Peotone Car Club’s annual car show had a couple hurdles to cross this year, but it made it to the finish line, nevertheless.

Faced with downpours of rain and a flood alert, along with a loss of parking spaces because of the recent downtown streetscape renovations, club officials had to do some shuffling to make it work.

The rain pushed the show back a day, but 128 cars lined up anyway.  Although there were fewer cars than previous years, PCC President Todd Sandberg said it worked out well considering it was the first year since the streetscape.

“We’re really thankful we got the chance to hold the show this year and super thankful for all our loyal supporters who come out every year,” he added.

“It really was a last minute decision, but with the help of the Peotone Police Department, we were able to pull it off.”

Now marking its 38th year, the traditional, judged show is older than some of the cars that were on display. 

This was the first year for an antique car show format, requiring cars to be at least 25 years old to be eligible for judging. Last year, the show required that cars be made before 2017. That had to be revised to 2000 because Illinois requires a vehicle to be 25 years old to get antique plates and because there was a loss of parking due to the streetscape.

Brenda Reed’s beautifully restored red 1940 Chevy Coupe took home the trophy for Best in Show.

Dairon Preston from Monee was a close second, winning the Greasy Cheek Best in Show with a pristine 1956 Chevy Bel Air.

Cars are judged by club members and volunteers. 

Peotone Car Club was founded in 1987. President Todd Sandberg is the only charter member still active in the club. The club hosted its first exhibition that year, and it has continued annually since then.

Also featured this year was a pizza-eating contest sponsored by Tony’s Pizza. Seven contestants vied for the bragging rights.

In a two-way race for the crown, social media favorite Goldie Frocks was named Miss Peotone Peach 2025.

The cars displayed in the show often have interesting back stories, and Brenda Reed’s is among them.

“My late husband purchased the car when he was 38 years old,” she said. “He purchased the 1940 Chevrolet Businessman Coupe Special Deluxe for $4,500 in July, 1985, from Micheal J. Gattone, from New Lenox. The Coupe was a gasser, having a 1965-66  396 big block engine, and Chevelle 1968-72 seats, along with big wide back tires with skinny front tires with five-inch side pipes. 

“John loved that car,” the Wilton Center resident said.

“The first time I knew of the car was in 1991. I worked at Gallagher’s Pub in Manhattan and lived in an apartment across the parking lot from the pub. One day while getting ready for work, I heard this very loud engine revving up. When I walked out, there was a mob of people standing around. I could not see anything but people, yet I heard that engine. Next thing I saw was a red front end of a car above the people and the screech of the tires as the car took off. I never heard any more about the car or who was in the car. Even knowing John at that time, he never mentioned it to me, anyway. 

“In 1992, John and I would end up dating. He took me to see his house one day, when he opened his garage door, and  there she sat. That big red beast I had seen up at Gallagher’s that day. I was shocked! I said, ‘Oh my god, it’s that car!’

“John said, ‘It’s my car,’ and I  repeated, ‘It’s that car that I saw at Gallagher’s racing off with the front end in the air.’ John replied, ‘Oh yeah, that was me and Earl (John’s friend). We were bar-hopping that day.’    

“He went on to say the car kept overheating, so he was not able to drive it, but still kept the tags and insurance on the car.”  

After Brenda and John married, the Coupe was pushed into the pole barn, where she sat until he could work on her when he retired.

“He wanted a smaller engine for the car and a wolf whistle,” Brenda explained. 

“It was a project that never happened. My kids, friends, and his niece and nephews all loved hearing stories and seeing the car as she sat in the barn. She sat for nearly 30 years in that barn.

“In 2017, John suffered a stroke and a brain aneurysm. Losing all hope on his beloved car. We were lucky to have nine months with John to get things in order. As his health declined, I promised him I would restore his Coupe, and he would get his last ride in his car.

“He looked at me with a smile and said, ‘That would be cool.’

“John passed in January 2018 from another brain aneurysm.” 

Then, the headaches began.

“I started out going to the DMV to get the title changed. They took the title and sent it to Springfield. I would receive a letter from the Secretary of State stating there is an error with the VIN number. I used the one on the bill of sale John had when he bought the car, along with his original registration of the car and the VIN for auto insurance when he had it. 

“Showing all that information at the DMV,  I also had to have affirmation of appraisal for the car, a security Bond for Registration without a title. The DMV took the title, and it’s in Springfield, and a statement of ownership of how I got the car.

