Car show raises nearly $8,000

LIME ROCK — The sixth annual Royals’ Garage Car Show at Lime Rock Park, held Sunday, May24, attracted more than 400 cars and raised close to $8,000 for Cancer Care Fund of the Litchfield Hills in association with Charlotte Hungerford Hospital.

The event is a joint production of the Royals family and of Lime Rock Park’s president, Skip Barber.

“Skip donates the track and its personnel, and we donate our time as a way to give something back to the community on a day when the track is closed to racing,” said Glenn Royals who, with his brother J.R., owns and operates the Royals’ Garage in Torrington.

Vintage auto enthusiast Robert Markovich did a report from the field on the show, noting in particular two unusual vehicles.

“When was the last time you saw two original, unrestored cars with their original owners?” he queried in his write-up. “Bill Eichner’s 1963 Ford Galaxy 500 looked as fresh as when he drove it off the showroom floor. 

“And Russ Truelove’s 1956 Mercury Monterey NASCAR stocker appeared to have just roared off the old Daytona Beach track, where he raced it that year. 

“Survivor cars also included a 1971 Dodge Hemi Challenger with 17,000 miles, a 26,000-mile 1993 Mazda RX7 that looked barely broken-in, and a red 1954 Austin-Healey 100 that was clearly driven and enjoyed.”

Trophies were awarded in four categories:

• Royals’ Crown: A 1969 Camaro Z/28 in Rally Green owned by David Stelly of West Granby, Conn.

• Veterans Vote: Torrington resident John Grunder’s 1929 Stutz Blackhawk.

• Skip’s Selection: Michael O’Brien of Collinsville, Conn., and his red-and-black 1934 Ford Cabriolet custom. 

• People’s Pick: Kerry Washay of Torrington’s metallic-blue 1960 Cadillac Coupe de Ville.