Karen and Sylvester (Chiko) Pennamon will be sending their award-winning classic car, a 1950 Hudson Commodore, to the Oceans and Autos Aquatic Car Show at the Georgia Aquarium.
The couple bought the 1950 Hudson Commodore after discovering it in a barn. The vehicle is completely original from its motor to its paint.
“We only had to get the interior and a few minor things like wiring restored,” said Chiko Pennamon. “It was different from all the cars we had seen at previous shows and it’s a car that is very unique out there in the world.”
The 1950 Hudson Commodore is named Gwen Billard after Chiko’s late and great mother. He attributes all of its success and its beauty back to his mother.
“This is a type of car she would have driven when she was younger,” said Chiko Pennamon. “Through all the glory, what we are doing is giving honor to my mom because that’s who our vehicle is named after.”
Karen and Chiko have both been interested in classic cars since they were very young. Together the couple ride motorcycles with friends and have attended a range of car shows. Gwen has won multiple trophies at a range of car shows including the Keys to the City Car Show in Atlanta Georgia.
“We hear a lot of different stories from people about how their grandparents had one or the great grandparents and they just tell us different stories about riding in a car similar to ours and I just love hearing those stories,” said Karen Pennamon. “When we receive those trophies and participate in car shows, it’s honestly just endearing to hear the joy it brought everyone else at the show.”
At the Shaquille O’Neal Car Show in Atlanta, a man approached Chiko to inquire if he would like to include Gwen in the Oceans and Autos Aquatic Car Show. According to Chiko, the man was recruiting multiple cars at the car show and was impressed by the 1950 Hudsom Commodore.
“He approached us and asked if we wanted to include it into the car show at the Georgia Aquarium and we agreed,” said Chiko Pennamon. Karen Pennamon added, “This will be another chance for people to tell their stories and relive memories since it’s connected to Father’s Day. I hope people will enjoy seeing Gwen there.”
Gwen will be featured at the Oceans and Autos Aquatic Car Show at the Georgia Aquarium on June 18. To learn more about the event visit https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/events/ event/fathers-day/.