Thunderbirds Rose Up At the Pumpkin Run

 

Though Ford never said that their Thunderbird was a direct competitor to the Chevrolet Corvette, most people saw it that way. Introduced in 1955 as a two-seat sports car, Ford marketed it as a "personal luxury car." In the beginning a new generation of the T-Bird was introduced every three years, and each saw the car grow in dimensions. That is up until the ninth generation introduced in 1983. Production was halted following the 10th generation which ran through the 1997 model year. Then, in 2002, an 11th generation was released and had a very retro look and feel. The early T-Birds are popular among old car enthusiasts, and many were on hand for the 49th Pumpkin Run Nationals. Here are just some of them.

The Pumpkin Run Nationals Raises Money For Multiple Organizations

 

The Pumpkin Run Nationals, the region's largest car event, not only features thousands of cars and trucks but also has music, food, raffles, auctions, vendors, a car corral, and lots more. Put on by the Fastiques Rod and Custom Car Club, the event raises money for a number of different charities. The largest is the Shriner's Children's Hospital. But area schools and civic organizations benefit from the three day even as well. Among the nearly 3000 vehicles on display at the 49th annual event was a Chevrolet Chevy II, a Chevy Chevelle, a Ford Fairlane, a 1938 Chevrolet coupe, a Ford Maverick, a Chevy Biscayne, a Plymouth Barracuda, a Plymouth Satellite, and an Impala.

Pumpkin Run Pontiacs

 

General Motors has always strived to offer a brand suited to every range of automotive buyer. Over the years the brands have ranged from the "entry" level and widest selling Chevrolets to the top-of-the-line luxury Cadillac. Buick fit in just beneath the Caddy with Oldsmobile slotted next. Just above the Chevy, prior to its demise, was the highly popular Pontiac. Founded in 1926 as a companion brand to the Oakland, the Pontiac was an affordable step up the ladder. Its popularity was immediate as it quickly saw the Oakland shuttered. Sadly, the brand was discontinued in 2010 but that doesn't stop a large number of fans from restoring and keeping these cars alive. This was evident at the 49th Pumpkin Run Nationals where a number of Pontiacs were on display. Among them was a 1966 La Mans, a 1972 Catalina, a 1964 Grand Prix, a 1956 Star Chief, a 1955 Chieftan, a 1967 Bonneville, and a 1963 Bonneville. 

Customs At the Pumpkin Run

 

The Pumpkin Run Nationals, which just saw its 49th event, is held by the Fastiques Rod and Custom Car Club. So, a show backed by a club dedicated to customs will likely see some roll into the event. Among the 3000 or so cars and trucks that took part in this past year's show there were plenty of customs and rods of all types. They ranged from a Ford Mustang with a huge engine and a 1923 T-Bucket to a group of classic Model A and T roadsters and a very unique Chevy II Nova.

The Pumpkin Run Nationals Saw a Camaro or Two

 

With the exception of a few years in the early 21st century, the Chevrolet Camaro has been one of General Motor's top selling cars and, currently, their only "pony" car. Introduced in 1967 to take on the hugely popular Ford Mustang, the Camaro is now in its sixth generation. Many of the cars were built in the Saint Bernard factory, a plant where my uncle worked. The 49th Pumpkin Run Nationals held at the Clermont County Fair Grounds saw quite a few of these cars. Following the rules that all cars had to be from 1974 or earlier meant that only cars from the first two generations were eligible. Here are some that were among the more than 3000 vehicles on hand for this event.

Bel Air Was At the Pumpkin Run

 

Coming out of World War II the automobile industry needed some time to switch back to making cars and trucks from building equipment and items for the war. In order to sate a booming economy, the firms basically re-packaged the pre-war automobiles and sold them as new. As the 1950s hit car manufacturers were able to introduce all new automobiles. One of the first from Chevrolet was the full-sized Bel Air. Named after a ritzy neighborhood in Los Angelas, the Bel Air has become one of the most popular collector cars and always has a rather large showing at any open car event. The 49th Pumpkin Run Nationals saw a lot of Bel Airs roll into the Clermont County Fair Grounds. Here are just a few of them.