'38 Caddy wows 'em at car show

Local car enthusiast Johnny Blackwell (left) talks with others who entered their vehicles in Saturday's Fall Classic Car Show sponsored by the Cherokee County Historical and Preservation Society. Blackwell's 1938 Cadillac LaSalle earned top prize. Local residents Johnny and Judy Blackwell knew they had a jewel of a car in their 1938 Cadillac LaSalle when they entered the vintage vehicle in Saturday's annual Fall Classic Car Show sponsored by the Cherokee County Historical and Preservation Society (CHAPS).

The couple pumped a lot of time and money into the vehicle, dressing the car for perfection while aiming at the same time to keep its originality.

"It just got a new coat (of paint) a few days ago," Johnny Blackwell said. "I believe that it kind of gives the car a new shine and sets it off a little bit."

Judges must have been thinking the same thing as the Blackwells vintage-era automobile took home top honors at this year's car show, beating out dozens of competitors to claim the event's most prestigious award.

Two of the couple's other vehicles finished on top in other categories. It was the second time in three years the Blackwells have walked away with the event's most coveted prize.

"Sometimes you win, other times you lose," Judy Blackwell said. "Fortunately, we were able to win."

It has become a tradition for the Blackwells and other car enthusiasts to enter their vehicles in the annual car show. Year after year, many of the same entrants show off the work they've done in the past 12 months.

"We really like seeing what we've done," Johnny Blackwell said. "It really helps when we can share ideas and tips; it really makes things fun."