On September 16, the Modifiers annual car show will return with its “classic cars, people and fun.” What makes this show special is not only the color, excitement, and noise, but that the majority of proceeds go to The Wellesley Food Pantry, next door to the Wellesley Community Center, and the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots. It should be noted that Toys for Tots not only has delivered millions of toys to children, the organization also boasts a literacy program.
The Modifiers is a traditional, old-school car club, once common years ago, right here in Wellesley. The organization was started in 1962 - that’s the same time period as George Lucas’ “American Graffiti” movie in which Wolfman Jack crooned “where were you in ’62?” Instead of Harrison Ford (a bit actor at the time), Opie (aka Ron Howard), Richard Dreyfus and Suzanne Somers to name a few, you have Bob Gobiel, Dick Barrick, Gary Buckley, Richard Knight and Arthur Taddeo, to name a few They are some of the luminaries who represent some of the leadership of this organization.
When the club got started, it was initially a group of high school pals who loved to tinker with cars and figure out how to make them go faster. As the decade went from the Kennedy Administration to the Johnson Administration, things heated up and these early Modifiers got job offers from Uncle Sam. Consequently, the club lay dormant for much of the 1960s and 1970s.
The Modifiers Car Club actively promotes the hobby of car collecting. The club now meets monthly at the Wellesley Community Center to plan events, share car knowledge, discuss ongoing member car projects, preferred auto parts sources, repair secrets and classic car finds. Everyone with a love of cars is invited. The Modifiers Car Club web site shares upcoming club information, videos of club events and car topics of interest. Readers may learn more by visiting modifierscarclub.com; their website for the show is modifierscarshow.com.
The Wellesley Community Center is delighted to host the fourth annual car show for the Modifiers. “This year will be better than ever’, said Executive Director Beach. “If you have a car you want to register, go to the Modifiers website page (http://www.modifierscarshow.com) if you wish to participate. If you don’t have a car, it will not be a prerequisite to having a really fun time for the whole family.” There will be mouth-watering hot dogs and hamburgers, expertly prepared by Arthur Taddeo, the Modifiers President and his culinary team. There will be a DJ playing favorites from the 1960s and 1950s to satisfy Baby Boomers.
The show runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Admission is $2. Seniors are admitted free, as are veterans and children under 12.
