Cars Changing Lives Car Show Breaks Attendance Record as Organization Nears 100th Vehicle Giveaway

From vintage Fords and classic Corvettes to sleek European sports cars and beautifully restored pickup trucks, the Warren County Fairgrounds became a car lover’s paradise Saturday, November 7, as the second annual Auto Care Clinic Car and Truck Show benefiting Cars Changing Lives attracted a record turnout.

Despite chilly, windy weather, more than 115 vehicles participated in this year’s event, surpassing last year’s total of 107.

For Bill Long, co-founder of Cars Changing Lives and owner of Auto Care Clinic with his wife, Sandy, the turnout was another encouraging sign of the community’s growing support.

“We’ve got over 115 cars here. Last year was 107,” Long said during a walk through the show. “It’s awesome. I mean, we have fabulous cars here, a lot of great participation. We’re raising a lot of money for Cars Changing Lives.”

But while the cars were the stars of the afternoon, the event’s real purpose was helping people who need dependable transportation.

And Long had some exciting news to share.

Car Number 95 Goes to a Local Single Mother

Cars Changing Lives reached another important milestone just one day before the show.

“We gave away car number 95 yesterday,” Long said.

The vehicle, a Mazda van, went to a local single mother with children.

For a family struggling without dependable transportation, a reliable vehicle can make an enormous difference. It can help them get to work, take children to school, attend medical appointments, and handle everyday responsibilities.

Long said the organization already has five additional vehicles nearly ready to give away and is working to identify recipients.

“We’re going to hit our goal of 100 cars this year. We may even exceed it,” he said.

Bill and Sandy Long founded Cars Changing Lives after they began helping people in need by repairing donated vehicles and giving them away.

The nonprofit works with churches, community organizations, and case managers to identify individuals and families who need transportation but cannot afford to purchase a reliable vehicle.

The organization evaluates donated vehicles, repairs them when possible, and prepares them for new owners. Financial contributions help cover the costs of repairs, parts, inspections, and other work needed to make the vehicles safe and dependable.

What started as a local effort has now helped 95 individuals and families, with the 100th giveaway just around the corner.

A Walk Through Automotive History

During a tour of the fairgrounds, Long stopped to admire some of the remarkable vehicles on display.

One of the first was a beautifully preserved 1930 Ford Model A owned by Dave Blauvelt.

Long pointed out how different its engine looked compared with modern vehicles.

“You can easily work on it,” he said, pointing to the accessible spark plugs and simple engine design.

Nearby was a 1960 Chevrolet Corvette, prompting a conversation about the earliest Corvettes, including the original 1953 model with its Blue Flame six-cylinder engine.

The show featured vehicles representing nearly every era of automotive history, from early American automobiles to modern performance cars.

And for Long, who has spent much of his life working on vehicles, the variety was part of the attraction.

“I love all these manufacturers, particularly the old stuff,” he said.

From a Modern Lotus to a 1970 Racing-Inspired Classic

Among the more unusual vehicles were two Lotus sports cars that demonstrated how the British manufacturer’s design philosophy evolved over the decades.

One was a 2006 Lotus Elise, a lightweight, mid-engine sports car known for its handling and compact dimensions.

Long owns a 1970 Lotus Europa, an even smaller sports car with a distinctive shape and racing heritage.

In the late 1960s, Lotus had enjoyed tremendous success in Formula One, and the Europa reflected the company’s emphasis on lightweight construction and efficient performance.

Long explained that his Europa weighs approximately 1,200 pounds and produces about 85 horsepower.

That may not sound impressive by modern standards, but the car’s low weight gives it an entirely different driving experience.

“You wear the car,” Long joked, describing how tightly the driver fits into the small cockpit.

The pedals sit so close together that special driving shoes help prevent accidentally pressing the accelerator and brake at the same time.

The Europa was certainly one of the show’s more unusual attractions.

Hot Rods, Muscle Cars, and Classic Trucks

The walk continued past a Pontiac GTO owned by Wayne Lee, complete with period-style wheels that brought back memories of the muscle-car era.

