Decatur Barbecue Car Show Showcases Vintage Gems and Passion for Restoration

The 70th Decatur Barbecue in Decatur, Arkansas, was a celebration of automotive history and enthusiasts' dedication to preserving and restoring classic vehicles. Visitors from near and far gathered to admire the diverse array of cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display, each with its own unique story. Among the standouts were a father-daughter duo, Ricky and Kareena Sehgal, who proudly showcased their prized antique vehicles and walked away with multiple awards.

Uncovering Automotive Treasures: A Passion for Restoration

Ricky Sehgal's Vintage Chevy and Rare Motorcycle

Ricky Sehgal's passion for vintage vehicles was evident in his impressive collection, which included a 1954 Chevy 3100 and a 2017 "Bullet" Royal Enfield motorcycle. The Chevy, a classic American pickup, earned Ricky third place in the modified truck category, while his rare Royal Enfield motorcycle, a 500cc single-engine, fuel-injected British cafe racer, secured him second place in the motorcycle category.Ricky's connection to the Royal Enfield motorcycle went beyond just admiring its aesthetics. Originally from India, he had fond memories of riding a similar model in his home country. When he stumbled upon a post on the Facebook Marketplace featuring the "Bullet" Royal Enfield, he knew he had to have it. Acting quickly, Ricky snatched up the motorcycle, which had only been listed for a mere two minutes."That's my dream bike, and I found it over here," Ricky exclaimed. "They stopped making this one now. So, it's hard to find."

Kareena Sehgal's Vibrant 1962 Ford Mercury Comet

Ricky's daughter, Kareena Sehgal, also made a splash at the car show with her 1962 Ford Mercury Comet. The vehicle's eye-catching yellow and green accents immediately drew attention, and Kareena's dedication to its restoration and maintenance paid off. At the 131st Gravette car show, Kareena had already won the High School Students' Award, the People's Choice Award, and second place in the Judges' Choice category.Kareena's journey with the Ford Mercury Comet began when her father spotted the vehicle while on a trip to Branson. Captivated by its charm, Ricky sent Kareena photos, and she "fell in love" with the car. The previous owner, in need of funds for an upcoming project, offered Ricky a great deal if he could take the car that very day."He needed the money, so he gave me a good deal right away. He said, 'If you take it right now, I'll give you a good deal.' That's how I got it," Ricky recounted.The vehicle had been in storage for 18 years, contributing to its well-preserved condition. Ricky said it only required new tires and some light cosmetic work to bring it back to its former glory.

A Father's Guidance and a Daughter's Dedication

While Ricky Sehgal is not a professional mechanic, his passion for restoring vehicles has led him to become a skilled hobbyist. He takes great pride in maintaining and reviving his collection of antique cars and motorcycles, and he expects the same level of dedication from his daughter, Kareena.Before handing over the keys to the Ford Mercury Comet, Ricky set clear terms for Kareena. "I said, 'If you keep it clean, then it's yours. You have to learn about it. You have to find the answers for all the questions. I'm not going to come in on this part with you. You have to figure it out,'" he explained.Kareena's willingness to take on the responsibility of caring for and maintaining the vehicle has paid off, as evidenced by her impressive performance at the car shows. Ricky's guidance and Kareena's dedication have created a powerful father-daughter team, showcasing the joy and satisfaction that can come from preserving automotive history.The 70th Decatur Barbecue car show was a testament to the enduring appeal of classic vehicles and the passion of enthusiasts like the Sehgals. Their stories of serendipitous discoveries, meticulous restorations, and the passing of the torch from one generation to the next inspire others to embrace the rich tapestry of automotive heritage.