KEY POINTS:
More than 37 Auckland American Classic Car Club cars turned out at the Matakana Country Park over the weekend.
There was something for everyone to admire from a 1948 Ford Bonus, a forerunner of the modern-day Ute, to a 1999 Chrysler Plymouth Prowler.
However, the car arguably with
the most history was a 1974 Cadillac El Dorado, owned by Trevor and Wendy Gorrie, originally from Dallas, Texas.
The sheriff, who in 1966 arrested Lee Harvey Oswald, once owned it.
A few minutes after President John F. Kennedy was shot on November 22, 1963, Maurice Nick McDonald arrived at Dealey Plaza after he and several other officers received a tip about a suspicious man who had snuck into the Texas Theatre without paying for his ticket.
McDonald and the other officers entered the rear of the darkened movie theatre to search for their suspect and found Lee Harvey Oswald sitting in the audience.
When McDonald confronted him, Oswald said: "Well, it's all over now." But as McDonald tried to search and cuff him, Oswald stood and punched the officer so hard between the eyes his hat was knocked off his head.
Oswald then used his right hand to shove a gun into McDonald's stomach but just as he pulled the trigger, McDonald jammed his hand into the firing mechanism.
The gun's hammer snapped against the flesh of his hand but the bullet didn't fire.
In response, McDonald hit Oswald and fought for control of the weapon. Several other officers grabbed the suspect and placed him under arrest. Oswald was linked to the Kennedy assassination later that day.
While in police custody on November 24, 1963, he was shot to death on live television by nightclub owner Jack Ruby.
Oswald was also suspected in the murder of Dallas police officer JD Tippit, who was killed shortly after the president was shot. Tippit was McDonald's locker mate.
The car club started 12 years ago when a few guys got together because they couldn't find any other club that suited what they wanted. The idea was for less rules and more fun. To join, you just have to own an American car - any make, model or year, as long as it is American.
Club president Shane Beckham said people who loved American cars, but did not own one, could join as associate members. The 100 or so members range from owners with just the one car to others who own between five and 14 cars.
Beckham said the primarily family club was pretty low-key. It held cruises around the country as well as attending numerous events.
For more information on how to join contact Shane Beckham on 021 277 0878.
The Matakana Country Park hosts various car events over the summer and numerous other activities. Visit www.matakanacountrypark.co.nz.
