Among Old Cars and New Friends, the Drive to Help

Every Tuesday night from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., hot rods and classics line the parking lot between Steak ‘n Shake and Boston Market on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood.

It’s the weekly car show put on by the Tampa Bay Antique Vehicle Association, a local nonprofit that’s been showcasing Tampa’s finest antique automobiles since 1985.

On this particular Tuesday, a looming storm means few people have brought their cars out. Jerry Zeleznock, the organization’s president, is apologetic. He says the weekly show usually brings anywhere from 75 to 90 cars to the parking lot, but owners don’t often want to drive their antiques in the rain.

“I’ve put 110 cars in here before, and believe me, it’s a challenge,” said Zeleznock, 71. “You get to do some creative parking.”

Before coming to Steak ‘n Shake, the association held weekly shows at an old Pine Grove restaurant on Florida Avenue, and then at the Chick-fil-A on Bruce B. Downs. They also put on showcases for businesses’ grand openings and special events, averaging about six shows per year.

The money they make from shows is donated to food banks, Zeleznock says. Recently, the organization was able to donate $500 each to three different charities. Their proceeds come from restaurants like Steak ‘n Shake paying to host car shows, as the association doesn’t charge a fee for car owners to participate.

Every winter they also host a Toys for Tots themed holiday show, where car owners are asked to pay a $10 registration fee or donate a $10 gift for a child. Between registration fees and tickets sold, the event brings in $4,000 to $5,000 yearly.

As a nonprofit, the association’s main goal is to help those in need, Zeleznock says. It keeps them going on nights like tonight when attendance is low.

“We’re here every Tuesday night, rain, shine, snow, whatever,” he said.

In a covered booth where car owners are chatting, a long-haired guy who calls himself Chain looks over the parking lot. He’s been a member of the association since 1989, he says, but he’s been into cars since the late ‘60s. He left his burgundy ’64 Chrysler at home tonight.

“I found it in a junk car lot and bought it for $263.12,” he said. “Some of ‘em don’t believe it, but I’ve still got the ticket in the trunk.”

Zeleznock says the show brings out mainly American cars, and they try not to include cars made after 1985 as part of the authenticity of being an antique vehicle show. The crowd’s mostly older, in the 50-70 age range, but the show sees its fair share of 30- and 40-year-olds too.

“A lot of these guys show up with a new Corvette, but we won’t turn them away,” he said.

Car owners come from all over for shows. Zeleznock is from Wesley Chapel, while Chain’s from Town ‘n’ Country. Regular crowds come from Lutz, Land O’ Lakes, Palm Harbor and South Tampa.

Dave McFarland of Odessa is a newcomer to this show. He brought his black ’72 Volkswagen Beetle out at the request of his friends, who frequent showcases in the area. Old cars brought them together.

“We’ve seen each others’ cars. We come to hang out,” said McFarland, 36. “It’s not because of the cars, it’s because of the people.”

The Tampa Bay Antique Vehicle Association's next show is at The Colonnade restaurant, 3401 Bayshore Boulevard, on July 9.