Cars at the Cabin showcases dream cars from all generations
by Chris Studor
Maybe a 1966 Dodge Charger has always been your dream car, or maybe you’ve always pictured yourself behind the wheel of a Formula I race car?
Whatever your ideal set of wheels may be, there’s a good chance it was among the 100-plus cars standing proud at the Hinckley Car Club’s 2nd Annual Cars at the Cabin.
The show, which took place Aug. 7 at the Brooklyn Exchange Cabin in the Hinckley Reservation, brought in more than 500 car owners and visitors, according to Car Club President Ron Wayda.
The event is the highlight of the year for the Hinckley Car Club, a nonprofit organization for those passionate about automobiles and motorcycles, including restoration, modification and promotion of classic, antique and specialty vehicles. The group was casually organized in 2021 by five Hinckley automobile fanatics who decided to form a social car club.
This fall, club members will be working to establish a formal club with regular meetings and dues.
“The club is designed to be a vehicle to bring people together with the same interest and promote good will within the community,” Wayda said. “Our main goal is to raise funds for charitable purposes through car shows, cruises and other events.“
The main recipients of the car club’s proceeds are used to support The Brooklyn Exchange Club, part of the National Exchange Club, whose primary objective is to prevent child abuse. This year the car club donated $700 to the Exchange Club. In addition to donating to the Exchange Club, patrons coming to the Cars at the Cabin stuffed a truck with more than $750 in pet food and supplies, which were donated to the SPCA Parma No Kill Shelter, said Jason Herb, club treasurer,
Following the first Cars at the Cabin event in 2021, it was clear local car enthusiasts were roaring to come back. Parked right by the front cabin stood a mint Model-T Ford. In contrast, several feet away, stood a 2019 GT-S Porsche owned by Scott and Lynn Kennedy of Hinckley.
The Kennedy’s are no strangers to the racing community. Scott has taken top honors twice in his lifetime with his Formula I race cars. His wife, Lynne, also raced but said one of her most memorable experiences “was taking a class from the legendary Bobby Rahal.”
On down the field of cars, showing off his 1966 Dodge Charger, was Ron Rucinski from Strongsville, who was named one of this year’s prizewinners.
“I’ve owned the car for 22 years,” he said. “It’s not about winning, I just enjoy being in the shows.”
Hinckley Township native Lisa Amentini attended the show with her husband Mark and proudly showed off their 1970 Dodge Charger R-T 440 Six Pack. Parked right next to the Charger, was John Herman of Hinckley with his 1935 Auburn.
“The Auburn has its original engine, I’ve had it since 1989,” he said.
This year’s Cars at the Cabin car show winners were as follows; Joe Flowers, 1969 Ford Mustang; Rick Urban, 1970 Dodge Coronet; and Ron Rucinski, 1966 Dodge Charger. The three vehicles and their owners garnered a great deal of attention – as did the unique trophies they received, which were formed of a variety of car parts welded together. ∞