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  • Bobby Reynolds, left, and Kenneth Day discuss features of a 1966 Plymouth Sport Fury Commando. Both participated in the eighth annual Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation Cruise Night, which also highlighted renovations to the surrounding area and live music by The Pumphouse Monster. VANESSA WELCH/REGISTER-NEWS

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August 9, 2009

Hot rods, classics roll in for Cruise Night

By VANESSA WELCH

vanessa.welch@register-news.com

MT. VERNON — Timeless classics and modern hot rods lined Tenth Street Saturday evening during the eighth annual Downtown Mt. Vernon Development Corporation Cruise Night.

"We come every year," Sara Richardson said next to her husband, Glen, and son, Tyler. "We like cars and looking at them, the event is a lot bigger and there's a better variety of cars, trucks and motorcycles."

Many attendees gathered near Jerry Prince's matador red '57 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible he acquired within the past two years.

"This was the era of the big chrome and steel metal-bodied cars," the McLeansboro resident said. "A lot of options were available back then. I graduated high school in 1960 so I was in high school when these cars were made. We all wanted one so bad we could just taste it."

During the mid '50s, Prince said rock and roll music and cars went hand-in-hand in an overall peaceful time period. The vehicle was the last of the Tri-5 Chevy's, and Prince noted every part is replaceable.

'One thing you can say about the Chevy's from that era: almost everyone had one," Prince said. "Whether it is a 4-Door Sedan, 2-Door Sedan, 2-Door Hardtop or Convertible."

Nostalgists, investors and gearheads also glimpsed newer vehicles including a 2002 Pontiac Trans Am owned by Bob Ellis of Midwest Sho Boyz.

Ellis showcased a custom stereo that had been installed and mirrors underneath the hood.

"We just like to get out and associate with people," Ellis said. "We're just out enjoying the night."

Friends and family accompanied Bill Bourland of Woodlawn and his 2004 Dodge, who said he drives it for work but parks it inside to maintain its sheen.

'I just kept looking at it and one day I went by and offered a price and he said I could have it," Bourland said. "I've just always liked cars all my life. I've enjoyed them since I was a kid."

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