Eight years ago, Duane and Mary Scollard’s 1937 Studebaker was in rough shape.
They had just purchased it from a man in Sedro-Woolley for $700. It was missing a hood on the outside and a floor on the inside and was covered with primer and rust.
“It spent most of its life behind a barn,” Mary said.
On Saturday, the Scollard’s restored Studebaker was on display at the 28th annual North Whidbey Car Show at Windjammer Park in Oak Harbor.
Decked out in electric blue pearl paint, it sparkled as one of the gems in a field of 220 cars, trucks and motorcycles in the event put on by the North Whidbey Lions Club.
It symbolized the sort of magical makeover story repeated by many proud classic car owners Saturday during an event that drew at least 3,000 people on a sunny day.
Whether vehicles were restored or modified, they drew stares and compliments.
Andy and Sandi Barcheck of Bremerton wound up winning the event’s top award, “Best of Show” for their modified 1936 Ford Sedan that took 14 years to restore. It was their first trip to the North Whidbey Car Show.
One car that made jaws drop was a red and white 1957 Chevy Nomad owned by Rich Wyatt
“There are no words to explain it,” said Oak Harbor’s Wayne Locke, whose midnight blue 1959 Chevy Apache Longbed was one of the more attractive classic pickups.
Capt. Mike Nortier, commanding officer of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, took part in the show by picking his favorite vehicle. He went with David Putnam’s 1959 Chevrolet Corvette.
“I grew up in small towns,” Nortier said. “You get to see both cars and people come out. It’s a great opportunity just to check things out.”
Duane Scollard, a retired pipefitter from Arlington, figured the restoration of the Studebaker was well worth the effort.
“I don’t want to sell it, but if I did, it would be over $100,000,” Scollard said.
Roy Bonner of Marysville was busy talking to several visitors interested in learning more about his teal 1952 Chevy pickup.
He also rescued his truck from a rusty fate, restoring it after it had been used to haul wood and for hunting trips.
CAR SHOW AWARD WINNERS
CARS STOCK
(Up to three alterations not available as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment)
Category 100 (1953 and older): Rollin Whited, 1933 Oldsmobile L-33 Sedan.
Category 200 (1954 thru 1963): Pat Farrell, 1957 Ford Skyliner.
Category 300 (1964 thru 1975): Gary Swanson, 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle.
Category 400 (1976 thru 1990): Jim /Carol Croft, 1979 Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro.
Category 500 (1991 thru present): Sonny Bihm, 2011 Dodge Challenger 392.
CARS ALTERED
(More than three alterations from OEM equipment)
Category 600 (1959 and older): David Putnam, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette.
Category 700 (1960 thru 1975): Max/Michelle Plattner , 1972 Chevrolet Nova SS.
Category 800 (1976 thru present): Timothy Collett, 2010 Chevrolet Camaro.
CARS CUSTOM
(Extensive alterations to chassis, motor, body or interior)
Category 900 (all years): Chuck MacNab, 1953 Willys-Overland SRT8.
STREET RODS
Category 1000 (1933 and older): Les/Sharon Young, 1928 Ford Model A.
Category 1100 (1934 thru present): Andy/Sandi Barcheck, 1936 Ford Sedan.
IMPORT CARS
Category 1200 (1985 and older): Elwin Blair, 1953 MG TD.
Category 1300 (1986 thru present): Michael Jones, 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T.
HIGH PERFORMANCE IMPORT CARS
Category 1400 (all years): Jerry Johnson, 1962 Austin Healy Sebring Roadster.
SPECIALTY
(unique vehicle)
Category 1500 (all years): Rolly/Suzan Delange, 1936 Chevrolet Pickup.
TRUCKS STOCK
(up to three alterations not available as OEM equipment)
Category 1600 (all years): Jerry Lubinski, 1931 Model A Tow Truck.
TRUCKS ALTERED
(more than three alterations from OEM equipment)
Category 1700 (all years): Roy Deaver, 1971 Ford Ranchero.
4×4 TRUCKS
Category 1800 (all years): Mark Caryl, 1957 Dodge Town Wagon Power Wagon.
LOW RIDERS
Category 1900 (all years): Alex Menacho, 1950 Chevrolet Styline Deluxe.
MUSCLE CARS
Category 2000 (all years): Dwight Tesch, 1970 Plymouth Road Runner.
MOTORCYCLES
Category 2100 (all years): Scott Lange, 1973 Norton 850 Chopper.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Mayor’s Choice: Pat Farrell, 1957 Ford Skyliner.
Commander’s Choice: David Putnam, 1959 Chevrolet Corvette.
Editor’s Choice: Duane/Mary Scollard, 1937 Studebaker Coupe.
Chairman’s Choice: Chuck MacNab, 1953 Willys-Overland SRT8.
Auto Center/Parts Plus Choice: Mark Caryl, 1957 Dodge Town Wagon Power Wagon.
Les Schwab Choice: Dave Pearson, 1965 Chevrolet C-10.
Best of Show: Andy/Sandi Barcheck, 1936 Ford Sedan.
