WILBRAHAM— History repeated itself as vintage automobiles put themselves to the test while making the steep climb up Wilbraham Mountain on Saturday.
The challenge was a re-enactment of the 1908 Wilbraham Hill Climb, which saw Monson Road as an unofficial proving ground for many early automobile and motorcycle manufacturers of the Brass Era.
Although it rained in the morning, the townwide event proved to be a big draw for families and included a car show featuring more than 350 cars, a craft sale with more than 50 shops showcasing a variety of plants and homemade goods, local vendors, artists and many food trucks.
The hill climb recreates the tradition of racing vintage cars up the 1-mile course that boasts a 23-percent grade — which is steeper than the road of the famous Pikes Peak in Colorado.
Special guest of the event was Wayne Carini, host of the TV show “Talking Classic Cars” on Speedvision. Carini, who specializes in the restoration and sale of vintage and exotic automobiles, brought an Italian Stanguellini and a 1932 Ford with him to drive up Wilbraham Mountain.
More than 20 vintage race cars and five vintage motorcycles were scheduled to take part in the hill climb.
The car show featuring more than 350 vehicles lined up along Main Street and on the lawn of Wilbraham & Monson Academy. Several museums from all over the Northeast had cars on display.
