September 18, 2007
As part of its ongoing effort to provide enjoyable recreational
and cultural events and activities for the local community, the
Office of Community Relations hosted the Third Annual St. John's
University Automobile Show on Sunday, September 16, 2007. Funds
collected at the gate will benefit the Queens Vietnam Veterans
Association.
Photo Gallery
Hundreds of community members and students came to the spacious
parking lot between Carnesecca Arena and Belson Stadium to see the
wide variety of antique, novelty and performance cars brought to
the show by their proud owners.
“It’s nice to see so many local families and STJ students on our
campus talking nostalgically about the vintage cars and their
memories of those years, as well as admiring the newer ones,” said
Vice President for Community Relations Joseph Sciame. “It’s just a
nice day outside that bridges the gap between the generations and
helps raise money for our veterans at the same time.”
Nostalgia buffs admired the Chevy's, Buick's and Ford's from the
1940’s and 1950’s, as well as American V-8 muscle cars from the
1960’s and 1970’s. There were classic Mustangs, Camaro
Super-Sports, and Corvette Stingrays along with T-Birds and a
modified Volkswagen Beetle, among many others. Over 40 motorcycles
were also featured.
Modern performance cars were properly represented, as well. A
bright yellow Dodge Viper drew plenty of attention, with its
10-cylinder growl, black racing stripes and exotic price tag. Other
sporty entries included the racing-spec Pontiac Grand Prix GTP,
Chevy Impala SS, Nissan 350Z and Honda Civic Si on display.
For sheer novelty, there were hot rods, dune buggies and even a
functional replica of the famous black Pontiac Firebird from the
80’s TV show, “Knight Rider.” The talking, meticulously detailed
“K.I.T.T.” was assembled by a St. John's Alumnus and a crowd
favorite.
Live music and trophies for the most impressive rides topped off
the beautiful day’s event. Proceeds from the show, which was
sponsored by the East Coast Car Association, will benefit the
Friends of the Queens Vietnam War Memorial.