It was another outstanding motorsport weekend in Yorkton. The annual Fox FM Cruise Night, Dream Rides Show and Shine as well as a drag race meet at the local airport featured antique, classic and competition vehicles for local auto afficionados to admire.
The weekend kicked off with the annual Fox FM Cruise Night cruise night at the Gallagher Centre, offering a variety of cars from restored antiques, custom restor-a-tions, sports cars and trucks.
One of the vehicles on display was the 1947 Chevrolet Fleetline owned by Mike Dirven of Churchbridge. The custom restoration vehicle was equipped with Mini-cooper headlights, a 454 Chevy engine, power steering, power brakes, air conditioning and an overdrive transmission. The roof was chopped six inches. The door handles and trunk lid were shaved. The car has been decked. The restor-ation was performed by a hot rod shop in South Carolina, USA. "They did everything," Dirven states.
Dirven claims he drives the Chevy as much as he can when weather and time permit.
A self-described re-tired farmer, Dirven currently owns six classic vehicles, including a 1969 Camaro SS convertible, a 2010 Camaro, a 1966 Chevelle SS, 1971 GMC Pro Street truck, a 1951 Chevy Pro-Street truck in addition to his Chevy Fleetline.
Growing up in the 1960's Dirven began to admire the muscle cars of his older brother and his friends. "If everyone is allowed one addiction, cars is mine," he admits.
Dirven has passed on his passion for classic cars to his younger son Michael. Michael's preference is somewhat broader as it extends to foreign models.
Michael, who's currently too young to drive, is working on getting one of his dad's vehicles, Dirven jokes.
