Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Classic cars and custom vehicles filled the grounds Saturday during the third annual Let’s Sell Realty and Rods, HotRods and Hardware Car Show, but organizers said the event’s true focus extended far beyond chrome, horsepower and trophies.
Hosted at Southern Lumber and Hardware in Pine Level, the annual gathering brought together car enthusiasts, families and community members while honoring friends, supporters and loved ones whose stories remain connected to the vehicles on display.
Among the most meaningful exhibits was the Cross Garden Truck, a 1972 Chevy LUV that had been parked for more than 30 years before being restored and returned to the road.
Several other vehicles carried deep personal connections for organizers and participants. A black Jeep known as Venom was displayed in memory of Lynn Rawlinson, a longtime friend and community supporter who recently lost her battle with cancer. A special trophy category was also created in her honor.
A red Mustang, supported by members of a local Mustang club, celebrated longtime friendships and honored individuals connected to the vehicle who have faced significant personal loss and health challenges. An emotional tribute was also paid to Lindsey, a familiar face at area car shows whose restored 1981 black Corvette was displayed in her memory after she was killed in an automobile accident last year.
Another tribute featured a red Mazda that belonged to the late mother of local Realtor Courtney Lowery, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year. Organizers said displaying the vehicle was a way to support a family that has consistently supported community events throughout the area.
The show also highlighted the contributions of Southern Lumber and Hardware and its employees, whose continued support has helped the event grow each year. Organizers noted that attendance and participation continue to increase, drawing visitors from across the River Region.
Brenda and Vincent Lytsell, owners of Let’s Sell Realty and Rods, said the heart of HotRods and Hardware goes far beyond the vehicles on display.
“This show was about friendship, community and honoring the people who have touched our lives,” they said. “It’s about supporting one another, remembering those we’ve lost and celebrating the memories they leave behind. The cars simply help bring those stories together.”
As the day ended, the vehicles stood as more than polished restorations and custom builds. They served as reminders of friendships that have endured, loved ones who are deeply missed and the memories that continue to bring people together. Long after the engines fell silent, the stories shared throughout the day remained a testament to the lasting impact one person can have on a community.
