Car Clubs of America: Classic Cruisers Car Club Of Virginia

Classic Cruisers Car Club (CCCC) has been serving their Community for more than 20 years, and is proud to sya they are an active member of the Virginia Peninsula Car Club Council (VPCCC). By pulling together and using their individual knowledge, they are able to promote awareness of the automotive enthusiast community.

“We enjoy sharing our vehicles with each other and the public in a family-friendly environment,”         -Al Crane

The Classic Cruisers made their first appearance in 1993, in the historic coastal town of Poquoson, Virginia, with just 10 members. Under the guidance of  NHRA Drag Racing Hall of famer (class of 2010), Gene Ferguson, their first club president, the CCCC had a head start on the success they have today.

After several moves around the area, they finally found a permanent meeting home. For the last four years, they have held their meetings at Thomas Nelson Community College (TNCC).

The TNCC sponsors an annual car show to benefit students enrolled in their automotive technology program, and it sees an excellent turn out. This has turned out to be a great partnership.

TNCC car show benefits their automotive program.

The TNCC car show benefits the school’s automotive program.

Classic Cruisers Car Club has taken part in several charity events over the years to raise funds for everything from Children’s hospitals to awareness campaigns. To date, they have been able to assist local charities and families in need by donating more than $230,000. That’s a beautiful amount of money that is appreciated by all that are affected by their generosity.

The Cruises

Currently under Presidential advisement of Vince Filippone, the Cruisers hold 28-weekly Saturday night Cruise-Ins. Each one features 50 to 100 classic and modern show vehicles. These events are very popular with the locals and guests visiting Virginia’s “Historic Triangle,” Yorktown/Williamsburg/Jamestown. Events such as these, are held at the Coastal Community Church in Yorktown, Virginia, from mid-April to October.

This year, the Vice Chair of the York County Board of Supervisors, Sheila Noll, had the pleasure of kicking off the 2016 Cruise-In season.

Allan and Marci Hunt's 1963 Galaxie 500 and 1972 Demon

Many of the members are former uniformed service men and women from many backgrounds, ranging from NASA, DOD, US Government, and Newport News shipyard employees. Their service to our country is greatly appreciated, and their continued service to the community will not go unnoticed. Most members are now active in many other civic, church, and community organizations.

Every November, Alan and Marcie Hunt, fellow cruisers and husband/wife duo, organize a food drive during the Thanksgiving holiday to benefit the Peninsula Food Bank. This drive assists in making Thanksgiving dinner for families in need that they can be thankful for.

Dave, Cathy and Bently Johnson's 1967 Mustang.

Dave, Cathy, and Bently Jefferson’s 1967 Mustang.

The Car Cruisers’ youngest active member, Bentley Jefferson, has raised thousands of dollars with ‘Anthem LemonAid’. Her lemonade stand is a huge hit for both participants and spectators durning the summer month events, especially the Annual Virginia Fall Classic Car Show, held at the Newport News, Virginia, Park.

This event is also sponsored by the VPCCC. Bentley’s lemonade stand greatly benefits the fight against childhood cancer at the Children’s Hospital of the Kings Daughters. She attends all the Cruise-Ins with her parents, David and Kathy, who bring their 1967 Ford Mustang.

As a senior member at the young age of 82, Ray Colesworthy, is active in greeting event participants, assisting with the organization of parking, and spotting for drivers backing into their assigned spaces. Ray is a retired Aerospace Engineer, who had the honor of assisting in the NASA Apollo Mission, US ballistic missiles, and in transitioning military technology to civilian applications. At the age of fifteen, he owned his very first car, a 1936 Ford. He now owns a 1950 Ford sedan and a 1956 Ford Customline

Ray Colesworthy's 1950 and 1956 Fords

President, Vince Filippone, who served in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, and his wife, Cheryl, both originally from Long Island, moved to Virginia in 1971. They gained their membership into CCCC in 2003, and have held many offices over the years. They can be seen cruising around town in their 1957 Ford Ranchero.

Vince and Cheryl Filippone's 1957 Ford Ranchero

Vince and Cheryl Filippone’s 1957 Ford Ranchero

“We help owners in maintaining and upgrading their vehicles. We enjoy sharing our vehicles with each other and the public in a family-friendly environment,” says Al Crane, publicity manager, and proud owner of a 1949 Ford Custom Tudor. His wife Linda owns a beautiful 1965 Ford Mustang. Mr. Crane served his country in the US Air Force, and spent some time at Lowry Air Force Base to attend photo tech school in Denver, Colorado, enroute to Vietnam in 1966.

Al and Linda Crane's 1965 Mustang and 1949 Custom Tudor.

The support, love, and dedication this club shows to their community and the communities surrounding them cannot be captured in words.

Restoration Help For A True Legend

In 2014 the Cruisers hosted the restored New York Fire Department, Rescue Truck 4, and its crew. This is the truck and crew in which responded to the World Trade Center on September 11th. What an honor bestowed upon this group.

In addition to the NYFD rescue truck, the club hosted the York County, VA Fire Department “Project 55” Dodge Howe Fire Pumper Truck. The coolest part about this pumper truck is that it was restored with help from many of the Classic Cruisers club members. This particular event was held to honor all brave first responders.

Restored with pride and honor for our fallen heroes.

The club sponsors four major car shows every year for charity in Yorktown, Williamsburg, (Memorial Day & 4th of July) and during the Mathews, Virginia, Fall Market Days. In past years, the Cruisers have been known to hold special events to support people needing financial assistance due to expensive medical treatments or needs.

The CCCC was presented with a “Proclamation P13-13” from the city of Yorktown, Virginia, on July 13th of 2013, as well as being formally recognized for their 20th anniversary and 20 years of service to their community. July 13th is also Collector Car Appreciation Day. What a perfect day to receive such an honor.

“Be it Chevys, Mopars, Fords, Jeeps, sports cars, or novelty vehicles, our members display and show them with pride! If anyone has a problem with their ride, whether you are a member or a guest, you can find one of the ‘Cruisers’ with his/her sleeves rolled up and their head under the hood helping out.” Al Crane stated.

Come one come all. We love all cars and all car enthusiasts.

Come one come all. We love all cars and all car enthusiasts.

Having a strong staple like this car club in a community is something that should never go without notice. We are proud to share this group of, not only car enthusiasts, but also, folks with hearts that we should all be so lucky to look up to. Keep up the good work.

To find out more about the Classic Cruisers Car Club and their events, you can find them on Facebook or on their website.

Are you part of a car club that should be recognized? Let us know, and maybe your crew will be featured along side noteworthy clubs like this.

About the author

Nichole Holzli

Now a resident of Denver, Nichole grew up on a ranch in Southern California and relocated to a small town in Northern California upon starting high school. There she became a member of the Future Farmers of America, cultivating leadership skills and putting them into practice. Nichole has a passion for reading, a talent for writing, and a lifelong love affair with cars. She is married with four children and provides content for Power Automedia as a freelance writer.
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