Cruisin' In The Sun Classic Car Show

If you're a classic car lover like myself, you know that summer belongs to the automobiles of yesteryear. The Cruisin' In The Sun Classic Car Show hosted at Fernandez Park in Pinole, CA was the first of many classic shows I hope to attend during my 3 month stay in the SF Bay Area while school is out.


The reason I love shows like this is because they offer a glimpse into the past of the automotive world. This Ford Model A was probably the eldest of the cars present, produced from 1927 to 1931.  Amazing how a car nearly eighty-five years old can be kept in such great condition until now.


I've never been to a classic car show that wasn't overrun with Chevy Bel Airs, but that's because it's an iconic 50's vehicle and it looks fantastic in just about any color.  I saw several different two-toned jobs, but this maroon and tan duo was the most impressive to me.


Speaking of unique paint jobs, I was floored by this green coupe. Although the shade of green selected was pretty mild in itself, it really stood out from the other cars in the row. It was mesmerizing.


A closer look at the hood revealed a richer shade of green with a ridiculous amount of flake in the paint.  Ooh, shiny.


Nothing's more classic than the hot rod look: black body paint with flames blazing across the hood and fenders. That 40 certainly is flamin'!


But some people like to be more original.  Words cannot describe just how incredibly pink this 1948 Ford coupe truly was.


Even the interior was decked out in screaming pink, but I actually kind of liked it. I'm sure it starts conversations when the owners take it for drives.


Across the way was this immaculate first generation Thunderbird. I had no idea the original car looked so snazzy.  Considering that, I would say the most recent generation just can't hold a candle to the car's former glory.


Just before leaving the street area of the show, I happened across this purple thing (I could only describe it as such when I saw it). I believe it's a Ford, but as I've said before, I am horrible with identifying older cars.  Either way, it was very cool...and purple. Can you see the ghost flames?


Moving on to the next section of the show out on a baseball field, this Horseless Carriage was the first thing to catch my eye, and everyone else's.  You would not believe the sheer size of this contraption. The vehicle was developed in the Brass Era, when important components of automobiles were largely made of well, brass. Hence the yellow tint to the metal bits.


Earlier I had seen my first Thunderbird at the show, this was the other one.  The second generation was produced from 1958 to 1960.  You can still see some of the style cues from the original, but over the years the appearance of the car changed rather dramatically.  Unfortunately, in my opinion, its looks started to go downhill after the third generation.  They just don't make 'em like they used to.


You don't know what a hot rod looks like until you've seen a lead sled.  The name comes from the use of lead filler to restore and modify old cars of this particular style and era.  This specimen is a 1950 Mercury. Observe the matte black paint, flame detailing, and lowness.


I don't see too many Hudsons around, but the ones I do find are in great shape.  This a 1948 coupe in a lovely deep red. The visor over the windshield is kinda neat, it looks like it's wearing a hat.


Cadillacs are boss.  No doubt about it.  The 1958 Fleetwood is a testament to that.  Apparently my grandfather on my dad's side had one, so good taste in cars runs in the family.


Chevy has also built some bad ass cars in the past (not that they don't still build some now), check out the Deluxe. It definitely looks fancy, but it also looks like it would make the perfect getaway car after a bank heist.


And of course there's the Impala. Although we know it as a car of its own today, the Impala actually originated from the Bel Air.  It was the top of the line version that later became its own model as the Bel Air was discontinued.  Look closely and you can see some of the similarities between the two.


I had seen plenty of Ford Coupes from various decades at the show, but this one was truly amazing.  The exaggerated fenders combined with the tan and olive green paint job make for a car that stands out in the crowd.  The chrome accents just add that extra bit of dazzle, a beautiful and unique vehicle.


All the cars from the 40's and 50's have their own particular styling, but none struck me quite like this 1941 Chrysler Newport.  I've never seen one of these before, all I can say is the front end looks positively funky, almost insect-like.


Of course I came across some Corvettes, but this one was by far the coolest.  A 1972 Stingray with a glossy gray paint job and red striping across the hood and lip of the rear fender. What makes this build even nastier is the twisted pipes of the side exhaust and the 427 sitting in the engine bay. I really wish I could've heard this car, because I know it would've been a monster!


The other badass I came across was this creation, known as the Mad Max Special.  It's a 1974 Ford XB Falcon Coupe, imported from Australia, and fitted with 351 Cleveland Engine,  T-500 HD 5 Speed transmission, and special edition Mad Max Kit by Mad Max Cars in Bonney Lake, Washington.  Could this possibly be more badass than the Stingray? I'll let you be the judge.


The last car I photographed at the show was this 1967 Camaro 327 in brilliant sky blue.  I doubt this car was actually meant to be on display since it was in a parking lot across from the main show, but how could I not take its picture? While I admit I favor Mustangs over Camaros (please don't hate me for that O: ), I can definitely respect and admire a good Camaro. What a beauty!

There are all kinds of car shows throughout the year, but none are quite like the classic shows in summer.  If you've never been to one, I strongly recommend you go and get a taste of the cars from decades past. The stuff made today will never have quite the same soul and presence to them as these cars do.
-Etoria ❤