Classic car show - California Style

[UrsaMajor]

Here are a few images from a local car show held each year in June to raise money for the Children's Section of the Public Library. These three are of a 1931 Cadillac that won Best of Show.

With best wishes,
- Tom -

[pakodominguez]

the last one is impressive, thanks for sharing

[Dr. Harout]

And the car is very impressive too.

[UrsaMajor]

And the car is very impressive too.

It has a lot of impressive details also.

The two lower headlights, the ones mounted just above the bumper, are on pivots and are connected to the front wheel steering with a push-pull cable. As the front wheels turn left or right to steer the car, the lower lights turn also, so they always point in the same direction as the front wheels.

There are also a number of "extra" controls that were not found on the average automobile in 1931, as you can see in this photo taken through the window of the driver's door. Take a look what they have just on the hub of the steering wheel . . .

BTW, as you will notice from the logo on the steering wheel hub, this vehicle has a V-16 engine.

With best wishes,
- Tom -

[UrsaMajor]

BTW, the vehicles on display were not limited to really old automobiles. They covered the entire gamut from several Ford Model T vehicles from 1908 - 1912, to Ferraris and Aston Martins on sale in the showroom today.

Here are a few that caught my eye . . .

[Juanito200]

Great shots Tom- I love that hood ornament in the second shot! I read a little about those V16s 452 Cubic Inch Displacement, but only 185 HP. I guess in those days that was a lot. I'll take the McLaren, however... I'd be willing to bet that the car featured in the old '80s show Hardcastle and McCormick was styled after that McLaren!

[Greg Beetham]

Wow what a fab restoration that Cadillac is, thanks for the look Tom.
Greg

[UrsaMajor]

Great shots Tom- I love that hood ornament in the second shot! I read a little about those V16s 452 Cubic Inch Displacement, but only 185 HP. I guess in those days that was a lot. I'll take the McLaren, however... I'd be willing to bet that the car featured in the old '80s show Hardcastle and McCormick was styled after that McLaren!

That second shot is one of my personal favorites from that weekend, FWIW.

BTW, the owner of the McLaren claimed that this was Bruce McLaren's personal street car, and had been fabricated starting with one of the actual race cars, unlike the later coupes that were purpose-built for the street.

For me, owning that car would be an exercise in frustration - it is soooo low, and the driver's seat is so laid back, that I would need a crane to get me out of the car.

With best wishes,
- Tom -

[UrsaMajor]

Wow what a fab restoration that Cadillac is, thanks for the look Tom.
Greg

It was definitely a beautiful job. The guy who owns it makes his living restoring classic cars.

In the past (before Phil Hill's death), he worked for Hill & Vaughan, whose shop restored several cars that won the Pebble Beach Concours - which is one of the most prestigious (and competitive) events in the world of classic cars.

With best wishes,
- Tom -

[UrsaMajor]

As an indication of the diversity of vehicles on display, here are some images that are a change of pace from the previous shots . . .

[Dusty]

For me, owning that car would be an exercise in frustration - it is soooo low, and the driver's seat is so laid back, that I would need a crane to get me out of the car.

With best wishes,
- Tom -
[/quote]

Not a problem - If I had the McLaren I wouldn't want to get out of it!

Dusty

[david antony]

Wonderful series Tom. Thanks for sharing.

I think the Penny Farthing more suitable for you Tom. So easy to get off. ;^)

[UrsaMajor]

I think the Penny Farthing more suitable for you Tom. So easy to get off. ;^)

Actually, I think that it would be very hard for me to get off - because I would have to get ON before I could get off, and THAT would be a major challenge!



With best wishes,
- Tom -