Trucks At the Pumpkin Run Nationals

 

As is usually the case, the 49th Pumpkin Run Nationals featured a number of trucks among the nearly 3000 vehicles that swarmed into the Clermont County Fair Grounds. Here are just a few representing Ford, Chevy, Jeep, and Willys.

Falcons Flew To the Pumpkin Run

 

Introduced in 1960 as a scaled down version of the Galaxie, the Falcon became Ford's entry level small car and made an immediate impact in taking on the Chevy Corvair and the Plymouth Valiant. In its basic form the Falcon had a 96 horse power 2.4L straight six engine but could accommodate up to the optional 2.8L inline six and, by the end of its first generation, a 4.3L V8. The Falcon rolled through three generations, ending in 1970 with its third generation. Though production ended, the Falcon lived on as it served as the basis for both the Mustang and the Maverick having also spawned the Ranchero. The Pumpkin Run Nationals has a special place for Falcons called Falcon Way. It is a show within the bigger show and is sponsored by the region's Falcon club. Here are just a few of the "birds" that were on hand for this year's event.

Ford Brought the Mustang to the Pumpkin Run Nationals

 

In April, 1964 the Ford Motor Company introduced their most successful car since the Model A. Sold as a 1965 model, the Mustang was the highlight of Ford's 1964 World's Fair display. Essentially a "parts" car aimed at younger buyers, the Mustang was built on the Falcon's platform. What enticed buyers were three things: price, styling and power. The price was just over $2300 which is just under $24,000 in today's dollars. The styling was unique with a long nose and a short, compact rear end. The power ranged from a pedestrian 170 cubic inch (2.8L) inline six up to the 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V-8. It was the latter engine that the Mustang is most known for. Selling over 400,000 units that first year sent the Mustang into the history books. There were plenty of Mustangs on hand for the 49th Pumpkin Run Nationals earlier this autumn. Here are just a few of them.

MoPar At the Pumpkin Run

 

As is always the case with the Pumpkin Run Nationals, the 49th installation brought together a huge number of MoPar classics. among the 3000 or so vehicles, all from 1974 or before. Among those bearing the Motor Parts nickname from Chrysler was a first generation Plymouth Barracuda, a Plymouth Belvedere, a pair of his and her Dodge Coronet Super Bees, a Plymouth Road Runner, a 1973 Plymouth Duster, a 1970 Plymouth 'Cuda, and a Dodge Charger. 

The 49th Pumpkin Run Classic

 

The Pumpkin Run is the largest old car event in the region, this year drawing nearly 3000 vehicles, all of which are from 1974 of before. Held at and filling the Clermont County Fairgrounds, the event raises money for a number of charities, primarily the Shrine Children's Hospital. This year's event was held over three absolutely perfect early autumn days. Getting there early is the only way to really make your way around and see all of the cars. Among those on display was this Chevrolet Chevy II with the morning sun behind it. Also at the fair grounds was a restomod Chevy coupe, a Ford Deluxe convertible, a Ford Fairlane, a 1962 Chevy Impala, a 1969 Plymouth GTX, a Ford Model A, and a 1950 Oldsmobile 88.

Wrapping Up the Downtown Throwdown For Now

 

In order to move on and get in coverage of other shows, I'm wrapping up posts for the Downtown Throwdown today. I will return to this show in the future but I have three more events to at least mention. This show, held in Batavia in order to raise funds for the Southwest Ohio VFW Memorial Team, a group that takes care of the final resting place for area veterans, brought out over 100 cars and trucks. Among them was a Chevy Chevelle, a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air, a Chevy C 10 Custom Deluxe pick up truck, a Pontiac GTO, a Chevy C 10 pick up, a Hurst/Olds, and a Pontiac Trans Am complete with "screaming chicken."

Modern Cars Came To Throw Down

 

There were a fair number of 20th Century cars among the more than 100 that came to Batavia to take part in the Downtown Throwdown. The event, held on a beautiful early autumn day, raised money for the Southwest Ohio VFW Memorial Team who ensures that the final resting place of veterans is well kept. Among those in attendance was a current Ford Mustang along with cars from Chevrolet and Dodge.