Rev ’Em Up: Bethel Park event draws eclectic variety of vehicles

Big cars ruled America in the 1950s. In Europe, not so much.

A variety of Post-World War II limitations prompted overseas auto manufacturers to produce plenty of low-powered, diminutive vehicles such as the long-forgotten Heinkel Kabin, Zündapp Janus and Messerschmitt KR-175.

At least one of the era’s microcars, though, has stuck in the public consciousness.

In 1955, BMW started producing its re-engineered version of Italy’s Isetta, featuring a one-cylinder motorcycle engine and a single door opening to the front, steering wheel attached. Fans of the TV show “Family Matters” will remember the one driven by Urkel that doubled as a clothes hamper.

When Dominic Zumbo drove his ’57 Isetta into the South Park VIP parking lot for the 13th annual Pasta Too Rev ’Em Up for Kids MEGA Car Cruise, the minuscule Beemer drew quite a bit of attention, from people who thought it was cute to others who wondered if they could fit inside.

Actually, Zumbo said he bought the Isetta in 1960 for someone who couldn’t.

His vehicle was among the hundreds on display at Rev ’Em Up for Kids, an annual event that benefits recreation in Bethel Park. Car enthusiast Jim Gastgeb has organized the cruise for years, always with quite a bit of support from Pasta Too owner Ray Piacquadio.

Both were in attendance on the sunny afternoon of Sept. 1, joining folks who wanted to see the huge array of antique, classic, high-performance and often memory-inducing vehicles.

For example, the 1965 Pontiac Catalina couple owned by Drew Carl reminded at least one guest of the similar car his father bought nearly 60 years ago. And Mark Thomas’ 1957 Ford Thunderbird prompted visions Suzanne Somers cruising around in her white ’56 model during a good portion of “American Graffiti.”

Entertaining the crowd with nostalgic numbers was Uptown Rhythm & Brass, featuring a horn section pumping out plenty of funk, soul and rock ’n’ roll. Lots of folks couldn’t help but get up and dance to the music.

Guests also enjoyed food and beverages served by vendors, including Pasta Too, while taking close looks at vehicles spanning nearly a century, from Model A Fords of the late 1920s and early ’30s to present-day versions of muscle cars.

Then there were classics from the ’50s, when the general opinion was the bigger, the better.

Except for Dominic Zumbo’s Isetta.