Submitted by Deborah Shapiro
(September 4, 2026) — All eyes at the Middlesex County Historical Society’s 40th Annual Antique Car Show and Flea Market will gravitate to this year’s featured car, a 1940 Ford California Custom Convertible Coupe (photo below). It will motor to the show, located at Palmer Field adjacent to Washington Street, Route 66 in Middletown, on Sunday, October 4, 2026. Car registration begins at 9:30 a.m. and judging starts at 11:30 a.m. with trophies awarded to the top vehicles at 1:30 p.m. General admission is $5.00 and children 12 and under are free. Car registration is $10.00. Although cars registered for judging must be dated 2001 or older, there is no cut-off date for cars being placed in the car corral. In case of rain, the show will be held Sunday, October 11, 2026.
Before transitioning to the wartime production of Jeeps and B-24 bombers, the Ford Motor Company produced the 1940 Deluxe Coupe that was a balance between performance and design. It had a redesigned grill and sealed-beam headlights. Its Art Deco curves, advanced suspension systems, all-steel body construction, and 221 cubic inch mercury flathead V8 engine made it a standout on the nation’s highways. Scott Lynch, the owner of this year’s featured car, purchased it from a collector in the Midwest, and has restored the brakes, electrical system, and fuel tank. He is proud to be the caretaker of this beauty, which sports a real Carson padded top.
Trophies, hand-made by the committee, will be awarded to the top vehicles. Flea market spaces are $15.00 and the market opens at 7:00 a.m. For more information, call Deborah Shapiro at 860-344-0033. Rain cancellation information will be available at 860-346-0746.
Photo provided by Middlesex County Historical Society
