The world of classic cars is traditionally dominated by men, but in recent years, women have been making waves in the industry. Long Island has seen an increase in female car enthusiasts, and their stories are a testament to the power and freedom that comes with driving a classic car.
Women like Virginia Scudder, 50, of Aquebogue, are breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. Scudder is the founder of the Rescue Vixens, a car booster club that dresses up in retro clothing while fundraising for the North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue. The Vixens annually run their own two-day car show, “Deuces Wild” at The Maples in Manorville.
“Being in the car world as a woman is not always an easy situation. Sometimes they don’t take you seriously all the time and it can be a little overwhelming,” says Scudder. “But once you are part of the community, they are willing to accept everybody.”
Scudder owns a 1955 Pontiac Chieftain and is one of the few female car owners who participate in car shows on Long Island. She is proof that with dedication and passion, women can succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
- Christine Bozzi: 1977 Chevrolet Corvette L48
- Cathy Somma: 1963 Chevrolet Nova
- Cherie Rexroad: 2000 BMW Z3
- June Bartlett: 1987 Chevrolet Corvette C4
- Christine M. Speroni: 1968 Ford F100
- Jackie Kreamer: 2023 Chevrolet Camaro
- Krystina Reilly: 1990 Nissan 300ZX
These women, and many others like them, are redefining the concept of female power in the world of classic cars. They are not just car enthusiasts, but also trailblazers who are paving the way for future generations of women to join the industry.
| Car Model | Year | Owner | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corvette L48 | 1977 | Christine Bozzi | Mineola |
| Nova | 1963 | Cathy Somma | Centereach |
| Z3 | 2000 | Cherie Rexroad | Cutchogue |
| C4 | 1987 | June Bartlett | Riverhead |
| F100 | 1968 | Christine M. Speroni | Stony Brook |
| Camaro | 2023 | Jackie Kreamer | East Patchogue |
| Nissan 300ZX | 1990 | Krystina Reilly | Selden |
These women are not just car enthusiasts, but also role models who are inspiring others to join the hobby. They are proof that with hard work and determination, women can succeed in a traditionally male-dominated industry. “Car people are very welcoming,” says Cherie Rexroad, 64, of Cutchogue, who owns a 2000 BMW Z3. “They are happy to talk about their cars, answer questions and share memories.” Rexroad is a proud member of the Rescue Vixens, a car booster club that dresses up in retro clothing while fundraising for the North Fork Country Kids Animal Rescue.
These women are not just enthusiasts, but also leaders who are making a difference in their communities. They are proof that with passion and dedication, women can succeed in any field they choose. “Driving a Corvette is not like a Cadillac ride. You don’t buy those cars for comfort,” says June Bartlett, 65, of Riverhead, who owns a 1987 Chevrolet Corvette C4. “They ride rough like trucks and sit low to the ground. As you get older it seems even lower. But, you learn how to gracefully get in and out as best you can.” Bartlett is a proud member of four car clubs and serves as vice president of the Queens Classic Car Club. These women are not just car enthusiasts, but also artists who are expressing themselves through their cars. They are proof that with creativity and imagination, women can succeed in any field they choose. “The joy of having the car is listening to that motor run and rev,” says Christine Bozzi, 64, of Mineola, who owns a 1977 Chevrolet Corvette L48. “I don’t even put the radio on. I want to hear the shifting of the gears.” Bozzi nicknamed her car Hollywood and branded it with a vanity plate.
These women are not just car enthusiasts, but also advocates for women’s empowerment. “I put in some side skirts, a front splitter, metallic in both the spoiler and the wheels,” says Jackie Kreamer, 44, of East Patchogue, who owns a 2023 Chevrolet Camaro. “I also added a moonroof, ambient lighting inside, Recaro seats and Camaro plates on the side that light up.” Kreamer customized her car top to bottom and ended up winning “Best Whimsical Vehicle” at the Rescue Vixens’ 2nd Annual Deuces Wild Car Truck and Bike Show.
These women are not just car enthusiasts, but also mentors who are inspiring others to join the hobby. They are proof that with hard work and determination, women can succeed in any field they choose. “As time goes on, you see more ladies stepping into this passion,” says Krystina Reilly, 22, of Selden, who owns a 1990 Nissan 300ZX. “Sometimes people yell at me, saying, ‘You are on the wrong side!’ I say, ‘No, I’m on the right side.’ ” Reilly is an associate degree holder in automotive technology and has a career as a mechanic.
These women are not just car enthusiasts, but also pioneers who are breaking down barriers and challenging stereotypes. “Back in the day it wasn’t common for women to do this job, it was almost taboo,” says Krystina Reilly, 22, of Selden, who owns a 1990 Nissan 300ZX. “As time goes on, you see more ladies stepping into this passion.” Reilly is an associate degree holder in automotive technology and has a career as a mechanic.