Hemmings' August 2025 Cruise-In Brings Out Collector Cars and Crowds

A Night of Nostalgia and Community in Bennington

Bennington, Vermont, experienced a vibrant evening on August 14 as nearly 250 cars and hundreds of spectators gathered downtown for the fourth The News Pulse Cruise-In of the 2025 season. This event, organized in partnership with the Better Bennington Corporation, has become a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike. It offers a unique blend of vintage vehicles, live music, and community spirit that makes it the perfect way to spend a summer evening.

The cruise-in is free to attend, and guests can enjoy a variety of attractions. Vintage cars from different eras line the streets, showcasing everything from classic muscle cars to rare models. Local bands perform throughout the night, adding to the lively atmosphere. For those looking for a snack, The News Pulse’s vintage AA Ford popper serves fresh popcorn, while nearby restaurants and taverns offer food and drinks for purchase.

This year's event will be followed by one final gathering on September 11, running from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Due to shorter daylight hours, this will be the last opportunity to experience the cruise-in before the season ends. Those interested in staying updated can check The News Pulse online or contact them directly via email at events@The News Pulse or by calling 1-800-227-4373.

Notable Vehicles and Their Stories

One of the standout cars was Tom Forgatch’s 1936 Chevrolet panel. Purchased in 1964 and later sold during his time in the Navy, he eventually bought it back in 1998 as a project. Over the next 14 years, he transformed it into a head-turning hot rod featuring a 350 V8 engine and various modern upgrades. Known as “The Pie Wagon” among friends, it was a fitting choice for the Bennington Pizza House.

Another regular at the event was Mark Piechowski’s 1969 Mercury Cougar Eliminator, a car that had previously been featured in The News Pulse’s Muscle Machines series. With eight ’69-’70 Cougars in his collection, Mark is a true enthusiast of Mercury’s pony cars.

Ed Flynn’s 1970 International Scout SR-2 also made an appearance, this time with its full Travel Top in place. Under the hood was the optional International 304 V8, making it a unique addition to the lineup.

Bob and Laraine Dastalto’s 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Nomad showcased worn brown paint and vintage pinstriping, with stickers inside from the South Glens Falls Dragway. Dave Hale’s 1978 Avanti II, which he has owned for 40 years, was in excellent condition, featuring a Chevrolet 350 engine and numerous modern comforts.

Rare Models and Custom Builds

Ed Allmond brought his 1967 Buick Skylark convertible, a classic example of the brand’s performance-oriented models. His other vehicle, a ’67 GS 400 convertible, also made an appearance. Meanwhile, Paul Steinberg’s 1962 Chevrolet Cotner-Bevington ambulance was a highlight of the show, beautifully restored and drawing attention from all who saw it.

A stunning Glade Green 1962 Dodge Polara 500 convertible, ordered new in Lakewood, Colorado, was another notable entry. The car, one of just over 2,000 built that year, had been recently restored and maintained in excellent condition.

John Racicot’s 1962 Chevrolet Impala SS was a rare sight, featuring a 327 four-speed engine and a red bucket-seat interior. Gene Charney’s ERA GT40 replica, built over several years, was a crowd favorite. Featuring a 1965 Ford 289-cu.in. K-code engine and authentic components, it was a testament to his dedication.

Unique and Custom Creations

Jim Kautz’s 1973 Dodge D100 Adventurer SE was another long-time presence at the event. The truck, now equipped with a modified 408-cu.in. engine and performance parts, showed off its street-ready modifications.

David Anthony’s ’60 Corvair coupe, with its period light green exterior and darker green interior, stood out for its clean condition and factory four-speed manual transmission. Mike and Rick Abdalla’s ’69 Plymouth Road Runner, featuring a Hemi engine, was another eye-catching entry, though their story remains untold for now.

Bill Wise’s ’61 Corvair Greenbrier van added a nostalgic touch to the event, complete with a copy of The News PulseClassic Car magazine that had once featured it on the cover.

With each event, the cruise-in continues to bring together car enthusiasts, families, and the local community in a celebration of automotive history and craftsmanship.