“I made several calls to the Secretary of State’s office during this time. So many that the man I dealt with knew me. As soon as I said my name, he would always ask ‘Mrs. Reed, how is that Coupe doing?’ He was very helpful. 

“(With) the affirmation of appraisal and trying to verify the VIN, I reached out to Todd Sandberg of the Peotone Car Club, whom my son had known. Todd came out to the barn with Bill, who was familiar with 1940 Chevys. They did not find the VIN on the car and also confirmed the engine number was different from the VIN I supplied to the state. (I was told I was using the engine number for the VIN). 

“Todd and Bill were so helpful showing me what was original to the car – the engine, transmission, about the seats, rear end and appraised it at $4,000, as is. Todd signed the paperwork for me in October of 2018. 

“I always said after that I would bring the car to Peotone once it gets done, just out of gratitude for Todd and Bill. I would continue my work as to how I got the car and the confirmation from Todd and Bill that the car I am trying to get titled is correct. I would continue my work to get the VIN for the car, so I could get a title. I had to have law enforcement from Will County come out to see the car. I had everything John had for the car. He could not believe I was having such an issue with all the information supplied. 

“I was denied again. Next, I had to have a member of the State Police out. He agreed with me and others with what the car was. I finally was able to have the state assign a VIN number, and they sent out an officer and put it on the car for me. I received a title with the new VIN and my name in December of 2018.”

She began searching for someone who could restore the car. 

“I was unsuccessful, as I did not really have any knowledge of auto restoration. I finally was told of a guy in Missouri who could help me. Labor was $47 per hour, plus parts. 

“Having family in Missouri and close by, I had the car towed down. I used EMT towing for each local tow. Charlie was always great to work with. I explained what I wanted and what I did not want. I want the car to stay as much as it is, but be a driver. I also wanted the engine for a cousin that lived nearby. The steering wheel was a must-keep as that is what all the kids played with while in the car.

“I went to see my car once a month. Things were happening that were not supposed to be. 

“After a year and a half, I had to take possession of my car. The shop had cherry-picked my car and sold items from it not meant to be sold. I got $400 credit for miscellaneous items: the Chevelle seats, engine and transmission, and the wheels. Not to mention other stuff. The shop painted the car matching the color to the car and loose-bolted it so I could trailer it back home. I was told my steering wheel was in a tote, later to be told it was sold on eBay! I threatened to get an attorney over that one. I received my steering wheel in the mail a few months later.”

Brenda turned to  Tom Lange Auto, a shop that only deals with Chevy and classics. 

“He came and saw the car and all my totes full of old and new parts. He agreed to finish it.”

“He was great, keeping the car true to what I wanted. He was able to put the steering wheel on and the wolf whistle John so much wanted. Fuel injection system twice – the first one went out with zero miles on it.

“It was a blessing to find Tommy. Tommy found a guy to do my chrome, as it was in bad shape, Tom also found the chrome for the sides for me. I personally made the arrangements for the chrome and drove it all to Quincy, Illinois, and picked it up when it was done. I learned more about my car from Bill at Precision Chrome. It was truly fascinating to learn so much. I had the car towed to Kankakee to get the glass installed and the headliner made. 

“I found Stitches upholstery in New Lenox to do my interior, making door panels to match what the car had, plus carpeted the trunk and interior. 

“In 2023, I thought the car was done. I went to have it clear coated, but first a touch-up to the paint from scratches and chips received along the way. I found Carriage House Restorations in New Lenox. I still was skeptical of shops with my car, not having a lot of trust or faith. Tom Anderson and Rick at Carriage House were wonderful. They have had my car a few times the past year and a half. Installed a back up camera, changed out the side mirrors, fixed a leak, and educated me on the radiator. They are my go-to guys. All the staff is so nice and just great to work with. 

“The car is now complete, with Clear Coating, has rack-and-pinion steering, Vintage air, full rust-proofing under coating, Mustang front end. The back glass is original with the sticker still in place as it was when John bought the car. Most of the chrome is original, and the frame is original. 

“I kept my promise to have the car redone. Determination and persistence, along with aggravation and tears got me through it.

“The car finally made it to the Peotone Car Show this year. To me, she is not a show car, I never dreamed of ever winning anything with the car. She is just a treasure to me and my family that we are proud to share. 

“And my journey was possible thanks to Todd and Bill, from the Peotone Car Club, for their help getting me started.

“John will be getting his promised ride this year.”

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