The Vintage Cruisers Car Club rolled out a spectacular "Show Your Wheels" Show and Shine this past Saturday, June 28, 2025, transforming Rotary Republic of Manitobah Park into a dazzling display of automotive history.
Enthusiasts and families alike converged to admire a stunning array of vintage and classic vehicles, all while enjoying a vibrant community atmosphere.
The show truly delivered on its promise, with a diverse lineup of cars and trucks that captivated every gaze.
Among the stars were a sleek 1957 Ford Fairlane 500, its classic lines a testament to the era of iconic design, and a striking 1969 Chevrolet Chevelle Wagon, showcasing a unique blend of muscle and utility.
Fans of American horsepower also revved up for a powerful 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS, renowned for its performance capabilities, and a rare 1969 Plymouth Road Runner, a Mopar legend that embodies the raw power of the muscle car golden age.
"It went really good. We were quite happy," says Brad Sanderson, President of the Vintage Cruisers Car Club. "It's a little disappointing when your original date gets rained out because then you really never know how your turnout's gonna be with other shows around. But it was a very good turnout. It started slow, but by 10:30 to 11:00, I think we had about 75 to 80 cars already, and they just kept on coming in."
Rare rides and iconic designs
Beyond the well-known classics, attendees were treated to some truly unique machines.
A 1959 Buick, sporting a distinctive "patina" finish, drew curious onlookers, its imposing presence a reminder of a bygone era of automotive luxury.
Equally captivating was a 1957 Dodge Custom Royal Lancer, a seldom-seen gem from Chrysler's "Forward Look" design period, known for its bold fins and innovative styling.
Adding to the eclectic mix was a whimsical Volkswagen Beetle with custom "woodie" trim, a playful nod to a timeless design.
Hot rod culture was alive and well with a custom GMC School Bus Hot Rod, featuring "OLD SKOOL" painted proudly on its front, and a flaming hot rod pickup, a testament to creative engineering.
"I think they all stand out. You know, there aren't too many cars that I don't like. And so it's tough to say, you know, tough for me to pick which one I would think would be the best one there," Sanderson shares when asked about notable standouts.
The event was more than just a car show; it was a full-fledged community celebration. A DJ spun classic tunes of the era, setting the perfect nostalgic backdrop. Guests were able to cool down with refreshing lemonade and ice cream from the concession, and opportunities abounded to support the club through a lively silent auction and a 50/50 draw. Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza was also seen enjoying the festivities, chatting with enthusiasts and admiring the impressive collection of vehicles.
Generations of gearheads united
"It was just great to see, you know, as many people come out as they did," Sanderson expresses. "The Republic Park is a new location for us. We always, we've always had our show over on Island Park. So now it's going to be at Republic Park. We've already booked it there for next year."
From the elegant curves of a 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible to the raw power of a Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, the show offered something for every taste.
Early Ford Mustangs, including a 1965 Fastback and later generations, were prominently featured, alongside a diverse selection of Chevrolet Corvettes, from the vintage C2 "Sting Ray" to the modern C7 Z06.
Classic Chevrolet C/K pickup trucks from the 1960s, 70s, and 80s stood tall, showing off their timeless utility.
Even a charming Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible made an appearance, adding a touch of European flair.
Sanderson notes that the show is more than just about the chrome, it's also about community: "It's great to see the people come out and you'll get a chance to look at the vehicles, bring a tin for the bin for the Salvation Army. We always support them every year with our car show and it's a good cause. So hopefully we have a just as good a turnout next year."
A Family Legacy on Wheels
Among the many cherished vehicles at the Show and Shine was a striking 1950 Chevrolet Advance Design pickup truck, a vehicle with a rich history deeply rooted in Portage la Prairie.
Its current owner, Greg Makarchuk, shared the fascinating story of how this particular truck has remained a part of his family for generations.
"My grandpa bought it new in 1950," explains Makarchuk, outlining the truck's origins. After his grandfather owned it for several years, it was sold to a neighbor before eventually finding its way into the hands of a friend of Makarchuk's father, who owned it for 37 years. "When I knew he had it, I told him probably five years ago that if you ever wanted to sell it, I'd be interested in buying it back," he recalls. "A couple of years ago, roughly, he decided he wanted to sell it and I said, yeah, I, I, I want to buy it. And so yeah, that's kind of how it happened."
Makarchuk deliberately preserved the truck's original "patina" and character.
"I like the patina on it, the old. I didn't take any dents or anything out of it. I didn't want to paint anything. I wanted to leave the history the way it was. It took that long to get it that way. I just wanted to leave it that way," he says.
While the exterior's historical look was maintained and sealed, the interior saw a full restoration. Makarchuk says that he wanted to make that interior look like the original truck, brand-new off the line.
The restoration involved some practical updates, including changing the rear differential for better highway speeds and converting the electrical system from six to twelve volts.
"It took me about five months, maybe a little longer to do it, so really it wasn't that long," Makarchuk notes, estimating that about $5,000 was invested in parts, not including the purchase price.
Today, the truck serves as Makarchuk's cherished daily driver. "Yeah, I enjoy driving it. It's, you know, it's got a six-cylinder, four-speed standard.
"I really enjoy it. It seems to get a lot of attention for some reason," he shares, "It's not something you want to drive to Vancouver and back, but you know, I kind of say it's my coffee truck. I'll just drive it in and out of town."
Adding another layer of family history, Makarchuk explained the story behind a wooden trunk placed in the truck's bed.
"There is a trunk, a wooden trunk, I put in the back of the box. It's got a bit of history behind it," he reveals. "The only reason we knew that the trunk was what it was is that late last fall, before my mom passed, there was a trunk in her house. It was actually a trunk that my Grandma and Grandpa brought their belongings in when they came on the boat from the Ukraine in 1926."
Makarchuk found the story in a letter his father had written, detailing how the trunk carried his grandparents' belongings when they immigrated.
"I thought that couldn't be more fitting to put it in the back of the box," he adds.
Looking to the future, Makarchuk hopes the truck remains a family heirloom.
"I would hope I would have it until I would try and pass it on to a family member," he says. "If I can find somebody in the family, like my son, who would want it. But just to keep it in the family, I guess, would be the goal."
Altogether, the mix of meticulously restored beauties, rugged pickups, and customized hot rods painted a vibrant picture of automotive passion across generations.