From Pinewood to Heavy Metal: The Car Show is Coming

After nine months of planning and thousands of volunteer hours, it’s finally here—Seal Beach Chamber’s 25th Annual Classic Car Show.  This Saturday the Classic Car Show will be held on Main Street, and organizer’s want visitors to know that it’s more than just a car show: It’s an event. 

As Chairman of the show, Brian Warner has promised this year’s event will be a tribute to the owner’s and the countless hours they have spent working on their masterpieces. There will be over 500 cars on display with over 30 categories, ranging from ‘Best Convertible’ to ‘Best Muscle Car.’

“There will be a lot of great exhibits this year like Drag Racers of the Past,” Warner said. “We’re bringing back Shirley Muldowney’s restored AA Fuel Dragster from 1977 too.” 

Shirley Muldowney’s Dragster set a world record in 1977 at 254 mph in the low 5 GT’s.  Muldowney, a drag racing icon, was the first woman to set any record in this racing division.  Her car went missing for 30 years until it was found in Victorville, CA behind a body shop.  Meticulously restored down to the smallest detail by Seal Beach local racing historian David Mandella, Muldowney’s dragster made its appearance at last years car show.  It was a crowd favorite, and this year will be no different, say organizers. 

Warner has worked with cars for 45 years and runs Brian Automotive Service.  Although he loves cars and cant wait to see them on display this Saturday, he really loves what this event does for children and families.

“What makes this show so special is the congeniality and wholesomeness offered to families who come to Seal Beach,” Warner said.  “We want to share what we are so fortunate to have with others.”

The Pinewood Derby, hosted by Club Scout Pack 116, offers the wholesomeness Warner is talking about.  All preteen boys and girls are encouraged to get their own authorized derby race kit from Knock Knock Toy Store on Main Street and participate in the race.  The winner will race  Chamber President Nat Ferguson’s car and receive a $100 savings bond.  The event is geared to encourage kids to work with their hands and their minds.

The Car Show also can work wonders to change young peoples lives for the better, according to Warner. A couple of years ago, a local minister got a group of troubled youths to build a hot rod.  Not only did these youths build a beautiful black coupe, it was the best in its class and they ended up winning their division, said Warner.

“That’s my favorite story,” Warner said.  “I try to encourage youth to build using their hands and using their brains.  Now those youths have the inspiration to go on and do greater things.”

Free parking and transportation to the show can be found at North Marina Drive and Alamitos Bay Landing, and runs from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The car show is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information visit the Chamber of Commerce website or contact Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce at 562-799-0179.