayne Stowe came to the event from Concord with a 1969 Mercury Cyclone Spoiler, one of only 617 made.

He explained that that model was made for former NASCAR driver Cale Yarborough after he won the Daytona 500 in 1968.

There are only 44 left on the road today, he said, noting his was No. 6 off the assembly line.

Stowe's vehicle, which he purchased two years ago, is all original except for some touch up to the vehicle red paint.

The Mercury has 39,000 miles on it, including 1,250 that Stowe drove five days last July in the Hot Rod Tour, which runs from Georgia through South Carolina, North Carolina and Tennessee.

His vehicle has no air conditioning because it was a racing model.

"This is an excellent show," said Michael Sumrell, who came from Fayetteville to serve as one of 10 judges for the third time.

He noted there were well over 100 cars present with an increase of about a dozen more than last year.