Dan and Tracy Crumbaugh's 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, a rare all-original car, is on display Saturday, June 21, at the Lighthouse Shelter's annual car and motorcycle show. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

But there are still car and motorcycle enthusiasts in the area -- too many, in fact, not to have a club, according to Dan and Tracy Crumbaugh of Miami.

The Crumbaughs are among several car collectors in the area who are reviving the club. They recently held an organizational meeting and are holding a barbecue at 5 p.m. Saturday, June 28, at Indian Foothills Park in Marshall to continue the process.

Tracy Crumbaugh poses by the Trans Am she and her husband displayed at the Lighthouse car show. The couple are helping resurrect a Saline County car and motorcycle club and will host a barbecue at Lion Shelter in Indian Foothills Park Saturday, June 28, at 5 p.m. (Eric Crump/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Tracy Crumbaugh said she isn't sure why the previous club eventually ended, but she's convinced the need is still strong.

"There are just too many cars in this town not to have an organized club," she said.

There wasn't a specific event that triggered the idea to resurrect the club.

"Some of us go to car shows and just thought it was a shame not to have something for people who have cars and motorcycles," she said. "It's supposed to be fun and relaxing. They aren't fun if they are just sitting in the garage collecting dust."

In addition to the recreational aspect of car and motorcycle hobbies, there are historic reasons for collectors to pursue their passion for cars and bikes, according to Crumbaugh.

"Cars these days are pretty cookie-cutter," she said. Collectors are keeping distinctive styles and automotive technologies preserved.

An example is the Crumbaughs' 1979 Pontiac Trans Am, which was on display Saturday, June 21, in the fifth annual Lighthouse Car and Motorcycle Show on the Marshall square.

The all-original car is becoming a rarity, she said. The couple take it to car shows where it's the only Trans Am. Too many have been raced and wrecked or otherwise modified.

Another purpose of the club will be to bring along a new generation of automotive enthusiasts. Crumbaugh said her children are already following in their parents' footsteps and they want the club to be a family-friendly organization so other children will follow suit.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net