By:SUSAN LIN
Lots of people are glad if their cars just move. But other folks, such as Tom DeMaria of Oceanside, want a bit more out of their four-wheelers.
DeMaria is capable of recounting probably every detail involving his
'69-and-a-half Hurst Scrambler, from its technical specifications to his
favorite memories. "It was the third-fastest car in '69. The Hurst Scrambler
can go from 0 to 65 in 6.3 seconds," said DeMaria, now 58.
But if it's true that first impressions are the most memorable, then the
Hurst Scrambler is probably more often referred to as the red, white and blue
car. A fire-engine red stripe runs along each side of the car, and a blue
stripe is formed by decals over the hood, roof and back trunk. "We found out
that there are only 480 to 500 out of production left," said DeMaria.
DeMaria drove the car for only two years, after he purchased it new. "We
were worried it would be stolen," he said. He estimates the Scrambler's
current market value at $17,000 to $20,000.
DeMaria does take the car out sometimes, but only for show. This weekend,
he's bringing the Scrambler to Belmont Racetrack in Elmont, where the Long
Island Cars, an umbrella group of car clubs throughout Long Island, is
holding a car show and track meet.
DeMaria's hiring a trailer to get the car there. "At 35 miles per hour,
it registers 3,000 r.p.m.'s. God forbid someone should crash into it," said
DeMaria.
Visitors to the show -- who numbered about 3,500 last year, according to
Long Island Cars' count -- can catch a glimpse of DeMaria's rare Scrambler,
along with 480 to 500 other custom or collectible cars.
According to Frank Coppola, who will be a judge at the Belmont show,
"With a custom, collectible car, a lot of people think it has to be 25 years
or older, but it could be completely new. Look at the '98 Chevy Impala
Supersport, the "SS." The car [looks like] the old Impala from the Sixties.
Look at the Dodge Prowler, made into a street rod."
A "custom" or "collectible," car, said Coppola, is simply a four-wheel
automotive that is "unique, different. It stands out in the crowd." In
judging the cars, Coppola said, what's looked for are "cleanliness and
workmanship." As a prerequisite, all cars also have to be driveable.
All registered vehicles in the show are assigned to one of three main
categories: "Stock," cars that are unmodified, just as they came from the
factory; "Modified," autos with three or more alterations, such as finishing
the engine with chrome, or installing a new interior, and "Special Interest,"
which fits any car not mass-produced.
DeMaria's entry is registered in the Secial Interest class, because only
1,500 were ever produced. But such cars can also include "repro" or "kit"
cars, said Coppola. "You screw the parts together in your garage," he said.
Special Interest can also be experimental cars, such as those that run on
batteries.
Stock and Modified cars are further divided into years, such as those
produced between 1950-54 or 1955-57, totaling 50 classes. Each class will be
judged separately, and the winner of each class receives a trophy, with an
honorary photograph. But no cash prize.
"We make a day out of it," said DeMaria, who goes with his wife. "It's
just showing your car."
"It's not easy keeping up a car from the '50's, '60s," said Coppola, who
himself drives a stock '65 Cadillac convertible in blue. "It's just the shock
value when you pull up, and people say, 'Wow, look at that.' [The reaction]
is worth every penny."
Dream Cars
Long Island Cars'
Car Show and Swap Meet
Belmont Racetrack
Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, (631) 567-5898.
Saturday and Sunday, April 7 & 8 \9 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine
Tickets: $7 adults, free for children under 12.
*find automobile parts for older cars at the popular swap*
