Small town Dana Point hosted a big time 320-car show on Sunday featuring everything from woodies and racers to treasured mid-century collectibles, sports cars, hot rods, trucks, customs and luxury brands. Palm tree-lined Del Prado Avenue throbbed with old time rock ‘n roll, vendors, shiny vehicles and throngs of spectators during a spectacular farewell to summer event in Dana Point’s famed Lantern District.
Some of us were up before dawn for a chilly prestaging in time to enter as a group at the Dana Point Classic Car Show where participant parking was first come first served. We grabbed (with permission) over 20 spaces in the Post Office parking lot, about halfway along the show route. The sun rose on last-minute polishing as cars arrived along the avenue.
The avenue was a bit sleepy as we arrived. But check out the same general area a few hours later!
An American Legion color guard formally kicked off the event with a display of the colors, Pledge of Allegiance and a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by a local student.
If you love cars and the people who own them you could not have asked for a better day. Automotive eye candy was everywhere and a festive, happy crowd was there to celebrate. A couple of Lincolns—one stock and the other custom—drew admiring glances.
But there was something for everyone at this show. Red was the predominant color of the show cars. Woodies, Corvettes, Chevys, sports cars and hot rods all proudly flashed their red and other colors too.
An iconic pair of mid-century favorites, a Thunderbird and Corvette stood side-by-side.
Novelty vehicles and mini-bikes were displayed.
A trio of VW buses included one tiny carrier for a special pet. A rare Pontiac Safari—the brand’s answer to the popular Chevy Nomad— was a people pleaser.
A few pre-war and luxury vehicles, customs and some fancy trucks dotted the route. The show was a true tribute to car collectors everywhere with something wonderful for every taste. It was the best way to spend a Sunday by the sea!
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