Car show drives business to Lakewood Ranch Main Street

Billy Gallagher’s 2004 Ford Thunderbird looks the same today as it did when he drove it off the lot in 2003. 

On Feb. 5, he parked the cherry red beauty on Main Street at Lakewood Ranch for the Classic Car Show hosted by Ed’s Tavern on the first Wednesday of each month from 5-8 p.m. 

Gallagher said the key to keeping a car looking brand new is to never let it get too dirty. Little messes are okay, but big messes are a no-no. He’s got a few other tips, as well. 

1. Never allow anyone to eat or drink in the car. 
2. While it’s a “pricey endeavor,” protect the paint job with a ceramic coating.
3. Park at the far end of the Publix parking lot, so it never gets nicked by a shopping cart.

The Thunderbird is just about to hit 50,000 miles because driving it is so much fun that Gallagher can’t let it sit in the garage all the time. 

He participates in the car show because he gets a thrill when others love his car as much as he does.

Gallagher said he’s always been “a Thunderbird guy.” It started when he saw one in the movie “American Graffiti.” 

“I thought if I get the car, I can get the girl,” he said.