Elegant to Eclectic — Everything Goes at Highway Earth Heritage Car Show, Beverly Hills

Just steps away from where Sheriff Andy Taylor (Andy Griffith) and his son Opie (Ron Howard) romped around fictional Mayberry’s ‘ole fishin’ hole to open the popular ’60s Andy Griffith Show, classic cars took center stage at the Highway Earth Car Show June 27 inside the real life Franklin Canyon Park, where the iconic TV scene was filmed.

Show cars lined the winding roads encircling the lake, enabling a shady stroll through Franklin Canyon Park to take it all in. What could be better than exercise plus classic car eye candy?

Entrants competed to win door prizes and perhaps get their car featured in show sponsor’s Highway Magazine. But mostly they were there to show off their rides and enjoy a sunny Sunday with friends and family. Even car guru Jay Leno got into the act.

Jim Ayres’ photo captures Jay Leno, center, chatting with fans.

Of course, LCOC members also were on hand for the fun. But only one of them entered a Lincoln in the event. Who else, but Jim Ayres, who shared his 1998 Mark VIII?

Jim’s Mark VIII

Bazil La Roche and Russell Harmon chugged in from Riverside with their 1939 Packard, Gene Bramson entered his Corvette and Dale and Kay Derstine found a shady spot for their 1972 Triumph TR6. And the author? I just came to view the cars and cover the event for you.

There was plenty to see. From an elegant Auburn with its sexy art deco curves to a powerful 1965 Ford GT40 and almost everything between, cars of many eras were featured. Racers were next to collectables and classics shared the space with one-of-a-kind customs.

Five smiling faces from LCOC. From left are Gene Bramson, Kay Derstine, Elayne Bendel, Jim Ayres and Dale Derstine.

Auburn images below showcase its classic 1930s design cues. Maroon 1949 Cadillac was a crowd pleaser, along with an ever popular Thunderbird and a vintage Volvo. As might be expected in Beverly Hills, there were plenty of Ferraris and Porches and some rare British makes including an Alvis and a Morgan. Door prizes were awarded around noon and Jay Leno gave an award to his personal favorite. Most folks were on their way home by early afternoon, but memories of good times lingered for all.

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