There is perhaps no person more fitting to have a car show named after than Joe MacNeil, who was not only a collector of old automobiles — but who also spent a good chunk of his life restoring them.
At one point he had a collection of 17, but when he died it had dwindled to 12 because he decided to sell some, but more because the facility in which he housed five of them was deteriorating.
In his will he passed the remaining dozen on to his nephew who had a shared an interest in them and now wants to keep the collection together as long as possible.
It’s a challenge, but one that William (Willie) MacNeil has accepted because of the knowledge he has of how his uncle had a passion for these antique automobiles.
Now that he is back living in Stephenville, Willie plans to have as many of these cars as possible on display in the Joe MacNeil Antique and Unique Car Show, taking place on Main Street in Stephenville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The street will be closed to traffic on that day and, in addition to MacNeil cars, which will range from 1924 to 1931 vintage and possibly a 1944 model, there will be lots of other fine automobiles, from antiques to muscle cars and much more.
There will be plenty to see and even vintage era music to hear as several different bands perform during the day.
The show is not held on an annual basis but since its start has consistently drawn large crowds with hundreds of people enjoying taking the walk down Main Street and sizing up these automobiles that are for the best part kept in immaculate shape.
As with many planned outdoor activities and especially with these fine automobiles, they won’t be out if the weather is inclement on Saturday, but there is a contingency plan to hold it at the same time of day on Sunday, Aug. 1.
It’s promises to be a great day for all who attend, especially for those who are car enthusiasts.
The event will help keep the memory of Joe MacNeil, who was one of the greatest car buffs of all, alive.
