CARIBOU, Maine — Spectators parked across the street and down the road from Burger Boy on Sunday to take a look at rare and vintage automobiles.
The event was organized by Burger Boy owner Spenser Ouellette and the husband-and-wife team of Linda and Steven Hartford.Unlike a conventional car show, there were no trophies or vehicle classes. Instead, those who brought vehicles were eligible to win over 60 prizes provided by local merchants.
“This is a long-running event,” said Ouellette. “We’ve done it for many years.”
While Ouellette has owned Burger Boy for four years, he says that the previous owners have been holding similar events in the 1990s and 2000s.
“When I bought the place, I wanted to keep the tradition,” Ouellette said. “We’ve teamed up with the Hartfords every year and have put on a great show.”
The restaurant owner says that some people reach out to him via the Burger Boy Facebook page while he calls others to see if they’re interested in displaying their vehicles.”
“People really enjoy coming out,” said Linda Hartford. “It’s a bit different than a normal car show where there are trophies. Our sponsors have been very generous in giving us prizes for the event, and we appreciate their generosity.”
Steve Hartford brought one of his own vehicles, a 1967 Ford Galaxie 500, to the show last Sunday.
“I found this car in Easton, where it had been parked since 2001,” said Steve. “It took almost two years to restore everything.”
“He did a great job restoring the outside of the car,” said Linda. “It really looks authentic to the era.”
Raymond Michaud sat next to his ‘69 Oldsmobile Cutlass S during the show, and says it is his third time at the Burger Boy car show.
“I’ve been to other car shows in Littleton, Houlton, Madawaska, and to some in Canada,” said Michaud.
On the other side of the lot, Tony Gumprecht stood next to a Meyers Manx Street Roadster.
“The story goes that this was the number three Meyers Manx SR off the assembly line,” said Gumprecht. “The original company started in California, and this one was part of a Sweepstakes in Connecticut. The gentleman who won it there sold it to an individual in the Ashland area, and then my father-in-law bought it from him, and that’s how it ended up in my family.”
Gumprecht says the vehicle is a 1970s kit on top of a 1964 Volkswagen frame with a 1965 Corvair engine inside.
“This is one of, I believe, two hundred of these cars made from the original molds designed by Bruce Meyers himself,” said Gumprecht.
Overall, the Burger Boy owner was pleased with the event’s turnout.
“It’s been a great year,” said Ouellette, “and a great summer with the weather. We’ve been seeing more and more cars coming up and filling the parking lot.”
