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Jerry Herring and Dave Pace talk about cars during the car gathering at Great River Chevy Monday evening. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Frank Hug’s 1931 Depot Hack features an eagle hood ornament. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Ron Candage’s car, top right, is adorned with a “Winged Viking” hood ornament.

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — Vikings, bullet trains, impalas, eagles and other winged creatures led the parade of vintage cars Monday to the Great River Chevrolet parking lot on D’Evereux Drive.

The variety of hood ornaments on the cars begin to tell the story of the antique cars assembled for the 21st Southern Spring Tour of the Vintage Chevrolet Car Club of America.

Owners of antique Chevrolet cars and trucks made between 1911 and 1954 have brought their cars from 18 states to enjoy touring Natchez, St. Franciville, La., and the surrounding area.

Like the assortment of cars assembled, the hood ornaments are just as diverse and unique.

What first started as more ornate versions of the radiator cap were quickly replaced with more stylized ornaments.

In the 1930s, ornaments were sold as separate accessories to replace the standard radiator cap.

Ron Candage bought his 1930 Chevrolet in 1975, but the “Winged Viking” ornament came many years later. From Ohio, Candage spent many years rebuilding the car from the engine on up. The Viking ornament came later when he found it at a swap meet.

The eagle ornament on the front of Frank Hug’s 1931 Chevy also was purchased as an accessory. From Fort Smith, Ark., Hug brought his depot hack, a car that was traditionally used to take passengers from the railroad station to the hotel. Instead of glass windows, the vintage car has side curtains.

Texas car owner Bill Bradford helped start the annual spring tour event more than 20 years ago.

“We wanted to get these cars on the road and use them,” Bradford said.”There is nothing more fun than driving cars in the beautiful countryside.”

Bradford’s 1941 Chevrolet sports a flying lady hood accessory that complements the car’s sleek styling.

“Every year the styles were slightly different, kind of like they do with today’s cars. They changed it up,” Bradford said.

“You can see how the models changed from year to year. It’s a little bit at a time.”

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