There’s nothing like a ragtop on a sunny day.
Washington Redskins defensive end Renaldo Wynn gleamed inside his prized 1958 Chevy Impala convertible outside the Ashburn training facility Thursday. Football is his profession, but classic cars are Wynn’s passion and his dream machine was purring, the radio performing and the chrome shining brighter than Bill Gates’ IQ.
“There’s something about the smell of an old car,” Wynn said. “It’s pure Americana.”
Wynn will showcase his four Impalasas part of 130 classic cars at Redskins Park on Sunday. The public charitable event includes cars from several players along with CBS announcer and major gearhead James Brown.
Wynn has spent the last 10 years collecting cars, finally reaching the maximum point where his wife demanded anything new required something else leaving. Then again, LaTanya Wynn bought the prized ’58 as a birthday present for Renaldo. Wynn is $38,000 into restoring the car, though they can cost triple that at auction.
“When I first started, my teammates started busting on me, saying I was crazy,” Wynn said. “There’s just something about putting your touch on it.”
The ’58 was the first Impala — its V8 engine creating the “muscle car” era. The car probably doesn’t get 10 miles to the gallon now, but Wynn’s NFL salary can afford to fill the tank. However, Wynn only drives it 200 miles annually and never in the winter when road salt could blemish the sleek black fins and massive chrome bumpers.
Coach Joe Gibbs knows Wynn’s passion. Gibbs, known for his NASCAR ties, smiled broadly when recalling his first car — a 1949 Mercury from a junkyard that was nicknamed “My Blue Heaven.” It was only $150.
Gibbs remembered a string of low-budget cars worth $800 or less he later drove, like a pair of 1937s and a 1927 that must have come from Henry Ford’s shop. But the thought of Wynn driving a classic car from a time when Gibbs was already an adult really brought a chuckle.
“I told Renaldo those cars made me feel right at home and I’m not a classic,” he joked. “I was lucky that I came from a time with the best music and the best cars.”
Renaldo Wynn Car Show Summer Fest
When » Sunday, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Where » Redskins Park, Ashburn
Tickets » Ages 13 and up, $15; 2-12, $10; 2 and under, free
Proceeds from the event will benefitthe Renaldo and LaTanya Wynn Family of Faith Foundation and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
