BY DARLENE KEYT/CONTRIBUTING WRITER
dkeyt@isleofwightus.net

WINDSOR—Cecil Proffit has coordinated auto shows that have filled the Norfolk Scope, Virginia Beach Dome and Virginia Beach Pavillion.

Now he’s working with Isle of Wight Fair Committee to host what’s hoped to be the annual Cecil Proffit’s World Of Wheels International Custom Auto Show. The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 7, at Heritage Park in Windsor.

The 67-year-old from Colosse owns Cecil Proffit’s Antique Garage, a museum for Proffit to share his lifelong passion for cars.

“My biggest joy is sharing my collection with others,” he said. “There’s never enough time and never enough space for me. Every day is a blessing for me.”

In recent years, Proffit has hosted local events at his museum the second weekend in May, including fundraisers for Relay for Life. His failing health prompted Windsor resident Greg Willis to ask Profitt to partner with the Fair Committee to continue his event.

Proffit and the Fair Committee met in January and formed the partnership.

A younger Proffit

Cecil Proffit left his native West Virginia at age 16 and moved to Albemarle, N.C., where he briefly worked as a car hop and had the opportunity to admire the cars of the 1950s. That’s when Proffit claims he was overtaken with car fever.

After a few short months of car hopping, he moved to Portsmouth, where he began working for the Studebaker dealership.

Proffit later owned a front-end alignment business for about 15 years and a body shop in Portsmouth for 30 years. His daughter, Cindy McCain, continues to manage the family-owned body shop.

Proffit got into the car show business through car clubs. It was a hobby for 27 years. In his later years, he coordinated auto shows under the name of Cecil Proffit World of Wheels International Custom Auto Show.

Moves to Colosse

Five years ago, Proffit discovered Colosse while attending a funeral nearby. He purchased 10 acres, and built his home and garage.

Proffit collects anything automotive, gas station related, old country store stuff, unusual stuff and, of course, cars.

His love and passion for cars and anything unusual is quite apparent. Each item in his museum is dust free and organized. He has boxes filled with additional memorabilia.

His first car was a 1947 Plymouth.

Profitt also shared the story about a 1948 Crosley he found at a show in Charlotte, N.C. He haggled for three days and got the price down from $5,500 to $3,500. Before Proffit got the car home, he had an offer for $5,500. He declined.

After getting the car home, a friend offered Proffit $10,000. He sold it to his friend, who later tired of it and made Proffit a trade. Proffit said he came out on top with the 1948 Crosley and cash.

Proffit’s wife of 47 years, Barbara, shares his passion and has her own personal collections, including cow bells.

Cecil Proffit also shares his love of family including additional daughters, Denise Daniels and Judy Post, and nine grandchildren ranging from 2 to 22 years old.

For the auto show, car, truck, van, motorcycle and farm equipment owners may request registration information by calling 365-6325 or emailing dkeyt@isleofwightus.net. Awards will be provided. Dash plaques will be given to the first 150 registered.