Classics share sunlight at nudists' show

Nika Rolczewski

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

A couple weeks ago when the editor suggested I cover a forthcoming car show, I was thrilled. When I read the last line of the press release, my joy turned to fear.

This custom car show and shine was to be held at the Four Seasons Family Nudist Resort, not the swanky hotel that shares the name. Sorry, but going topless for me means driving a convertible.

There comes a time in a woman's life when getting naked is a private affair. For most, it comes just after toddler. For others, it is the first time gravity sets in and Spandex becomes a privilege not a right.

Heck, I can handle seeing nudity, I've watched cable TV, but I am not about to go au naturel for any event.

Other car shows have had their share of next-to-nothing clothing; girls in skimpy outfits sprawled over cars with Cessna styled wings that would never promote flight.

It was time to even the score – clothes on, I was off to the 10th annual sun worshippers' car show.

Pulling in, I was pleased to see a familiar, um, face. A fellow, fully clad journalist was showing his Mini Cooper. Having been to the previous events, he compliments the quality of vehicles here. I agree.

A beautiful pink and black 1955 Ford Crown Vic catches my eye and a 1934 Ford Coupe parked next to another looks flawless. I drool over a 1966 Dodge Charger as if a sans vêtements George Clooney was next to it.

There is also European flair here with a 1970 Jaguar XKE, a 1936 Mercedes-Benz and a modern Ferrari 430 Spider.

The threat of rain and the somewhat chilly day have kept the count lower than the previous year. Weather has also kept most clothes on. Sales of bug spray and sun block are slow.

Kim Jenkins, a 44-year-old nudist and car lover agrees, if for other reasons, that today is not a good day to get naked, yet.

For newcomers, she suggests maybe a few beers are necessary. No amount of liquid courage could get me to undress, plus more important, I am driving so I'll leave the imbibing to others.

Jenkins loves her muscles and muscle cars. This year, she's showing with a friend a 2006 Charger Daytona, one of only 200 made.

If the sun is out, she has no problem getting naked in, on and around a car. I hope she does not burn as hot sun, black leather and a bare bottom spell pain. I am painfully aware that my body is far from perfection but so is that old Thunderbird's.

"There's nothing to be ashamed of," she says.

"There's so much violence on TV – that is worse, but they cut out nudity," she adds, giving the clothed me the once over.

"Be happy with yourself. Nobody is perfect, so deal with it."

It seems every car owner I speak with says the same of their cars. There is always something to do. Older cars are plagued with the need for constant restoration work. Newer cars are being accessorized and detailed. It never ends.

As the day progresses so do the number of people going au naturel. It is often said that it is best to wash and wax your car in the nude as belts, buckles and jewelry can scratch the paint.

For my neighbour's sake, I have never put this theory into practice. People here are buffing in the buff.

Missing are those small signs I've seen on hot rods: "Unless you are naked, do not touch."

There is no need for a "Stand back whatever you think six inches is" sign on my car. Everyone, whether wearing just a smile or more, is respectful.

"Nudity isn't for everyone," says resort owner Lisa Stein. "It puts everyone on the same level. It is not about sex," she adds. The cars are sexy among themselves. Her husband Hans owned a 1953 Cadillac.

Just like the other summertime automotive get-togethers, this show's focus is on hot metal and machinery. Attire is optional.

It is not the "dare to bare" aspect of this meet, that attracts the hundreds of cars, it is the quality of the event and the organizers.

A now scantily clad Jenkins poses by a friend's hot rod whose plate reads "Grumpy." I remain clothed and bashful.

As I leave I get a few waves – not all from hands. Even with a little rust and in need of some "bodywork," I feel beautiful and my car is not so bad either.

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