History rolls into Merchants Square this weekend with the sixth annual Williamsburg Invitation Car Show.
Of the more than 50 vehicles featured in the free show, one is a 1935 Chrysler Imperial Airflow. According to Larry Emmons, car show chairman, about 200 of these models were originally built and the one appearing Sunday is among 20 still in existence.
“That’s an extremely rare car,” Emmons said. “Within the Chrysler family that is rare, and the airflow is a very unique design.”
He said the two-door style was a departure from the company’s usual cars around that era, one he has only ever seen once in person.
“It’s a real gem of a car,” Emmons said.
This year’s show, presented by the Colony Auto Enthusiasts, puts the spotlight on Chrysler cars, along with special finds in other genres. The Chrysler vehicles include a 1941 Plymouth, 1956 DeSoto, a 1964 Baracuda and 1970 Superbird.
The show has featured a brand each year since it moved from a small event in Ford’s Colony — the neighborhood of the group’s 50 members — to Merchants Square in the heart of Colonial Williamsburg in 2009.
“We were fortunate for Merchants Square to allow us to have the first-ever car show there,” Emmons said.
To pay homage to the site’s history, one of Colonial Williamsburg’s 18th century working carriages will be on display.
In addition to the featured brand, club members also scour the Peninsula and Southside for cars that have not been featured in local shows. They aim for variety, and this year’s event offers 31 different makes stretching from 1927 to 2013.
Emmons said the variety sets the Williamsburg Invitation Car Show apart from similar events. It is also non-commercial — meaning no car dealerships will be present selling products — and non-competitive.
The group also started a car show game for young children, who Emmons said do not always show the same appreciation for vehicles as older generations. Youngsters ages 10 and under can pick up a form with questions that require them to investigate all the cars in the show. A correctly answered sheet will earn them a diecast model car.
“That’s the fun of coming to the show, because everyone will be there with their car to tell their story,” Emmons said.
The show has always had a philanthropic element as well, with proceeds and additional donations supporting a nonprofit organization in the community. The Colony Auto Enthusiasts have looked for a car connection in choosing a beneficiary — in the past donating to Meals on Wheels — and this year’s event will support RIDES. The Williamsburg-area organization provides non-emergency medical transportation for seniors and the disabled.
Not only is it a worthy cause, Emmons said, but the group wanted to help RIDES become more visible in the community.
The Williamsburg Invitation Car Show will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in Merchant’s Square. For more information, visit the Colony Auto Enthusiasts website or contact [email protected]