Nearby sat Paul Hutchins’ 1932 Ford Roadster, a classic hot rod with a fiberglass body.

Hutchins explained that the car was assembled using modern reproduction components rather than original 1932 Ford body panels.

“Actually, the only thing that’s original is the 1932 license plate I got off of eBay,” he joked.

He recalled attending a judged car show where someone tapped the body, declared it fiberglass, and moved on without further consideration.

But Hutchins wasn’t bothered.

Next to his roadster was a 1940 Ford owned by Tom Cronin, a car Hutchins said had once belonged to NASCAR driver Kenny Schrader.

Hutchins praised the Cars Changing Lives event and its impressive selection of vehicles.

“It’s one of the best around. The variety is incredible,” he said.

Another standout was a customized 1956 Ford F-250 owned by Rocky Keplinger.

Long described how Keplinger spent years rebuilding the truck, combining vintage styling with modern technology, including fuel injection, air conditioning, and upgraded cooling equipment.

The long-bed pickup featured beautiful paintwork that Keplinger had completed himself.

For Long, it was a perfect example of the craftsmanship and dedication that make car shows special.

A Jaguar Named Melissa

One particularly elegant vehicle was a restored 1968 Jaguar XKE owned by Bruce Benzie.

Long explained that Benzie originally purchased an XKE while serving in the Air Force in England.

The car was later restored in Pennsylvania and has become a regular sight at area car shows.

Benzie even gave the Jaguar a name: Melissa.

Long, who maintains the vehicle, joked that he gets nervous whenever he drives it.

A deer suddenly jumping into the road could mean a very expensive repair to a car that is difficult to restore.

The XKE’s long hood, flowing body lines, and classic British styling made it another favorite among the vehicles on display.

Long also recognized Benzie for supporting Cars Changing Lives, including donating a vehicle to the organization.

Community Support Makes the Show Possible

Although the impressive automobiles drew visitors to the fairgrounds, Long repeatedly emphasized that the event depended on volunteers, local organizations, and businesses.

Randolph-Macon Academy helped open the event with a presentation of the colors and assisted with parking.

Long said the academy holds a special place in his family’s heart because his son attended the school.

Walmart also sent volunteers to assist with the event.

The Cedarville Ruritans operated the food booth, serving breakfast sandwiches in the morning and hamburgers, hot dogs, and french fries throughout the day.

Long thanked the Warren County Fairgrounds for providing the venue at no charge.

“The Fairgrounds do this for free,” he said.

The show also featured door prizes, raffles, and numerous award categories recognizing different types of vehicles.

Organizers expanded the categories this year after learning that participants wanted newer cars, older classics, restored vehicles, and custom builds to compete with similar vehicles.

The show also included People’s Choice and other specialty awards.

Long said the organization continues to learn from other car shows and participants’ suggestions.

One improvement was introducing computer-generated vehicle placards using software Auto Care Clinic purchased.

Another was keeping the event relatively short, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., allowing participants to enjoy the show without giving up their entire Saturday.

Already Looking Ahead to Year Three

With the second annual show now in the books, Long is already thinking about next year.

Organizers hope to continue improving the event, expanding participation, and making it enjoyable for everyone who attends.

Despite the wind and cooler temperatures, Long considered the day a success.

“We had a great turnout. Fabulous turnout,” he said.

He also thanked the nonprofit’s board members, volunteers, sponsors, and everyone who helped organize the event.

But the biggest achievement may still be ahead.

With 95 vehicles already given away and five more nearly ready, Cars Changing Lives is approaching a milestone that seemed far off when Bill and Sandy Long began their effort to help neighbors in need.

The cars displayed at Saturday’s show represented decades of automotive history, engineering, and craftsmanship.

The vehicles Cars Changing Lives gives away represent something different.

They represent independence, opportunity, and a chance for someone to get their life moving in the right direction.

And as the organization nears its 100th vehicle giveaway, that’s what this car show was really about.

Residents interested in donating a vehicle, making a financial contribution, or learning more about the program can visit Cars Changing Lives.

Here is the winners list:

Specialty Awards

Class Awards