Have you noticed the recent increase in classic cars running up and down our highways and driving around town? It used to be exclusively a "guy thing", but I've noticed that no one can keep from stopping to look as one goes by, including women, teens, and even the small fry. It seems that our splendid Arizona weather is second only to that of Southern California for preserving antique, classic and just great old cars.

Christopher Creek has more than a few simply gorgeous classics, and I've managed to convince some of the owners to allow me to photograph them. Some owners, however, preferred not to have their classic beauties posted on the Internet, so this is just a taste of what we have here in The Creek and in nearby Elk Haven R.V. and Cabin Resort. I think you will agree, they are pretty neat cars.

Leonard at Elk Haven travels to car shows often with this 1961 Corvette and the 1931 Chevy Vicky pictured to the right. Leonard restored both of these beauties himself, then had them painted that gorgeous red.

This 1972 Buick Skylark currently belongs to my granddaughter, Janelle, but I had the pleasure of owning it myself for a couple of years. It has been in the family since 1972, has never been restored, but has a new paint job, and just had some engine work done for the first time since '72!

This fabulous 1962 Van Pelt Fire Engine belonged to the Phoenix, Arizona Fire Department until 1983. It was first located by Ray Bowman of Christopher Creek, then a State Land Department grant was secured by Dale Ashby to obtain the treasure. Christopher Creek became its new home, as it was officially stationed at Kohl's Ranch Volunteer Fire House for awhile. Unfortunately, its whereabouts are currently unknown. I sure wish we had it back, if not to use, at least to display. By the way, that's Jim Oliver's big grin behind the wheel!

Chuck Schmitt restored this gleaming 1965 GMC Pickup Truck. His original idea was to provide some inexpensive transportation for his son to get himself to and from school, but after it was finished, his son was reluctant to drive it for fear it would get bumped. As I look at this classic "Jimmy", I can't say that I blame him! As it turns out, we are lucky to have it living a comfortably semi-retired life right here in Christopher Creek, along with all the other beauties.

Now, this 1962 Red Corvette convertible is no longer in Christopher Creek, much to the owner's dismay. "Who knew?" he shrugs. In those days, no one had even an inkling that the car would become a sought-after classic some day. This photo was taken in 1962. Look closely... the casual couple now lives here in Christopher Creek. They kindly provided me with the photo when they heard I was doing an article on Classic Cars. Can anyone identify them? eMail me if you think you know who they are. I'll publish their names in a couple of weeks.