Montezuma American Legion Car Show draws 175 plus vehicles

      Liam Gregory of Montezuma enjoys having his photo taken with a Ford Model T Street Roadster owned by Vance Alexander. 

By J.O. Parker
 
      The third annual Montezuma American Legion Car Show held on the town square on Saturday, Sept. 28 drew antique beauties and classics, some nearly 100-years-old.
      The car show, which is a fundraiser for the new Montezuma American Legion Building being constructed on the northeast side of town, drew an estimated 175 plus cars, trucks, race cars and decked out golf carts.
Monte Wenger brought his Car Show DJ service to town. Wenger, who hails from Victor, is a fixture at car shows all across the state, including in Grinnell and Brooklyn earlier in the summer. 
      Jim Bergmeier brought his 1926 air-cooled Franklin to the show. Larry Weeks of Montezuma had his 1937 De Soto Coupe on display. Randy Peterson of Montezuma brought his beautiful 1934 Plymouth Cabriolet Convertible. Doug and Roberta See of rural Grinnell brought their almost completely stock 1968 Camaro RS. The couple bought the Camaro almost new and enjoy going on cruises in the car.
     Bob Sell of Newton enjoyed showing off his custom-built 1972 Chevrolet Chevelle. Sell had a book of photos showing the timeline of the rebuild project. He even mixed his own color of paint on the classic beauty. Lanny Yeo of Montezuma enjoy talking about his beautiful 1955 Pontiac Star Chief at the show.
      “I finally got it finished,” said Yeo.
    Other showstoppers included a dark blue 1950 Cadillac Model 62 Convertible owned by Chris and Julie Parrish. Gary Harris of Moulton enjoyed showcasing his 1955 Chevrolet Belair Convertible at the show. A beautiful dark red 1963 Ford Galaxie 500 owned by Dave and Jean Fenton of Moravia was a showstopper this year.
     Bill Lannom of rural Grinnell brought his custom-built 1930 Ford Model A pickup. Lannom built the truck, including the home-built frame, using parts he collected through the years. He started the truck project in 2009 and finished it in 2020.
    He did all the work outside of some help building the frame and wiring the truck. The truck features a Chevrolet 283 cubic inch engine with a four barrel carburetor.
     “I built it piece, by piece, by piece,” said Lannom. 
     He calls the truck the “River Rat” in honor of his time in the service during the Vietnam War.
     Gil and Donna Lamb of Marshall, Mo. made the 240-mile trek to Montezuma to showcase their customized 1934 Chevrolet Sedan. The vehicle features a pink, blue, green and red paint scheme. Gil purchased the vehicle in 2005 in from a car enthusiast in Saint Louis who had partially remodeled it.
    The Lamb’s, who are members of the National Street Rod Association, have taken the car to shows in Mississippi, Louisville, Ky. and Des Moines in past years.
      “It’s been on many trips,” said Gil. 
      The Lambs are friends with Montezuma residents John and Jean Griffith, who lived in Marshall, Mo. for 22-years before moving back to Iowa.
      “We have been planning this trip for more than a year,” said Gil.
     A number of awards where handed out including the top 30 vehicles, people’s choice, American Legion, Sons of American Legion and Legion Auxiliary honors along with Best of Show which was won by Doug White of Ottumwa and Sponsor’s Choice.
    “I’m very, very pleased with the turnout and all of the day’s activities,” said Ron Hensel, Montezuma American Legion Commander and show organizer. 
       The 2025 Montezuma American Legion Car Show is slated for Saturday, Sept. 27.