Sergio Sandoval

This 1933 Ford Coupe was among the many cars on display at the annual vintage car show held in Old Town La Verne Saturday. The event has brought out residents and car enthusiasts for the past six years. Judges looked at five different categories: exterior, interior, engine compartment, trunk area, and overall cleanliness. There were cars from 1915 up to the late 1960s.

Jonathan Smith
Staff Writer

Old Town La Verne seemed like a vintage car museum Saturday as the seventh annual Cool Cruise Car Show cranked up and drew a huge crowd of hardcore gearheads and casual spectators alike.

Despite gloomy weather, the show displayed more than 1,000 cars and more than 1,000 spectators showed up to view them.

For a small entry fee, participants were able to showcase their vintage and unique cars to compete in 18 different classes; and 51 awards were handed out during the closing ceremony.

Featured cars ranged from the classic muscles cars like Ford Mustang and Dodge Charger to low riders such as the Chevrolet Impala.

There were also vintage transportation automobiles like a yellow bus and the La Verne Fire Department truck, as well as a newly released Ford GT.

The car show provided guests with several vendors and fair-style food stands.

Guest also enjoyed live music from 93.1 JACK FM and The Answer, a local classic rock tribute band.

“It’s spectacular,” said Karen Hart, one of show’s the participants. “You see a lot of rare cars, not just the Fords and Chevys, which is good.”
Hart displayed her 1966 Ford Mustang which she purchased in 1977 for $500.

It took her six months to restore the automobile to its original state, she said.

She explained the hard work and detail she and her husband had to put into the car: Most of the parts and accessories, were purchased at California Mustang, which specializes in Ford Mustangs.

Other cars on display came from various regions of California and neighboring states.

Attendees seemed to enjoy the displays.

“I loved it,” said sophomore business major Tiffanie Sigal. “This year is the biggest I’ve ever seen it.”

“Of all the car shows since I’ve been here, this one had a lot more to look at and offer,” said Dustin Elliot, senior liberal arts major.

Awards were given for such attributes as authenticity, originality and overall display.

The 100th Anniversary Award was given to Matt Tachdjian for his 1932 Ford Roadster.

Hart, like so many of the participants, has participated in numerous car shows throughout the country.

Hart’s Mustang has won many awards, including Best Paint and Best Body which she won at the Peterson Automobile Museum.

“One year I did 25 car shows,” Hart said. “Now I usually do 10 to 15 car shows a year, tapering it down.”

“This car show was successful, especially considering the weather,” said Janet Jewell who was in charge of registration. “We put a lot of pride in our show and try to please everyone.”

Jonathan Smith can be reached at jsmith11@ulv.edu.