A beloved Danville landmark, the Mayberry Cafe, faced an unexpected setback when one of its iconic replica police cars was heavily damaged in an early morning accident. The incident has brought attention to the niche world of classic car parts, particularly those from specialized chrome shops, crucial for restoring vehicles like the cafe’s 1963 Ford Galaxy.
According to reports from the Danville Police Department, the crash occurred in the early hours of Friday morning. The Mayberry Cafe’s replica police car, a 1963 Ford Galaxy meticulously restored to mirror Sheriff Andy Taylor’s vehicle from the famed 1960s television show, “The Andy Griffith Show,” was struck by another vehicle. The impact caused significant damage to the vintage car, a fixture usually parked prominently outside the family restaurant on Courthouse Square.
Alt text: Front view of damaged 1963 Ford Galaxy replica police car with visible damage to the front fender and headlight area, parked near Mayberry Cafe.
The driver of the vehicle responsible for the accident fled the scene but was later apprehended by authorities. A 26-year-old woman from Coatesville is now facing charges for leaving the scene of an accident, with police indicating that alcohol is suspected to have played a role in the crash.
Christine Born, the owner of the Mayberry Cafe, expressed her dismay at the damage, estimating repair costs to be around $10,000. She highlighted the challenge of restoring such a classic vehicle, noting that “parts are difficult to find.” This is where specialized services like “Mayberry Chrome Shop Car Parts” become essential. Restoring vintage cars often requires sourcing specific, often rare, components from dedicated suppliers who specialize in parts for classic American vehicles, including chrome elements that are critical to the original aesthetic.
Alt text: Side view of a pristine 1963 Ford Galaxy replica police car with Mayberry Cafe sign in background, showcasing chrome details and classic car design, parked at entrance.
The Mayberry Cafe, known for offering “home-cooked food just like Aunt Bee put on the table for Andy and Opie,” according to its website, fortunately possesses a second identical replica police car. While this second car is currently undergoing chrome work at a shop, Born remains hopeful that it will be ready for Danville’s highly anticipated annual Mayberry in the Midwest Festival in just three weeks. The festival is a significant event for the town and fans of “The Andy Griffith Show,” and the presence of the Mayberry police car is a major attraction.
In the meantime, the damaged police car has visibly saddened patrons of the Mayberry Cafe. Born mentioned that many customers have been coming in with “sad looks” after seeing the wrecked vehicle, underscoring the car’s importance as a symbol for the community and the cafe itself. The incident serves as a reminder of the effort and specialized resources, including “mayberry chrome shop car parts,” needed to maintain these classic vehicles and preserve local landmarks that bring joy to residents and visitors alike.
