Hundreds of automotive enthusiast come out to examine more than 500 exotic and domestic sports cars, muscle cars and classic early American coupes, during the Prison City Ramblers' Father's Day Car Show at Emerson Park.

Ed Pinckney, chairman for the Prison City Ramblers' car club, said the 17th annual car show attracted visitors and participants from all over the state.

"We tried to find a day where a lot of people would be able to come out," Pinckney said. "And most fathers and men love cars so this is kind of a special double header for everyone."

Dave Hubbard, of Syracuse, brought his children, a 1968 Charger RT and a 1961 Chrysler Windsor out to the park to enjoy Father's Day with his friends, family and other cars.

"This is the best show so far this year," Hubbard said. "We have been to about three or four other shows this year, but this one has a great atmosphere, great people, an amazing location and great cars. Next year we are going to get here at 8 a.m. and try and get a place by the lake."

Larry Tifft, of Horseheads, said he had received several questions about the handling, performance and rarity of his car from children who had used a similar vehicle in a video game.

Tifft, the owner of a yellow 2006 Lotus Exige, said part of the excitement over his car was that there were only 26 in the entire state when he purchased the small $55,000 British sports coupe, famous for its light weight size, handling and speed.

"I still take it out every weekend," Tifft said. "It's not a bad ride, it's smooth but it rides stiff so you don't want to hit any potholes. It also gets 32 miles to the gallon which is really good with today's gas prices."

But for Hubbard, there was no way to put a price on the nostalgia factor associated with his car.

"With my Charger I don't really pay attention to gas mileage," Hubbard said. "I would drive it all the time even in the winter. We should just start junking some of these newer cars that are out now to revive some of these older ones. If you go into a parking lot, people don't even notice the newer cars, but they will turn their heads when they see an old classic."

For the full report, read Monday's edition of The Citizen.