The story behind this 1938 Cadillac, family-owned since the 1970s, is just one of many that will be told about the beautifully restored automobiles on display at the Classic Car Show. Also look for lots of American muscle cars and precision English vehicles from the ‘60s and ‘70s on Sept. 6.
Power meets precision at this year’s Classic Car Show. Celebrating the best cars of the ‘60s and ‘70s from the U.S. and the United Kingdom, the popular event is set for Sept. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Orinda Village.
Whether your preference is a powerful American muscle car or the more refined performance of British engineered vehicles, you’ll find your favorite. If cars aren’t your thing, you’ll still find plenty to enjoy at this 21st annual car show.
“Even if you don’t think of yourself as a car person, you get some appreciation for the design and innovation of the cars – how they have evolved,” said chairman Bill Waterman. “And it’s just fun. Lots of things going on. Lamorinda Idol singers will perform and Loard’s will be selling ice cream. Combine it with the Farmers’ Market just up the street, and the entire street is alive.”
Produced by The Orinda Association, the car show is a uniquely fun experience for the entire family. Kids will love checking out the mini golf cart that the OA will raffle off towards the show’s end.
Last year’s show highlighted Shelby Cobras and Mustangs, which made it the highest attended car show ever. Organizers hope to match that attendance this year.
“British cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s are our focus this year, but there will be a few from the late ‘50s, as well as Chevys of all kinds, especially the ‘60s,” said Waterman, who has chaired the event for seven years. “Chevrolet has lots of muscle cars, such as Camaros, and some really cool Chevelles that will be there.”
Waterman and the other car show committee members are planning to have around 180 cars displayed along the northern end of Orinda Way, Avenida De Orinda and the Phair’s old parking lot, also known as “auto plaza.”
Waterman loves to hear all the roar at the end of the show, when owners start their engines for the drive home. But his favorite thing involves hearing how the car owners acquired their cars in the first place.
“Sometimes it’s a family car that’s handed down through generations or an elaborate story about how they ended up with the car,” Waterman said. “One couple owns an old rattletrap ‘60’s Chevy Impala that hasn’t been restored. The husband told me he and his wife got married in the car and, of course, took it with them on their honeymoon as they drove across the country. It’s been a part of their lives forever.”
Orinda Motors is the founding sponsor of the show and continues in that role this year, along with its Orinda Classic Car Center. The company will display prime examples of cars that ruled during the ‘60s and’70s inside their garage to complement the many cars lining adjacent streets.
According to Waterman, there will also be two food trucks and an Orinda’s Sister City Foundation booth where Czech beer can be purchased.
The Boys’ Team Charity and the National Charity League will once again supply volunteers to help The Orinda Association, and the Classic Car Show’s enthusiastic members keep everything organized.
“These young people have been stepping up to help us for years now. They’ll help put up decorations the afternoon before the show and stay to take them down afterwards.”
Cars have always piqued Waterman’s interest. He took auto shop at Miramonte High and owns several classic cars himself.
“I was in auto shop for two years under long-time teacher Mr. Kell. That experience helped inspire me to learn a lot more about cars,” Waterman said. “I’d like to chair the event one more time and feature German cars, which we’ve never done before. There are so many such as Mercedes, BMW, VW, Audi and, of course, Porsche. I know a fellow Rotarian who would be perfect to greet people at a car show like that. I’m sure he has some lederhosen somewhere.”
The Orinda Classic Car Show is free, but donations are gratefully accepted with proceeds benefiting The Orinda Association’s Seniors Around Town program, which provides free rides for Orinda seniors.
For more information, go to orindacarshow.com/ or email info@orindacarshow.com.
