Car rally heats up in Carson City; Reno next

"I've been going to car shows and this stuff since I was 13," said Bill Reese, who owns a car restoration business in Reno. "That's all I do. I'm a car bum."

Reese and his wife, Barbara, have a silver and red 1953 Buick Riviera at the show, which runs through Sunday.

Carson City Deputy Bill Glenn led the opening parade Friday night in a two-door 1954 Chevrolet patrol car. He said the rally is about more than just cars.

"They have respect for the era. There was a sort of post World War II euphoria. I think most in my age group look nostalgically at that period now," he said.

Don Wofford, 68, San Diego, has a bright red 1940 Ford coupe modified as a street rod. He also owns a restored 1987 Chevy El Camino but kept that vehicle at home.

"It's not my entire life like it seems to be for some people," Wofford said after registering at the Pony Express Pavilion.

"But I certainly enjoy being around cars. I like to restore them and fix them and drive them down the road. I've had a special interest in cars since high school."

Later, as Wofford became involved in the automobile business, his interest intensified. He said he owned an automobile manufacturing firm, with factories in Whittier, Calif., and in Tennessee, which makes lead wheel weights.

Like many, Wofford said he came to the Reno area for his third Hot August Nights.

While visiting friends in Carson City, he said he learned about the Silver Dollar Car Classic, designed as a low-key, small-town event and thought of as a kinder, gentler version of Hot August Nights.

Although he witnessed part of the riot that marred last year's event in Reno, he said it didn't deter him from returning. He said changes ordered by law enforcement on the consumption of alcohol should help make the event peaceful this year.

Wofford said the activities surrounding car shows - such as rock 'n' roll music and swap meets where car owners search for parts - make them a special draw.

"Sometimes you see people walking away from a swap meet with what looks like junk. But to them it's treasure."

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