- March 26, 2025
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Parrish resident Billy Gallagher used to live in Lakewood Ranch. Now, he visits monthly for the car show.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBilly Gallagher's 2004 Thunderbird looks as if it was just driven off the lot.
Photo by Lesley DwyerAn antique Chevrolet pickup truck parks along Main Street at Lakewood Ranch for the Classic Car Show.
Photo by Lesley DwyerParrish's Valerie Kleine doesn't own this antique Chevrolet pickup, her outfit just happens to match it.
Photo by Lesley DwyerEd's Tavern hosts a Classic Car Show on the first Wednesday of every month from 5-8 p.m.
Photo by Lesley DwyerA 1965 Datsun 320 hauls a vintage Honda motorcycle in its cab.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBradenton's Mary Wingate and Lakewood Ranch's Frank Lee stop to admire a 1965 Datsun 320. Lee said the model used to be as popular as the Ford F150.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThis baby blue Chrysler Windsor attracts a steady crowd at the car show.
Photo by Lesley DwyerHoods up for the car show. This is the engine of a 1969 Chevrolet Camaro.
Photo by Lesley DwyerLakewood Ranch's Deb Meeks and Jill Carpenter take a walk through the car show after having dinner at Casa Maya.
Photo by Lesley DwyerThe owner of this purple dune buggy has a sense of humor.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBraden Woods resident Gary Hatfield stands behind his 2005 Jaguar XKR.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBradenton's Joe Parisian is down to "only" four cars. The one he brought to the car show is a 1996 Buick Riviera. Parisian estimates that he's owned 40 cars in his lifetime.
Photo by Lesley DwyerBilly 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.
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.
