The San Marino Motor Classic
The San Marino Motor Classic - 2019
The San Marino Motor Classic, The "Monterey" of Southern California, oh and let me tell you what a show this was. A special note before I start this post; with sincere gratitude and humble thanks to Mr. Aaron Weiss who provided media access so I may cover the event and bring you, my readers another great post.
The San Marino Motor Classic started it's origins in 2011 established by co-founders Aaron Weiss, Ben Reiling and Paul Colony which was exclusively held in Lacy Park, a beautiful and serene park in the lovely city of San Marino.
The San Marino Motor Classic has a lovely and deep connection to the city itself serving and providing beneficiary charities to such organizations as the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA and the Rotary Club, both of which had a great presence at this years event.
I showed up on a beautiful Sunday morning, and let me tell you right from the start I knew this event was going to be a huge success, how you may ask? Organized, Organized, Organized!
There was a multitude of volunteers, eager and happy to help. They even offered a trolley service to usher in people who parked around and in the neighborhood, yes you read right a trolley service.
Don't believe me? See below!
Parking was plentiful and available on the beautiful residential streets surrounding the park. You would simply park, hop onto the trolley and you would be brought to the park entrance.
So, I am ready, waiting and eager to enter the park and see what this show has to offer. I was not at all disappointed, each and every aspect of what a true car show should be was covered.
Very organized check-in process, clear and concise signage and layout and plenty of staff, safety-personnel, food and drink options (VIP Area, Food Trucks) and plenty of space and shade should one need a little reprieve.
The sheer breadth of vehicles displayed and out was astonishing, clearly I understood how this can be dubbed the "Monterey" of Southern California.
Listen, I'm not being overly dramatic here, this was not my first car show. I have been to several Local, Nationwide and European events and I can confidently say that the range of exotic, rare and sheer historical vehicles here was breathtaking!
The classes of automobiles are wide and extensive, the full list (list is subject to change) is found on their webpage here:
I really took my time walking around as it was such a beautiful day, the layout of the show was very easy to navigate, well planned and had a great flow. Plenty of rest areas for shade, food truck vendors and other artisans filled the park.
My favorite genre in the automotive world is large saloon vehicles from the 30s and 40s, namely Rolls Royce and Mercedes Benz.
There were quite a collection of both, all of which were meticulous! It felt as thought I took a step back in time, these cars looked as though they just rolled off the production line awaiting you to step into the back seat and be chauffeured around Grey Poupon Anyone?
Juxtaposed to this genre there was absolutely no shortage of exotic vehicles, ranging from one off prototypes, super rare vehicles (1 of 1 etc) and hyper cars as well.
The famed connoisseur David Lee also brought out quite a range from his collection.
All in all, there is no better way to spend the day in the sun with some amazing vehicles that you may not ever see again, at least until the next show! The wide variety and pedigree of collectors is second to none. This is a must see show if you are in Southern California and even if you're not! Do make the effort to stop on by, further information for the 2020 show is located on their website here:
Hope to see you there!
Signing off,
Alen
