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JOY DAVIS-PLATTThe Christmas Car Show will turn the heads of custom car lovers, as well as take food drive donations and benefit a hospital.
SPRING HILL - For at least one Spring Hill man, the sounds of Christmas include revving engines.
On Saturday, Mike Morgan's holiday season will begin with a custom car show featuring dozens of souped-up and restored autos.
"We're hoping for a real good turnout," said Morgan, owner of Spring Hill Speed & Custom, a local retailer for stock and specialty auto parts. "This is a big thing for a lot of people."
Hot rods and other specialty cars appeal to more than just middle-age men, Morgan said; many aficionados are women, children and seniors.
"It's a very creative pastime," said Morgan, whose current project is a 1962 Chevrolet. "They add this or that to make it unique or keep it in original condition. A lot of people buy the cars they couldn't afford when they were kids."
For Morgan, the love affair with cars began at an early age, thanks to his uncles' custom auto business. By the time he was 11, the New York native had bought a car of his own to tinker with.
"I've been at this all my life," he said. "It's just good that there are people who want to keep these cars rolling."
Registration for the show is $15. Proceeds benefit All Children's Hospital, Morgan said. Observer admission is free, but nonperishable food will be collected for Jericho Road Ministries.
The Spring Hill Speed & Custom Christmas Car Show will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at Spring Hill Plaza, 7403 Spring Hill Drive. For information, call 686-4030.
- Joy Davis-Platt can be reached at 352 848-1435. Send e-mail to joy@sptimes.com