For Kodwyck, cars are a spectator sport. He's not especially mechanical and the only wheels he owns are of the practical variety. But he and his 12-year-old son, Joey, have made it a hobby to check out other people's automotive handiwork at car shows throughout the region.
Three years ago, Kodwyck decided to turn his own interest into a fundraiser for the Amesbury Council of Churches.
Backed by the sponsorship of LeBaron Bonney Co. of Amesbury, which manufactures antique car interiors, he led the creation of the Carriagetown Antique, Classic & Street Rod Car Show.
On Saturday, more than 300 hobbyists are expected to rev their engines for the third annual car show at Amesbury's Woodsom Farm. The event will showcase 20 categories of automobiles - from the early Model As to trucks, Corvettes, T-Birds and Mustangs, to special interest and custom vehicles - with trophies awarded to the judges' top three picks in each division.
"These cars are spectacular," Kodwyck said. "These people put a great part of their lives into making their cars look perfect."
Amesbury is a natural place for a car show, Kodwyck said. While the town earned a solid reputation as the center of the world's carriage industry, it also began to develop a hold on the early automobile market when electric cars came on the scene. It was poised to enter the motorized car market, Kodwyck said, but ultimately lost out on capturing the automotive industry to Michigan, which had a ready supply of iron at its disposal.
"Our heritage in this industry is very strong," he said. "I'd like to create more awareness of it."
LeBaron Bonney is a logical sponsor. The company was founded in 1959 by two brothers, LeBaron and Jack Bonney Atherton, who owned a small chain of furniture stores. While restoring a Model A, they called on one of their upholsterers to create the interior and top after being unable to buy the parts on their own. The upholsterer's work drew raves at car shows and they launched the company in their garage.
Today, the business occupies the Chestnut Street Biddle & Smart Building, which was one of the premier carriage builders of its day. Le Baron Bonney, which bought Hampton Coach in 1985, primarily manufactures interiors for 1928 to 1954 Fords and General Motors vehicles from 1916 to 1955, with orders shipped to more than 75 countries.
"People who are hobbyists recognize our name," said LeBaron Bonney President Paul Case. "It's a nice event for us to be involved in."
Saturday's car show is expected to draw automobiles from across the North of Boston region and beyond. In addition to the show cars, the Amesbury police and fire departments will be displaying vehicles and apparatus and conducting demonstrations. A car and craft flea market is also planned.
Several nonprofit groups will be operating booths as well, while the Amesbury Lions Club will be in charge of parking cars, with a portion of the gate going to the group's coffers.
All of the day's proceeds will support the Amesbury Council of Churches, which organizes the event.
While the show is beginning to capture a following among hobbyists, Kodwyck also wants to see it become an annual spectator attraction for families.
"I'd like it to be something for folks who are older to say, 'Remember when,'" he said, "and for kids my son's age to learn that they had cars built like this years ago. I'd like them to be able to see how cars started, how they looked in the beginning and how they look now and see how they evolved."
If you go
What: Carriagetown Antique, Classic & Street Rod Car Show, to benefit Amesbury Council of Churches
When: Saturday, Aug. 19, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Woodsom Farm, Lion's Mouth Road, Amesbury
How: Spectator admission is $5 per carload. Show car admission is $5 in advance, $10 the day of the show. The event will be canceled in the event of inclement weather.
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