Show of American muscle convenes at Millerton’s restored Mobil station

Show of American muscle convenes at Millerton’s restored Mobil station

Front and center, a 1958 Chevy coupe with plenty of steel and chrome to go around.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — A decade ago, Pine Plains car enthusiast Alan Benson was on the hunt for a classic. He searched far and wide for an early 1960s Chevy Impala, unaware that the car of his dreams was parked just down the road.

A neighbor, known for building hot rods, happened to be clearing space in his garage and agreed to sell Benson his 1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe.

“It’s an iconic car,” Benson said of the Roman Red coupe, adding that he felt lucky to land such a rare collector’s item.

Alan Benson of Pine Plains shows off his 1961 Chevrolet Impala Sport Coupe.Photo by Aly Morrissey

Affectionately dubbed “The Survivor,” the Impala stands out for its originality. Unlike many restored classics, Benson’s car has remained largely untouched. According to the owner, the paint, interior, and drivetrain are all factory original, with just 27,000 miles on the odometer. Even the original spare tire still sits in the trunk. To keep the car in top condition, Benson drives it between 600 and 800 miles a year.

As rare as The Survivor is, it was just one of many standout vehicles on display Friday, June 20, at a local car show held at the retro Mobil gas station on Route 44. The event, hosted by owner Rob Cooper of Millerton, has quickly become a favorite among regional car lovers.

Without much formal promotion, the show continues to draw crowds from across the Tri-State area. Cooper credits the venue itself for much of the event’s success.

Cars filled the parking lot of the Mobil gas station on Route 44 and spilled into the adjoining property Friday, June 20.Photo by Aly Morrissey

“I think it’s the backdrop that draws people here,” he said, gesturing toward the vintage-style gas station he restored. “People are looking for uniqueness,” Cooper added. “They come to show off their cars and to check out everyone else’s. It’s really nice.”

Classic cars filled the Mobil lot and spilled into the adjacent property as collectors mingled, shared stories, and admired each other’s vehicles.

With sunshine gleaming off polished chrome, live music in the air, and the smell of grilled hot dogs wafting across the lot, the evening had all the makings of a perfect small-town summer afternoon.

Latest News

Amenia board honors employees for service

Long-term town employees were recognized at the Town Board meeting on Thursday, June 12. Honorees pictured with Town Supervisor Leo Blackman, were Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the Town Garage, center, for her 35 years of service to the town and Megan Chamberlin, current Highway Superintendent, for 20 years.

Leila Hawken

AMENIA — Acknowledging the many years of service accumulated by town employees, the Town Board paused to honor that service at its meeting on Thursday, June 12.

“Thank you for making a difference,” said Town Supervisor Leo Blackman in recognizing Judy Carlson, Office Manager at the town garage, for her 35 years of service.

Keep ReadingShow less
Historic marker dedicated at Amenia Union Cemetery

In anticipation of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the start of the American Revolution in 2026, new historic markers are appearing at each of the local cemeteries where Revolutionary War veterans are buried. Unveiling the new marker at Amenia Union Cemetery on Saturday, June 21, were left to right, Town Historian Betsy Strauss, Jim Middlebrook representing the regional chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, and Gail Seymour, President of the Union Cemetery Association.

Photo by Leila Hawken

AMENIA — One by one, new historic markers are appearing at local cemeteries where Revolutionary War dead are buried. On Saturday, June 21, community members gathered to see a new marker unveiled at Amenia Union Cemetery on Leedsville Road.

A tent provided welcome shade for the attendees and refreshments as about 30 residents gathered for the unveiling and to share stories of local history with one another.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millerton Street Fair celebration June 28

Bee Bee the clown, face painters and a community wide scavenger hunt are among the activities planned for the Millerton Street Fair in Downtown Millerton on Saturday, June 28.

Photo by Aly Morrissey

MILLERTON — The Millerton News, in partnership with the North East Community Center (NECC) and the Millerton Business Alliance, is hosting its first Street Fair on Saturday in a celebration of the town.

Rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, the fair will bring together local nonprofits and businesses, with live music, entertainment, kids’ activities, local eats, and family fun in Veterans Park, in front of the Millerton Inn, and beyond.

Keep ReadingShow less
Millbrook Historical Society announces summer Quaker lecture series

The Nine Partners Road Quaker Meetinghouse, built in 1780, will be the site of two summer lectures sponsored by the Millbrook Historical Society.

Photo by Leila Hawken

MILLBROOK — Long in the planning, the Millbrook Historical Society has announced that it is sponsoring two lectures in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. Both lectures relating to Quaker history are to be held in the historic Quaker Meeting House on Nine Partners Road.

For the first talk, scheduled for Sunday, June 29, at 2 p.m., the historical society has invited Sarah Gronningsater, Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania, to talk on “Quakers, Anti-slavery, and the American Revolution.” The topic will explore the role that New York’s Quakers, especially in the Hudson Valley, played in the rise of the anti-slavery movement that followed the American Revolution.

Keep ReadingShow less