Cars stir drivers’ imaginations
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
Whether you have a driver’s license or not, chances are you’ve probably imagined yourself driving a particular car, with your personality reflected in the make and model you envision.
PRIDE AND JOY — Classic cars ranging from models dating back to the 1930s to vehicles from the ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s up to the present were featured Sept. 29 in a car show at Rob’s Pit Stop on the Fort Road in Presque Isle. 
Funds raised from the event will help David Cowett, a former resident of Presque Isle undergoing cancer treatment, with expenses related to his care. Entries included cars from as far away as Massachusetts and parts of Canada, with the Best of Show going to a 1964 Cadillac owned by Eli Murchison of Presque Isle. Show host Rob Cowett’s 1979 Camaro is pictured at left, and at center is the oldest car in the show, a 1931 Graham owned by Gerald Michaud.
For some, the dream comes true. Such is the case for Rob Cowett, of Presque Isle, and his dream machine.
“My 1979 Z28 (Chevy Camaro) was one of my first babies. I bought it in high school with 42,000 original miles and today it has around 47,000. I keep it stored most of the time but get it out for an occasional car show,” said Cowett, who recently had the vehicle on display at the first annual Rob’s Pit Stop Car Show on the Fort Road. “I’ve had other cars but this is my favorite.”
Another car enthusiast, Niles Stephenson, formerly of Presque Isle and now residing in Waynesville, Missouri, has had a number of classic vehicles over the years but has found himself favoring a particular make for much of his life.
“My favorite is the ‘57 Chevy Belair. It has a style all its own. I had one in high school, one a few years later and have one again now,” said Stephenson.
Brian Clark, formerly of Presque Isle and now living in Milford, Kansas, said the Ford Mustang has always drawn his attention.
“I own a ‘66 Mustang. I got it in 1980 and it is in the garage at home now. It needs some work but my son used it for the prom a couple years back,” said Clark. “It’s a straight six and automatic.”
Clark said as for the “fantasy wheels, a Mustang or Camaro with an engine that would leave rubber in all four gears, as the Beach Boys sang,” would be his choice.
Female responses appeared to be more on the practical side.
Brenda Audiss, Clark’s sister who also once lived in Presque Isle and now resides in Erie, Kansas, said she’s had the pleasure of driving her brother’s car but as for a dream car, “as long as it runs and gets me to and from work, that’s all I care about.”
Sue McPherson, of Westfield, said an original KITT car as portrayed in the “Knight Rider” television series would be interesting to own.
“The talking car that helped David Hasselhoff escape bad guys on the ‘80s TV series ‘Knight Rider’ is up for sale on eBay. The black 1984 Pontiac Trans Am is being sold to satisfy debts of a slain real estate developer,” said McPherson.
McPherson said while KITT is interesting, she prefers more practical vehicles.
“Instead of the KITT car I ended up with a turquoise and white convertible 1994 Chrysler LeBaron. It turned out to be a great car for me. I loved cruising with the top down. I miss it but I see it still going. I sold it to buy my current Honda. It has a sunroof and is very economical. It’s a bright red,” said McPherson, noting, “I had to settle for practicality these days.”
