A Family Legacy: Run to the Sun Celebrates a Couple’s Lifelong Love for Dodge Models

This week, the city of Havasu will host the much-anticipated 46th annual Run to the Sun car show, attracting both car enthusiasts and thousands of spectators. This event continues to bolster community organizations while celebrating a passion for classic vehicles.

Among the participants are 83-year-old Jim and 82-year-old Bonnie Ford, who exemplify the dedication to community service and family values that characterize this gathering. For nearly two decades, the couple has showcased their meticulously restored Dodge cars, each an embodiment of their teamwork and craftsmanship.

Jim and Bonnie have worked on approximately 40 vehicles together, including models from the 1920s and 1930s, often stripping them down to their very frames. Jim Ford’s mechanical skills are complemented by Bonnie’s upholstery expertise, illustrating a harmonious blend of talents. Their most recent project spanned three years, with two of those dedicated to reconstruction, during which they faced challenges due to summer absences from Havasu.

“We’re Dodge people,” Jim declared, reflecting on his journey that began when he lost a drag race in a ’63 Dodge, inadvertently influencing his subsequent vehicle choices. The couple moved to Havasu 22 years ago, keeping strong ties with relatives in Colorado and Utah, while also engaging their children in their automotive efforts over the years.

Now, Bonnie finds pride in seeing their grandson delve into racing, despite the family’s loyalty to Dodge. “With us, everything we’ve done has always been a family affair,” she stated, emphasizing the familial bond forged through shared projects.

Over time, Bonnie honed her upholstery skills through trial and error, cherishing an award she received at a past Run to the Sun show. Due to age-related changes, she recently sold her commercial sewing machine, while Jim acknowledges he is slowing down on his car projects, marking the last full car he built possibly three years ago.

The couple’s relationship blossomed through their shared automotive pursuits, a passion stemming from Jim’s early days in car building. “I’ve been building cars since I was 13 years old,” he revealed, framing their love story within the context of their mutual interest.

Attending Run to the Sun also presents them with opportunities to connect with fellow car enthusiasts, particularly during the downtown cruise. Jim values the conversations and camaraderie that arise, while Bonnie points out the inclusivity of the fashion show for women participants, in which she has previously participated.

“We’re always home for Run to the Sun because it’s a good show. The people are good, the money goes to a good place,” Jim said, highlighting the event’s community significance. Their presence not only allows for showcase of their vehicles but reinforces their connections within the car-loving community.

The Relics and Rods Run to the Sun kicks off Wednesday with participant registration, and a schedule of activities is available in Monday’s edition of Today’s News-Herald.