Cub Scout Pack 253 of Oyster Bay had an adventurous outing during spring break and didn’t have to go far for the experience. On Thursday, April 9, a cold and gray afternoon, the group toured the Collector Car Showcase, one of Oyster Bay’s newest attractions, getting a chance to explore the facility and learn about rare and classic cars from the museum’s owner, David Jacobson.
Jacobson spent about a half an hour showing the boys and their families some of the museum’s highlights, from the cars on display to a replica of an old-fashioned gas station. He engaged the group by asking such questions as, “What are the reasons for owning old cars?” and answered the boys’ questions, including, “Will the cars we drive now be considered classics some day?” (The answer: probably not).
Den Leader Vicki Walsh and other parents were thrilled with the opportunity to see the showcase, an event that was coordinated by Allen Pinero, whose son is in the pack. The collection includes a 1958 BWM Isetta 300, a fully restored 1966 Shelby GT350 in rare black, a 1970 Chevelle SS 396, a number of Porsches and a 1932 Ford Roadster, plus memorabilia such as vintage road map stands, gas station pumps and signs.
And the boys themselves, all students at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, were happy with the trip.
“It was great,” said Michael Olivero, 8. “I like that it has old cars I might not get to see again.”
“I like seeing the rare cars because they cost a lot of money,” said Benjamin Pinero, 7.
Many of the boys left with vintage signs purchased in the gift shop.
The Collector Car Showcase opened its doors in January and Jacobson said the response has been “unbelievable.”
“About five or six people a week are from out of the country,” he said. “It’s becoming a real destination.”
While he has led other private tours and held community events, this was the first Cub Scout tour he has given, though it likely won’t be the last. He said he enjoys exposing the kids to the showcase, and particularly likes to see grandparents bring in their grandchildren.
“The grandparents really like showing them and the kids are actually listening,” he said. “It’s great to see that bonding.”
