By Brenda Maguire
CORRESPONDENT
NEW BRITAIN — Whether it’s a Lamborghini, a classic car, or a hybrid bus, the New Britain Car Show is looking to please all visitors with a variety of automobiles.
New Britain will be holding its fifth annual car show on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m at Central Park in downtown New Britain.
“I think it’s a good time,” said Gerry Amodio, executive director of the New Britain Downtown District. “Everybody likes to walk around and look at cars.”
This year the show is expected to have more than 200 vehicles. Amodio is predicting a large increase from last year because the show is starting to be established as a premier event. Amodio also expects attendance to grow drastically from last year, when more than 1,000 people attended the show.
“New Britain and Central Connecticut has a real love of old cars and customized cars,” William Millerick, president of the New Britain Chamber of Commerce, said. “There are a lot of (car) shows in the area and the New Britain one is one of the best.”
Capozzi’s Custom Car Line Inc. of New Britain will be providing a Lamborghini, Ferrari and Porsche. A new hybrid-fueled, high-efficiency bus and others from CT Transit will also be on display. New Britain High School will be providing its solar car and bio-fuel car.
“They’re rolling works of art,” Millerick said.
Connecticut Light & Power will have an electric car on display. There will also be a variety of antique cars and cruisers. Anyone is welcome to display their cars in the show without a fee.
“This is an opportunity for people to go out and show their cars,” Amodio said. “Some people put so much time and money into their cars.”
There will be 20 trophies awarded, including the Mayor’s Trophy for best in show. There will also be a 50/50 raffle to benefit New Britain Police Explorers. Admittance to the event is free. Many local resturants will be open during the event, including Liberty Pizza and Leafs and Pages.
Tony C. Music Box Productions will provide the music. There will also be guest accordion player Mike Platoz.
The New Britain Car Show is made possible by the support of sponsors and the Constitution State Classic Car Club.
“It’s a really nice way to spend an autumn Saturday,” Millerick said. “The Downtown District does a very nice job in putting this together.”
For more information call (860) 673-2483, e-mail mattwilk@ymail.com, or go to http://www.newbritaindd.com.
Brenda Pantano 