When Porky's drive-in closed last summer, more than just hamburger lovers were cast adrift. Car collectors had long gathered at the iconic St. Paul eatery to show off their classic cars and street rods.
The land at 1890 W. University was sold to Episcopal Homes, which owned the rest of the block. As it turns out, it also ended up inheriting the car buffs, and on Saturday it's hosting a classic car show featuring everything from Model T's to 1960s muscle cars.
Never heard of a retirement home hosting a classic car show? It turns out, neither had they. "It's certainly the first of its kind around here," said spokesman Paul Hagen.
Even though they had nothing to do with Porky's going out of business, they felt as if they owed it to people in the neighborhood to carry on one of the area's best-known traditions.
"University Avenue has a history with classic cars," Hagen said. When they were approached by three car clubs looking for a venue for a show, "we thought it sounded like a neat deal."
Hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday. There will be "cheap food" -- including 50-cent root beer -- "vintage" music and inflatable games for kids. Admission is free with a food-shelf donation.
"One of my favorite parts is that all the volunteers are going to be residents," Hagen said. "Although we're going to have all sorts of cars, the main focus is going to be on cars from the '30s, '40s and '50s. These are their [generation's] cars."
