Aficionados roll out the classics for seventh Wilmo a Go Go Car Show

On Sunday at the Wilmington Riverfront, the word of the day was "classic." 

More than 300 cars were on display at the seventh Wilmo a Go Go Car Show, which invited owners of classics from 1972 and before to show off their rides and meet fellow auto aficionados. 

"A lot of times the cars remind you of childhood. They remind you of your parents. They remind you of growing up," said Tina Marabito, owner of Wilmington's Poppycock Tattoo and the show's founder.

"The people who collect them, it's just a passion and a love for something shiny."

The daylong show featured 20 local vendors, four bands and hosted both pin-up model and facial hair competitions. Marabito said the event grows some each year, and by Sunday afternoon this one was shaping up to be the biggest yet.

"I'm going to have to find a bigger lot next year," Marabito said. "I'd like to stay at the Wilmington Riverfront because they've always done us well and adapted to the show." 

Though she had her own 1962 Ford Ranchero on display, Marabito's attention was focused on the show. She left it others to bask in the awe and envy their classic cars inspired. 

Just after noon, Jim Stern was leaned back in the driver's seat of his replica 1966 AC Cobra and telling anyone who asked all he knew about the dream car.

"It's a car I've wanted since 1962," Stern said.

The Wilmington resident bought the black-striped-and-yellow sports car from a private seller in New Jersey a few years back, and Sunday was the first time he'd shown it off on the Riverfront.

But it wasn't his first car show, and for those who strode up to his car — or for himself when it was his turn to gawk — there was only one subject worth discussing.

"Cars, of course. That's why you're here. Because it's all about the cars, isn't it?" Stern said. "This is what brings certain people together — the love and the passion."

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A 1971 Buick Riveria has had Ed Lenkiewicz's love and passion for years.

A Newark resident and a member of the Soul Riders Auto Club, Lenkiewicz hasn't always been the car's owner but he's long been an admirer. 

"I actually drove this car out of Concord Mall. The first time we ever drove it, we drove it back to my cousin's farm," Lenkiewicz said. "I told my cousin when we got it home, 'If you ever want to sell it, you just need to make one phone call."

The open trunk of a light-blue 1964 Cadillac housed the rear end of owner Ryan McGonigal, bearded, tattooed and dressed for comfort.

But on the hood was wife Ashley McGonigal and her striped dress and pearl necklace cast her back to a time when photos ladies like her graced the walls of every garage.

"I've always enjoyed pin-up style, and I figured I'd try it and see what we could do, dress up for the day and hang out with our car and meet some friends and good people," McGonigal said. 

Fashion is fine, but it's all accessory for the main event. The McGonigals only recently got their Cadillac, and they couldn't pass an opportunity to have it seen alongside so many other fine rides.  

"They're classic. They don't make cars like they use to. They're rough, tough and gorgeous at the same time," McGonigal said. 

Contact Adam Duvernay at (302) 324-2785 or aduvernay@delawareonline.com.