The Vero Beach Elks Lodge #1774 went into overdrive last Sunday as bumpers gleamed and engines revved at the eighth annual Father’s Day Car Show, where more than 90 classic, antique and collectible cars arrived to put their best wheels forward.

“We sponsor this on behalf of our veterans committee and partner with the Vietnam Veterans of Indian River County,” said organizer Craig Waskow, noting that event proceeds support Elks Charities and veteran’s assistance programs.

“The money that’s collected here is distributed to the veterans groups,” explained Michael Bodnar, of Vietnam Veterans of IRC. “We help homeless veterans find housing, transport them to the VA, help them with veterans claims and walk them through the Veterans Treatment Court.”

The car show always draws quite a crowd and this year was no exception. Fathers and sons oohed and aahed as they bonded over a lineup of vehicles chronicling the ages.

Fan favorites included a 1949 Mercury, 1966 Corvette Stingray, 1930 Model A Ford, 1960 Chevy Impala, 1955 Pontiac Star Chief, 1970 Ford Fairlane 500, 1929 Ford Model A and 1970 Buick Skylark Gran Sport convertible. In short, there was something for everyone.

Gearheads stood in clusters debating the merits of tires, the best place to get original parts, and the special techniques they used to restore their four-wheeled beauties to their former glory. Others sauntered through the lot, pointing out cars and sharing stories from bygone eras about the cars that got away.

“I had one just like this when I first came to the United States,” said Josie Noteman, as she lingered by a 1966 Corvette.

Gerry Weick said he bought his 1929 Ford Model A after his wife gave birth to their daughter 48 years ago, and a different gentleman was impressed with a car that had been in the same family since 1962.

Pointing to another, Jay Miller said, “I drove a car like that in 32 inches of snow during the 1949 Thanksgiving snowstorm. I drove a cab for the North Hills Cab Company before moving to Vero Beach.”

After taking a turn through the queue of polished beauties, auto enthusiasts purchased raffle tickets and listened to music by Lucy and Dick Kesler before heading inside to cool off and enjoy some lunch.

“Today is about camaraderie and it’s a nice day for dads and grandpas to take the little ones out and spend the day together,” said Waskow, who is already making plans for next year’s Father’s Day Car Show.