×

Classics don’t go out of style

Richard Madjarac of Salem shows off his 1958 Dodge Power Wagon on Friday during the antique car show at Centennial Park. (Salem News/Patti Schaeffer)

SALEM — Richard Madjarac of Salem had a special vehicle to show off on Friday during the antique car show held in Centennial Park as part of the annual Salem Super Cruise.

Madjarac was sporting his 1958 Dodge Power Wagon, of which only 554 were made according to its owner.

He said he acquired the car in 2000 and it sat around in his garage for a while until he retired from GM. He then spent 2 1/2 years restoring it.

The body is original on it, but he had to go to great lengths to get it back from it being in what he calls “bad shape.”

“I did a lot of searching on the internet,” Madjarac said. “A company in Fairfield, Iowa which specializes in Power Wagon parts helped out.”

He said he wanted to replace the front fenders but could not find replacements. He had to work with what he had.

Right next to Madjarac was Eldon Heestand of Homeworth showing off his 1967 blue Ford Galaxie.

Heestand said it was his son’s car and had been in the family since the ’80s.

“It had a good body and no rust,” Heestand said. “It came from North Carolina.”

Like many who own classic cars, Heestand said he had experience with the car as a younger man and wanted to stir some of those nostalgic feelings.

“I love the body style and the motor in,” Heestand said.

Also in the mix was North Georgetown resident Shawn Watson who was once again displaying his 1966 Detroit Industrial Vehicles Company (Divco) truck at the antique car show.

Watson dresses the part as a milk delivery man and has made up the truck with the Isaly’s logo on it. Thing is, the truck came from Pittsburgh and it was in usage from ’66 to 1999 as part of the Schneider’s Dairy company.

Watson said the vehicle was designed for delivery use and does not travel more than 30 mph.

“The milk man could leave the vehicle as it coasted and deliver to the doorstep while it road along the curb,” Watson said. “These vehicles were designed to move very slowly.”

He has no idea how many miles were put on it over the years because the odometer was busted when he acquired it.

Display items in the back of the truck include food items you would deliver to make meals.

“I call it a traveling grocery store,” Watson said.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.39/week.

Subscribe Today