Classic Cars, Timeless Memories: A Look Back at the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show

Thank you to our classic car owners, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, and attendees who made the 2025 Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show a resounding success! This year’s event welcomed 5,100 attendees from over 70 different cities, and showcased 220 classic cars.

Guests explored the impressive lineup of classic cars, browsed the Farmers Market, enjoyed live music at Knapp Heritage Park, checked out the UTA racing car, and joined in on family-friendly activities with the Arlington Public Library. 

The Family Truck

Randy Quesenberry’s 1966 Ford F-100 has become a part of the family. After four generations starting with his father, Quesenberry’s daughter and grandson have shared a piece of the family heirloom. The truck was there when he got married, during his honeymoon and countless other family events. 

Nickleberry’s Black Cherry

The Black Cherry stripes on Gralon Nickleberry’s 1975 Pontiac Formula glistens in the sun contrasting against the Caviar paint. Nickleberry began customizing the car about eight years ago. “Every car out here, that you see on this lot, I guarantee you they have a story,” Nickleberry said, “There's a story behind them.”

Nelson’s 1957 Dark Red Bel Air

Mike Nelson’s RestoMods, an old school looking car with modern day technology, 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air has air ride suspension and a Corvette motor. At each car show Nelson has attended, he looks forward to the fellowship built between other car enthusiasts. He likes seeing younger generations keeping the classics tradition alive. “When guys like me are gone, I have a fear of this interest or enthusiast type environment will be gone too,” he said. 

Handmade with Heart

Rick Crawford has dreamed of owning a 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air since he was eight years old when his dad brought him to the new Chevrolet show in 1955. It wasn’t until just eight years ago he was able to realize that goal. With a pretty perfect body, Crawford has worked on everything from the radiator back to the rear end.

Judi and Jack’s 67 Beetle 

Judi Sheedy and Jack Sheedy cool off inside a 1967 Volkswagen Sedan during the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show on June 7 at Vandergriff Town Center. Over 200 classic cars shared the streets with their owners, sharing stories, admiration and enthusiasm. Cars were awarded near the end of the show for “Best in Show,” “Mayor’s Choice,” “Best Hometown Car,” and the crowd-favorite “People’s Choice Award.”

Liam and Trisha’s ‘65 Mustang

Trisha and Liam Frey pose for photos inside of a 1965 Ford Mustang GT convertible owned by Doug Hopton-Jones. They came to the show to support great grandpa who was showing his car. Trisha grew up attending shows with her dad and as an Arlington resident, she enjoys coming to local events. 

Bonnie the Biscayne 

Growing up as the youngest of a bunch of brothers, Tim McCloskey remembers being tasked with climbing under the car to work on them. Now, it has become a frequent hobby, working on his 1958 Chevy Biscayne. McCloskey’s wife added her own touch to the vehicle, painting a sunburst beach after Biscayne beach in Miami. 

Kristopher Mims explores the inside of a 1958 Chevy Biscayne during the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show on June 7 at Vandergriff Town Center. Mims is a big monster truck fan, but today was all about cars. Kids played with foam playgrounds, giant chess, Connect 4 and get Hot Wheel souvenirs. 

Best in Show

Paul Wolter won first place overall during the Downtown Arlington Classic Car Show on June 7 at Vandergriff Town Center. Wolter bought his 1964 Chevrolet Corvette over 30 years ago. He’s done everything to the car from the wheels and interior, reupholstering the seats with his wife. 

Jamie’s Replica Model 40 Roadster

Born and raised in Fort Worth, Jamie OPelt knew from the start that when he began building a car, it would be Dallas Cowboys-themed. It was built as a fan car but it’s interest in the fan community has snowballed. Former Cowboys player Randy White was the first to sign the car and since then the 1933 Ford replica has collected dozens of signatures from players, gone to a number of events and shows, and been the backdrop to well over 10,000 fan photos.

Your Hometown Car Show

The setting for the Car Show could not have been any more perfect. The Arlington Music Hall oozes history, harkening back to it's history as a picture house. Vandergriff Town Center was practically made for a car show, as the first Chevy dealership in Arlington.