By ALEXANDER SIMONE

Staff writer

Rosella Suderman and her now-deceased husband, Orval, purchased their Ford Mustang more than half a century ago, and bringing it out now to drive in notable events is a treat.

One of those events was Hillsboro’s monthly cruise Saturday along Main St. The Sudermans had several family members piled in the vehicle, with several others waiting their turn beside Grandma Rosella.

“We don’t take it out very much, and tonight is special,” she said.

Granddaughter April Suderman, 11, was among those waiting her turn.

“I just like it because it’s an old car,” she said.

To say the 1966 Mustang defies its age, with a seamless blue-green paint job that Orval called robin-egg blue, would be an understatement.

The Sudermans bought it new 54 years ago, and Rosella recalls riding back from Hillsboro Ford.

Rosella used to sit her children in the back and pack meals to take to Orval while he worked the fields.

“I’m glad we kept it,” she said. “Usually you trade it in, but I guess my husband must have liked it.”

The Mustang ended up in a barn for several years, but it was destined to be used again. A family member eventually restored it, putting in a new engine and whatever other parts were needed, as well as the striking paint job.

Rosella hasn’t chosen which family member eventually will get the car but she says her oldest or youngest grandchild is the most likely candidate.

Interest in the vehicle hasn’t come just from within the Suderman clan. During June’s cruise, a woman who owned a newer, convertible Mustang approached her and joked that they should trade cars.

Interest in vintage and unique vehicles should come as no surprise given the scene Saturday evening. Hillsboro’s Main St. was lined for two blocks with cars, trucks, and motorcycles making the rounds and no shortage of families enjoying themselves.

The cruise, organized by Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce, now includes a chance for community members to vote for their favorite vehicle, which will be unveiled later in the week.