The San Marino Motor Classic returned to beautiful Lacy Park June 14 and LCOC members couldn’t be happier. On Flag Day in perfect weather and a spectacular setting over 400 car owners waved the banners of numerous brands, both foreign and domestic, covering model years from the early 1900s to recent vintage.
Several LCOC members took home awards from this prestigious event and all were part of an extraordinary car show, though not necessarily with their LIncolns. However, our own Terry Turner and Jesse Casique won a 2nd place award for their beautiful 1971 Mark III, an original vehicle that has been enjoying excellent results on the show circuit throughout the region this year. Congratulations to Terry, Jesse and all LCOC winners including Ron Cressy, Mike Klyde, and Gary Carr, who snagged the award for Most Outstanding Packard for his gorgeous pre-war model shown below.
San Marino often showcases entries not often seen elsewhere. For example, where else are you apt to lay eyes on a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO valued in excess of $35 million!?
Speaking of rare cars, an eagerly awaited entry was Richard Stanley’s hand-built 1938 Cadillac concept car that was decades in the making as a salute to legendary General Motors designer Harley Earle. During a tour of Aaron Weiss’ garage and car collection earlier this year Stanley delivered a fascinating illustrated lecture about Harley Earle, who was born in Hollywood and became G.M.’s first and most famous designer. His 1938 Cadillac concept car is considered his masterpiece and Richard has been building a reproduction of the famous vehicle for years hoping to debut it at this year’s San Marino Motor Classic. Luckily, he accomplished the goal, and all of us were able to enjoy to fruits of his labor. See beleow.
Lacy Park itself is a worthy destination, located on a beautiful tree-lined avenue of upscale homes in one of L.A.’s premier suburbs.
One of San Marino Motor Classic’s best attractions is its brass section where ancient vehicles from the early 20th century took center stage. Close your eyes and then step into a display reminiscent of the oldest silent movies. Who could resist these splendid examples of early motor cars? Kudos to the owners for keeping those rare and special examples still chugging down the road.
At the other end of the spectrum were some brand new vehicles that also drew admiring crowds. Among these were new Ferraris, VWs, Rivian and a sleek new Aston Martin.
Of course, pre-war and mid-century cars predominated at San Marino. Some examples of pre-war classics included a beautiful Rolls-Royce, numerous Packards, a rare Talbot Lago and a LIncoln KB owned by the Singleton Collection. No such display would be complete without a Duesenberg such as the open Best-in-Show winner, an outstanding orange and black 1931 Model J.
Orphan brands such as Oldsmobile, and Avanti held their own place along with a Pontiac class with numerous entries. Hot rods and modifieds had their own class along with the ever-popular station wagons, one of which, a 1990 Mercury Park Lane, was entered by our own Jim Ayres.
In the American Luxury classes popular favorites such as Lincolns and Cadillacs shared the field along with Buicks, Packards and a black 1962 Thunderbird that took home a 2nd place award in the Open class.. The top award went to a blue 1955 Buick Century convertible. A 1965 Lincoln convertible featured in the popular HBO show Entourage also was part of the display along with Elayne Bendel’s convertible.
A continental breakfast was offered to car owners as part of their entry along with a special optional lunch that included flower and flag arrangements in a dedicated area of the park across from the awards pavillion. Sadly, judging in my class began virtually as soon as I parked and turned off the key, so the breakfast was gone before my guest and I ventured over there. But a juice bar was still open and organizers were kind enough to offer a bit of cake that was still remaining. All in all, It was a very special day of socializing and adventure that was a fitting reward for keeping our vintage cars in shape for sharing with our friends and collector car enthusiasts.
Sincere thanks to Aaron Weiss, show sponsors, and an army of volunteers who kept things moving nicely and presented a memorable and outstanding event.
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