Car lovers from around the region gathered for the second annual Hill Country Mile Rod Run this past weekend, as more than 260 beautifully restored vehicles took center stage.
This might be the second year under the new name, but the event was previously known as Key To The Hills Rod Run, the name changing when the previous showrunner passed away.
The new guard, led by local businessman Josh Mazour, kept the spirit of the show the same while opening the show to relative newcomers.
“Under its old iteration, your car had to be a 1949 or older. We opened it up to cars from 1974 and older,” Mazour said.
Among the auto enthusiasts was Jeffrey Meurin, who has been collecting and restoring cars since he was 15.
“I’ve had plenty of cars, but this one,” he said, motioning toward his 1930 Model A Ford, “is something special.”
Meurin’s pride in his vehicle was evident as he recounted the many shows he’s attended, winning more than 110 trophies along the way. “At the last show, there were 256 cars, and this one stood out.” While discussing the history of his prized vehicle, Meurin highlighted the nostalgia it brings.
“Back in the day, these cars were used for moonshine runs. No rumble seat, but they hid the moonshine and raced from the cops,” he said. “It’s all about speed.”
He explained how the legacy of illegal moonshine runners helped shape modern NASCAR.
Bobby and Karen Scanlon, proud owners of a yellow 1934 Ford, have been attending this event for years when it was still known as Key To The Hills Rod Run. Having spent over 40 years restoring cars, the Scanlons were thrilled to display their work.
“We love the colors red and black, but we realized that almost all the cars that competed were red or black, so we took our girl back to her original bright yellow,” Bobby Scanlon said.
As a result, their car stood out in the crowd. He went on to say that although the car is mostly original, it does have some mod-cons, like power steering and air conditioning. It also has computers that control the fuel and control the transmission — the perfect marriage of old and new.
For some, car restoration is more than just a hobby.
“I’ve been working on cars since I could drive,” said Austin Botto, who was accompanied by his wife, Aislyn, and infant daughter. “My first car? I had to replace the transmission before I even drove it out of the driveway.”
He now helps restore cars for others and has transformed his two-wheel-drive truck into a four-wheel-drive beauty.
Nate Walsh, attending with his father, Michael, shared his excitement over the show.
“I moved to Boerne three years ago, and my dad lives in San Antonio,” Nate Walsh said. “When I heard about the show, I figured it was a great time to walk around, get some exercise, and take in the details of these beautiful old cars.”
The Walsh’s favorite of the show? A stunning 1929 Ford A coupe classic owned by Larry Tagliabue. “It’s beautiful. The detail is just amazing,” Walsh said.
As the second annual Hill Country Mile Rod Run came to a close, it was clear that the passion for classic cars remains as strong as ever. With the perfect blend of nostalgia and modern upgrades, the event brought together seasoned restorers and newcomers alike, all united by their love for these timeless machines.
Whether it’s the thrill of showcasing decades of hard work or simply admiring the craftsmanship of others, the event once again proved that the legacy of classic cars will continue to thrive in the heart of the Hill Country.
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