For cousins Larry and Jim Ostler, it's a routine. The springtime Easter Car Show in Hurricane has been a permanent calendar event for them since the 1990s. Their vintage Fords were among about 300 vehicles that were showcased on the grounds of the Hurricane Community Center on March 30, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley
Now in its 39th year, the Hurricane Easter Car Show welcomed about 8,000 spectators throughout the course of the day, even though the weather forecast called for possible rain.
Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley
As with prior years, the focus of the program was to give back to the community. A portion of the proceeds raised will go to support the Veteran's Memorial Park, slated to open in 2024. Wade Beatty, event administrator, attributes the success of the event to the generosity of the people in the Hurricane valley and beyond.
Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley
Classic cousins
Larry Ostler’s deep red 1934 Ford was one of the more heavily modified cars on display. He said, “This car is just for show. It was a wreck when we bought it.” The build took Larry and his son 12 years to complete, and the transformation has included every nut and bolt. Even today, the Hoosier tires mounted up front are so fresh that they still have little nubs on them. The car has yet to be street driven.
Photo by Tia Astle
The chrome-laden engine is a supercharged big block Chevrolet. Larry is particularly proud of the fact that the car retains an all-steel body, as opposed to incorporating plastic or fiberglass used with some vintage cars. The rear hinged doors add a nice touch of customization on an already eye-catching custom build.
Parked next to Larry’s car was his cousin Jim’s, a two-door Washington Blue 1938 Ford. Despite being separated by only four model years, this car had a completely different look.
Photo by Tia Astle
Instead of mapping this restoration out to become an horsepower hot rod, Jim wanted his Ford to retain a stock appearance — right down to the wide whitewall tires and chrome factory hubcaps. “Larry found it on a farm near Idaho Falls. It’s been in the family for 40 years,” Jim said.
Honoring tradition
If you are like Larry and Jim Ostler, the allure of the Hurricane Easter Car Show encompasses far more than just a love for the gleam of chrome trim and the rumble of V8 engines; it’s the people who comprise a key part of it. Jim remarked, “Larry and I have been coming to this show for over 30 years. In fact, the first place I ever got a senior discount was at this show. There are just so many wonderful people here.”
Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley
Learn more about upcoming community events on the KSL Cars Resource Center.
Photo courtesy of Rotary Club of Hurricane Valley
Thanks to Tia Astle of Washington for connecting KSL Cars with the Ostlers. Do you or someone you know have an awesome car story? We want to feature it! Send us a message at cars@ksl.com.
KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
