Classic rides at a classic eatery

Last Thursday evening, the parking lot at Gordy's HiHat was packed with plenty of cars that were new when the local roadside diner opened. But that was nearly 60 years ago ... and now both the cars and the restaurant are much admired classics.

It was that time of year again -- the annual Gordy's Hi-Hat Classic Car Show was Thursday, Aug. 1.

Jim Viner and Dave Couture admired Ken Landwehr's 1961 Chrysler 330G as Landwehr headed back to Duluth following the annual car show.

Viner, of Pike Lake, brought his five-window red 1951 Chevrolet truck to the show, while Saginaw's Couture brought both his 1968 and 1972 Chevelle cars. "I decided to come over to eat and look around," Viner said. "There's so many nice cars for this area. It's amazing."

... And the winners are ...

-The top prize Gordy's Choice Award went to a 1956 Mercury Montclair owned by Don and Sherry Nyburg. Contributed photo

-The Shirley Award for best convertible went to a 1962 Ford Sunliner owned by Donn Carl. Contributed photo

-The Mayor's Choice Award went to a 1966 Cyclone owned by Gary Blais. Contributed photo

-The Three Generations Award (selected by Gordy, Dan and Sever Lundquist) went to a 1967 Mercury M-100 pickup truck owned by Mary Ellen Hanson.

Photos of truck, Chrysler by Jana Peterson, Pine Knot News. Photo of Mercury contributed.