Nate Robson / The Citizen
OWASCO -- Amid increasing gas prices and a struggling U.S. automotive industry, America's love for fast, powerful, fuel thirsty cars was still evident during Sunday's 18th annual Father's Day Prison City Ramblers Car Show
With more than 314 muscle, classic and sports cars on display, Rich Daly, who was showing a 2005 Ford GT, said he doubted Americans will ever lose their fascination with speed and horsepower.
"American hot rod owners and car enthusiasts do not want to buy a Fiat," Daly said, referring to the Italian automaker's purchase of Chrysler earlier this month. "People are either going to buy a fast car or a fuel efficient car, and cars like this (Ford GT) are the American dream. This is what people want to have."
As he started up the car in order to rev the engine for some spectators, several people repeatedly asked Daly how much the car costs or how much horsepower it has. Each time Daly happily responded with $157,300 and 550 horsepower.
When asked if the car is fast, Daly only has to refer to the vehicle's racing heritage. Ford designed the GT as its challenge to Ferrari's domination of the Le Mans 24 hour race in the 1960s, beating the Italian company in four consecutive races starting in 1966.
But there is a time and place to use that type of speed, Daly said.
"People have to remember to drive responsibly, and the (state) troopers have reminded me of that," Daly said. "I did get caught speeding and I took a driving class afterwards, and it was the best thing that happened to me. This car will do 200 mph easily, but if you're going to race it, you have to take it to the track."
As Jeremy Thayer's two children peaked inside the Ford GT's driver's side door, the Genoa resident said the car show offered a chance to spend time with his family on Father's Day while looking at pieces of history.
"It's great having the kids see this," Thayer said, referring to the cars. "It is nerve-wracking because you don't want the kids to touch the cars, but I really do enjoy doing this."
While he was a fan of the modern Ford GT, Thayer said the classic styling of a black 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 also caught his eye.
Martin Black, who owns the Fairlane, said he describes the car as a head turner for its ability to catch anyone's attention as he cruises down the highway.
"A lot of the newer cars look so much alike that it can be hard to tell a Toyota from a Nissan from a Honda from a Ford," Black said. "But a lot of these older cars have a very distinctive look. People notice them."
Black said he bought the Fairlane five years ago because it's similar to the car he had in high school.
It's that type of nostalgia, Black said, that makes car shows popular and drives car enthusiasts to collect or restore their own pieces of automotive history, a tradition he believes will continue to thrive.
"I think Americans are in love with their cars and that's why you have all these people here," Black said. "I don't think that will ever change. Hopefully my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will pick up the ball from here and run with it."
With more than 314 muscle, classic and sports cars on display, Rich Daly, who was showing a 2005 Ford GT, said he doubted Americans will ever lose their fascination with speed and horsepower.
"American hot rod owners and car enthusiasts do not want to buy a Fiat," Daly said, referring to the Italian automaker's purchase of Chrysler earlier this month. "People are either going to buy a fast car or a fuel efficient car, and cars like this (Ford GT) are the American dream. This is what people want to have."
As he started up the car in order to rev the engine for some spectators, several people repeatedly asked Daly how much the car costs or how much horsepower it has. Each time Daly happily responded with $157,300 and 550 horsepower.
When asked if the car is fast, Daly only has to refer to the vehicle's racing heritage. Ford designed the GT as its challenge to Ferrari's domination of the Le Mans 24 hour race in the 1960s, beating the Italian company in four consecutive races starting in 1966.
But there is a time and place to use that type of speed, Daly said.
"People have to remember to drive responsibly, and the (state) troopers have reminded me of that," Daly said. "I did get caught speeding and I took a driving class afterwards, and it was the best thing that happened to me. This car will do 200 mph easily, but if you're going to race it, you have to take it to the track."
As Jeremy Thayer's two children peaked inside the Ford GT's driver's side door, the Genoa resident said the car show offered a chance to spend time with his family on Father's Day while looking at pieces of history.
"It's great having the kids see this," Thayer said, referring to the cars. "It is nerve-wracking because you don't want the kids to touch the cars, but I really do enjoy doing this."
While he was a fan of the modern Ford GT, Thayer said the classic styling of a black 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 also caught his eye.
Martin Black, who owns the Fairlane, said he describes the car as a head turner for its ability to catch anyone's attention as he cruises down the highway.
"A lot of the newer cars look so much alike that it can be hard to tell a Toyota from a Nissan from a Honda from a Ford," Black said. "But a lot of these older cars have a very distinctive look. People notice them."
Black said he bought the Fairlane five years ago because it's similar to the car he had in high school.
It's that type of nostalgia, Black said, that makes car shows popular and drives car enthusiasts to collect or restore their own pieces of automotive history, a tradition he believes will continue to thrive.
"I think Americans are in love with their cars and that's why you have all these people here," Black said. "I don't think that will ever change. Hopefully my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will pick up the ball from here and run with it."
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