The 38th annual Huntington Beach Concours is now part of history and what a weekend it was! From Saturday’s British imports and hot rods to Sunday’s classics, motorcycles and rare collectibles there was something for everyone who loves wheels. By this we mean everything from bikes to motorcycles to trains and cars.
Despite just a few picaboo moments of sunshine overcoming the high overcast, the cars, bikes and displays sparkled on the field. Vendors, food and recorded music brightened the mood. A Ford display showed some late models, while a custom watch builder—the brothers La Motte—showed the last word in mechanical watches. Cuban food, Mexican specialties and an Espresso Bar were popular attractions. And show sponsor Mothers was there in force with a full array of car care products along with some free samples in our goodie bags.
And, of course, LCOC members were part of the fun. Greg Bunch showed his 1938 Model K as the matriarch of our display. Perennial winner Don Torrence and his beautiful Mark III were there, but Don elected to forego judging and be a display-only entrant.
Taking home a shiny prize was only the icing on the cake of a wonderful event shared with friends and fellow car buffs of all stripes.
This show rewards not only those capable of dropping six- or seven-figure budgets into vehicles to result in a prize winner, but also those of more modest means who lovingly maintain their cars and participate for the joys of friendship and sharing something lovely with others of similar interest. We congratulate founder Bart McGrath and the Concours team, including our own Jim Ayres, for keeping entry fees reasonable and recognizing “Street” vehicles in addition to those of concours excellence. We hope they keep the same rules going forward.
Congratulations are in order for LCOC class winners this weekend including Halsey Posadas (Mark IV), Ron Anast (1977 Town Coupe), Robert Adamo (Mark IV) and Elayne Bendel (1964 Continental convertible) as well as for first time exhibitor Chris Moore who received a 2nd place award for his lovely Mark III.
Elayne also took home the Sunday event’s People’s Choice Award crystal trophy voted by the show attendees. What an amazing and humbling honor, given all the beautiful and spectacular vehicles on the field. Our only regret is that more LCOC members were not on hand to enjoy our featured location at this special show. For those unable to attend, be sure to mark your calendars for the first weekend in June 2025 so you don’t miss it next time!
From cars over a century old to minature trains, bikes, motorcycles, rare and specialty makes, eye candy abounded across the field. Among the displays was a rare 1977 Evel Knievel bicycle, a vintage Graham, Zimmer, Bricklin sports car, a beautiful Buick Riviera, and a record-breaking Plymouth Belvedere 1 dragster, which was the first to go under 10 seconds in the quarter mile drag race.
The Jaguar Clubs of America held their own meet within a meet with many gorgeous mid-20th century examples on view. What a treat!
One of this year’s themes was a salute to the 60th anniversary of the Mustang and a number were displayed. LCOC’s own Dale and Kay Derstine were there with their own Pony car.
Rolls-Royces and Bentleys added more than a touch of elegance to the field along with other imports.
If your taste runs to Corvettes there truly was a field of dreams. For those of us of a certain age one 1958-60 Corvette recalled the days when Buz Murdock (George Maharis) and Todd Stiles (Martin Milner) cruised the country in the iconic Route 66 TV show looking for adventure in their open Corvette.
Classics from the 1930s, woodys and other beloved collectibles rounded out the field. Is there a better way to spend a Sunday than kicking tires? We can’t think of one so will close with thanks to the show team for countless hours of work behind the scenes to make the H.B. Concours a big success.
You must be logged in to post a comment.