Morrison has love for the classics

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This article was published 28/06/2024 (643 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Minnedosa’s Don Morrison admires a certain era of car. He appreciates them from afar, from behind the wheel and while peering inside someone else’s classic — checking out the latest restoration.

And that’s how Morrison said he spent his Wednesday evening, with dozens of other car collectors and enthusiasts, in the parking lot of Minnedosa’s Dari Isle Drive In.

A certain 1946 Pontiac caught his eye and made him curious enough, he said, that he had to take a closer look.

“This guy made the Pontiac into an old-style street rod, he had an aerial whip with foxtails on it — it was pretty neat,” Morrison said.

“And I was looking inside because not only is he a terrific mechanic, but his wife did the upholstery. So, I was just checking it out — being nosy, that’s all,” he said as he laughed.

Morrison is president of the Minnedosa Valley Cruizers car club. Members host the Cruise Night at the Dairy Isle on the last Wednesday of every month.

“I’ve always liked cars, and like a lot of guys in the ’50s and ’60s, I can tell you every car that went down the road just by looking at it. And I really got to enjoy the car culture, especially the old ones,” he said.

The old Volkswagens are a favourite with Morrison and his wife, Holly, who have been married 27 years. They have a 1967 Beetle, a model that was only made in the mid 1970s called a Type 3, and they’re working on restoring a 2001 Cabrio convertible.

But the one car that is “precious” to Morrison, is a 1962 Pontiac Parisienne that made heads turn at the Dari Isle since he hasn’t had it out for a while.

The Parisienne is a family heirloom.

“My aunt bought it brand new (in) 1962. She’s still living in Rossburn, and she’s about 91 years old,” he said.

“I bought it from her, so I’ve had it ever since. And we just decided to take it out Wednesday night because I’ve had the Volkswagen out so often.

“The Parisienne has 122,000 original miles on it, a bench seat — no buckets, so my wife can get right next to me,” Morrison said as he chuckled.

“It has totally original interior paint and I haven’t even had to put a windshield in it yet, touch wood.”

Each time there is a show and shine, Morrison said he notices the crowd growing bigger.

At one time, all the vehicles were able to fit in the Dari Isle parking lot, and “these days,” he said more people are having to park on the street.

Of the 24 vehicles that were counted last month, eight of them were “new and different vehicles” to the longtime members, which Morrison said is great news.

Cars came from Newdale, Russell, Neepawa, Riding Mountain and Souris — and among the Brandon car collectors Dave Burba, president of the Road Rebels car club.

“It’s a car thing,” Burba said. “Minnedosa supports us, so we like to support them back. It’s a nice little community there in the valley, and a pretty popular town.

“Besides, it’s just another opportunity to go have ice cream and just mingle with all the car guys and gals.”

Burba added he has noticed a new interest in the car show and shines as well.

“We do seem to see more an more younger people getting into it.”

Morrison says getting together with other car collectors is about fellowship.

“I’m the kind of guy that will stop and talk to anybody, so I get along really well at car shows,” Morrison said as he laughed.

“I just like the camaraderie and going places.”

The next Minnedosa Valley Cruizers Cruise Night at the Dairy Isle will be held July 31.

But before that on Canada Day, car club members will show off their vehicles at Minnedosa Beach.

The following month, the Minnedosa Valley Cruizers are hosting a show and shine during Fun Fest, the annual family weekend event scheduled for Aug. 16-18.

In Brandon, the next Road Rebels cruise night downtown is July 4.

The Collector Car Appreciation Day, traditionally held at the Riverbank Discovery Centre, will take place July 7 along Princess Avenue from 10th Street to 13th Street.

For more information about the Road Rebels Car Club and upcoming events, find them on Facebook at facebook.com/roadrebelscarclub.

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

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