Tiffin to host ‘Horsepower for History’

Article Photos

An array of American and European vintage vehicles are to converge Aug. 16 in Tiffin for the Horsepower for History Concours d'Elegance at Hedges-Boyer Park, across from the YMCA. The show is to run 3-8 p.m. Casey Putsch of Tiffin is the major organizer and promoter for the event, which is a benefit for Tiffin Historic Trust.

"We have a real diverse and neat collection of cars you've never seen. The cars coming encompass about 90 years of history," Putsch said. "We've got everything from a World War I-era Rolls Royce to some new Ferraris and Mercedes and Lotus and all kinds of stuff in between."

Between 50-100 cars are expected to participate. Registration at the gate is $20 per vehicle. Putsch said cars are coming from as far away as Cleveland, Toledo, Detroit, Columbus, Dayton and Indiana. Coppus Motors of Tiffin is to bring a new Mercedes for viewing.

Reino's Italian Restaurant is to prepare food for the event. Ice cream, lemonade, kettle corn and other items also are to be for sale. In addition to the vehicles, the Tiffin Art Guild, Threads Boutique and the Tiffin Glass Museum, are to have displays set up.

"Tonia Hoffert is bringing the Tiffin economy car ... The Adriatic steam-powered, horse-drawn brass fire engine from the middle 1800s that's in the museum, is going to be at the show. It hasn't been out of the museum for years," Putsch said. "The week before, they're taking it down to the fire station and cleaning it all up."

Putsch said he is trying to arrange for a new fire engine to be displayed for contrast. The Denny Gruss Band is to provide live music during the show. Pieces of antique crystal stemware are to be given as awards at 7:15 p.m.. The event is to conclude with a police-escorted cruise through downtown Tiffin at about 8 p.m.

In addition to the companies named previously, the major sponsors include National Machinery, Northwest Ohio Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, Rudolph J. Vela, Fifth Third Bank, United Insurance, MLAD, Jeffrey Jewelry and DTS.

Participants who plan to stay overnight can participate in a driving tour Sunday. The drivers are to meet at 8 a.m. in front of the Seneca County Museum, 28 Clay St., which is to be open for visitors. Following a light breakfast on the lawn, the vehicles are to be escorted out of Tiffin. They are to continue south to the Indian Mill and Swartz Covered Bridge. The group is to make its way to Seneca Hills Golf Course for lunch. Crystal Traditions is giving a glass blowing and etching demonstration after lunch for those on the tour.

"A good number of people have signed up for the driving tour," Putsch said.

He added anyone with a classic car is welcome to join the road tour. He requests registration for the tour by e-mail at putsch.1@hotmail.com.

More information about Horsepower for History can be obtained online at www.putschracing.com.