Classic cars cruising into Hicksville
THE CAR AND ITS OWNER
1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS sport coupe owned by Steve Hladki
WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING
The Chevelle SS ("Super Sport") 396 was - and still is - one of America's most popular muscle cars. Hladki says that it's very unusual to find a '67 coupe like his, with its metallic turquoise color and no vinyl top. "Most," he says, "were black, blue or red when ordered with the SS package."
HOW LONG HE'S OWNED IT
Hladki has owned the coupe since 1972, a year after he graduated from high school.
WHERE HE FOUND IT
He bought it from a friend who lived around the corner from his house.
CONDITION
"This car was an all-stock, original SS 396 325-horsepower model with whitewalls and wheel covers," Hladki says. "Like most kids in the '70s, I promptly changed the wheels to Cragar SS rims with redwall tires. Originality was unimportant back then. Over the years, it has had numerous engine upgrades, but still has its original interior, which is in great shape. It has many options that are unusual for the '60s, including power windows, tilt steering, AM/FM/8-track (radio) in the dash, power disc brakes and 'speed-minder' speedometer. The current engine is about 462 cubic inches and has over 500 horsepower."
VALUE
Hladki has insured his Chevelle for $35,000.
PERSONAL COMMENTS
"I saw a lot of my friends selling their hot rods when they had kids or wanted to buy a house and, for some reason, I said I can't let that happen to me," Hladki says. "So here we are, 40 years later, and I still have it. This car has been with me through many life events. I drove this car to my senior prom and have way too many memories in it -- and with it -- to ever sell it."
The NorthWest Civic Association of Hicksville will hold a fundraising classic car cruise night to benefit the community’s Boys & Girls Club.
The event, co-sponsored by the Broadway Mall, will be held in the mall’s southeast parking lot, off Routes 106/107, starting 5 p.m. Wednesday.
Featured vehicles will include a fleet from the Nassau County Police Department and several from the New York State Police.
Anyone wishing to enter a vehicle for display will pay $3, which goes to the Boys & Girls Club, officials said. Motorcycles are not permitted.
A 50/50 raffle to benefit the club will also take place. The mall’s weekly Wednesday cruise nights will continue through the end of August.
The Aug. 3, 10, 24 and 31 events are to benefit Island Harvest; a two-can food donation will be substituted for admission.
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