AMESBURY — Car lovers can motor down to Amesbury on Sept. 27 when the downtown area will be filled with hundreds of vintage vehicles.
The Carriagetown Car Show, which has been going on for approximately 10 years, will include about 300 cars from 1989 or earlier.
Alan Porter, one of the show’s founders, said people will be able to see a variety of vehicles for free as they stroll through downtown.
“You see a lot of different hot rods, you see a lot of different restorations of cars and a lot of what we call muscle cars, like Mustangs and Camaros. And, it’s just a complete variation from 1900 right up to 1989,” he said.
This year’s show marks the first without former Amesbury Mayor Ken Gray, who came up with the concept. Porter said Gray, who passed away on Oct. 22, 2024, was committed to the car show for many years even when his time as mayor concluded.
“He was very active in it all along, even after he wasn’t a mayor anymore. He was still very active, just a wonderful guy, and he really helped out a lot,” he said.
To honor Gray’s contribution to the show and the city, a special trophy in his name will be presented to one lucky car owner.
“That’s going to be for the best of the show will be his trophy, the Founder’s Award trophy. And, his widow is going to give it out,” Porter said.
The show not only draws car aficionados, but people with varying levels of interest looking to explore the city.
“It’s really just a great time. It’s for the whole family. Everyone would enjoy it, and it’s just walking through town on a beautiful day,” Porter said.
According to Porter, local businesses also engage in the event and sell food and drinks to attendees.
“It’s really wonderful, all the little stores and restaurants in town participate and come out onto the sidewalks and have breakfast sandwiches for sale, and coffee and things like that. So, it’s just great,” he said.
Bruce McBrien, a volunteer who plans on bringing his 1932 Ford to the show, said he enjoys seeing antique vehicles take over downtown.
“This car show is remarkable because it takes place in such a beautiful venue. We have the entire downtown and side streets become filled with just beautiful classics, customs, rods and antiques,” he said.
Those interested in bringing a car to the show are asked to give a $20 donation with proceeds going to two local organizations partnered with the show, the Amesbury Carriage Museum and Opportunity Works.
Opportunity Works Director of Development Kathleen Pruett said her organization enjoys planning and participating in the event.
“It’s been a great opportunity for us to bridge the gap between our programs based in Newburyport and our second location in Haverhill, and Amesbury has been a very supportive community,” she said.
Overall, Porter said the feedback from the Amesbury community has been overwhelmingly positive over the last decade.
“The town is really into it, everyone loves it,” he said.
In the case of inclement weather, a rain date for the show is scheduled for Sept. 28.