Calling All Classic Cars: Mokena Resident Leading Orland Car Show

Some people collect Lladró figurines. Some collect fishing lures. Not Mokena resident Larry Loven; he collects classic cars, 40 to be exact.

He hasn't had them all at once. But after years of collecting, he finally has the truck of his dreams. Stored in his garage is a 1955 Ford F-100. Nicknamed Rat Rod, it was one of the first popular hot rod trucks.

Rubbing his hand across the curve of the truck, Loven explained his new find.

"I got this on eBay for a very good price. It came from California. It's one of those rare vehicles that if you could find them, they are very expensive before you even work on them," Loven said. "Then, once you purchase a vehicle like this, you have to search all over the United States to find parts."

As Loven opened up the drivers door, he explained where he found bits and pieces of his new love.

"It's got a Model A steering wheel, wheels from St. Louis, a seat from Michigan and well yes, it's even got a gun rack," he said.

Loven is looking for other local car collectors to show off their own loves to benefit his church, Calvary Church of Orland Park.

"My job is to plan the car show at Calvary's Family Fun Day, which will be Saturday, Aug. 13 from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m.," the retired Bloom High School teacher sadi. "We want other communities to come see our new church, we want to show all the things we have to offer and to come out and see some unusual vehicles."

Loven invites those who want to show off their muscle machine or green Model T to join others on Aug. 13 at 16100 S. 104th Avenue in Orland Park. To show off your car, call Loven at 708-519-0115 or e-mail him at ldld72@yahoo.com.

"We'd like anyone who has an antique car or unusual vehicle to come and join us. However, we have limited number of spaces. We want to have about six to eight divisions of different cars. This is a twist, we would like to have the younger kids from 8 to 13 years of age do the voting."

There is no entry fee and awards and prizes will be given away.

"I know there will be several Corvettes, a few trucks, some 1960's muscle cars – just a wide range," Loven said. "Of course live music will be provided by Bernie Glim/Country Roads. They play all over the country at various venues. They just played with Jefferson Starship in New Lenox."

There is still time to join Calvary's Family Fun Day Classic Car Show. Other activities include carnival games, dunk tank, pony rides, mini golf and much more all for free. 

To take part in Calvary Church Orland Park Classic Car Show, contact Larry Loven at 708-519-0115 or e-mail him at ldld72@yahoo.com