COEUR d’ALENE — Even amid drizzling rain, thousands of people filled the streets Saturday for the Show & Shine at Car d’Lane, where more than 400 owners proudly showed off their classic cars.

For many, it was an occasion that simply couldn’t be missed, no matter the conditions.

“I think people are being troopers, despite the weather,” said Brenna Waterbury of the Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association.

Music and laughter filled the chilly air. A sea of umbrellas bobbed along Sherman Avenue, while owners endlessly wiped off the rain beading on their cars.

“It looks better in the sunshine,” Stephen Nielsen commented with a laugh, referring to his 1968 custom Mustang Fastback.

The black cherry finish looked beautiful, even under gray skies.

Serena Kenny of Coeur d’Alene braved the elements with her family.

The rain couldn’t dampen their spirits as they took in North Idaho’s biggest classic car show.

“It’s really nice,” Kenny said with a smile.

Jack Kenny, 11, said he likes to see old Chevrolets and rat rods — cars with a deliberately worn-down, unfinished appearance.

One such car is owned by a Kellogg man known as “Rat Rod” Chuck Lupton.

The 1932 Ford is Lupton’s dream car.

“I saw a drawing of it when I was 16,” he said.

From drawings alone, Lupton built the car from the ground up. He’s largely self taught, though he expressed gratitude to the older car enthusiasts who encouraged and mentored him in his youth.

The unique black car drew plenty of attention Saturday, especially as Lupton revved the engine, a 429.

Among the car’s admirers were Coeur d’Alene residents Derek Jeffcoat and Emma Kelly.

A classic car enthusiast, Jeffcoat attends Car d’Lane just about every year.

“I like getting ideas for the builds I’m going to do,” he said.

For Lupton, Car d’Lane isn’t just a chance to show off the dream he turned into a reality.

It’s also an opportunity to thank the people who helped him on his way — and to connect with the next generation.

Lupton said he loves when kids show an interest in his rat rod.

“If I can inspire a young kid to stay out of trouble and keep this tradition going, that’s what it’s all about,” he said.