A crisp fall morning and dazzling sunshine greeted 50 or so car club members who gathered en masse at one of SoCal’s best events glorifying Detroit’s finest classic cars.
The annual conclave, whose formal name is the Big 4 American Luxury Brands Car Show and Picnic, better known as the Big 4, was originally hosted by the SoCal Imperial Owners, Inc. (SCIOI) Club in conjunction with the SoCal Cadillac & LaSalle Club, the Lincoln & Continental Owners Club, the Earle C. Anthony Packard Club, and AACA SoCal Club.
Sponsorship rotates among the member clubs, with SCIOI, ably organizing the event for 2025. And this year it was better than ever with dozens of vehicles spanning nearly a century of automotive history. Of course, LCOC’s Lincolns and Marks were front and center with a beautiful display of gorgeous convertibles, sedans and coupes and one new Nautilus waving the SUV banner.
Although many came from throughout California, by far the long distance winner was Giulio Dedini, whose spectacular 1964 Dusty Rose sedan motored in all the way from San Luis Obispo. Yikes! Words cannot describe how amazing his original brocade interior with tiny silver Lincoln stars embedded in the fabric, simply shines. Click the rear seat image below for a closeup and see for yourself.
Not that all the other collectibles weren’t gorgeous.
Cadillac owners displayed decades of mid 20th century classics, and, of course, Imperials lived up to their stately names. Packard owners also graced the show field with their beauties and some other guests brought a vintage Ford roadster, complete with rumble seat, a 1952 Studebaker and a Thunderbird fresh from the recent 50th Anniversary Pageant of the Thunderbird. Feast your eyes on some of this rolling eye candy!
But the cars were only half the story.
A potluck luncheon spread prepared by the attendees fit for royalty awaited everyone. Appetizers, drinks, salads and main dishes satisfied all palettes. And the desserts were a kaleidoscope of sweet treats, ranging from cookies and pies, to brownies and baklava and so many other goodies. There was no better way to celebrate great cars, yummy food and wonderful friends than at this very special event. Our thanks to Art Rosen and the Imperial Club for making Big 4 2025 another spectacular success. Can’t wait for next year!
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