Car Show
iDriveSoCal's Week 47 Car Show Report
2024-11-26
On Saturday, iDriveSoCal's community reporter, Scot S., rolled out to the Cruisin’ La Verne Holiday Car Show. It was a truly pleasant day with overcast skies and a comfortably cool temperature. The gathering spanned five or six blocks centered around the Old Towne intersection, offering a nice variety of cars and a pre-holiday vibe.

Uncover the Cool Cars at the Cruisin’ La Verne Holiday Car Show

’69 Caddy - A Smooth Beauty

The ’69 Caddy at the show was beautifully smoothed. While the wheels and tires had the potential to make it a Donk, its lowered stance gave it a unique look. It stood out among the other cars with its distinct charm.

This classic car showcased the craftsmanship of its era and added a touch of elegance to the event. Its design and details made it a standout among the crowd.

A Gasser - Period-Correct and Legit

The Gasser at the Cruisin’ La Verne Holiday Car Show looked truly legit and period-correct. Its authenticity was evident in every detail, from the body to the engine. It was a sight to behold and took us back to a bygone era.

This Gasser represented the spirit of the past and added a sense of nostalgia to the show. Its presence was a reminder of the rich history of car culture.

A Good Take on a Common Paint Scheme - ’65 Ranchero

The ’65 Ranchero at the event had a good take on a common paint scheme. It stood out with its unique interpretation, showing that even a familiar design can be made special with the right touch.

This car demonstrated the creativity and individuality that car enthusiasts bring to their rides. It was a prime example of how a simple paint scheme can be transformed into something truly remarkable.

A Smooth 60 Caddy - Wife's Favorite

The smooth 60 Caddy was a hit among the attendees, especially with Scot's wife. Its sleek design and polished finish made it a favorite among the crowd.

This car captured the essence of the 60s and added a touch of sophistication to the show. Its beauty was undeniable and left a lasting impression on those who saw it.

’62 Imperial with Floating Lights - A Mystery

The ’62 Imperial with the floating lights was a mystery at the show. Some speculated that it was a ’59 Chevy built backwards, adding to its allure and intrigue.

This unique car sparked conversations and curiosity among the viewers. Its unusual design made it a standout and added an element of surprise to the event.

’41 Willys Pro Street - Smaller in Size

The ’41 Willys Pro Street was visually much smaller than the same body elsewhere in the show. Despite its smaller size, it still made a big impact with its powerful presence.

This car proved that size doesn't always matter. Its compact design and aggressive look were a testament to the skill and creativity of its owner.

’40 Mercury Eight - Gatsby Vibes

The ’40 Mercury Eight looked really ‘Gatsby’ at the show. Its classic design and elegant lines gave it a touch of old-world charm.

This car transported us back to the era of The Great Gatsby, with its luxurious features and refined style. It was a true gem among the collection.

In a Row of Vans - The Octopus’s Garden

In a row of vans, the Octopus’s Garden stood out. The ’71 Dodge B200 was a time capsule from the 70’s, complete with velour and shag. It was a unique and nostalgic sight.

This van brought back memories of a bygone era and added a touch of retro charm to the show. Its presence was a reminder of the diverse range of cars on display.

’48 Plymouth Woody - A Classic

The ’48 Plymouth Woody was a classic at the Cruisin’ La Verne Holiday Car Show. Its wooden body and timeless design made it a favorite among car enthusiasts.

This car represented the essence of classic American cars and added a touch of nostalgia to the event. Its beauty and history were on full display.

1965 Type 34 - A Surprise

Although not a fan of V-dubs, the 1965 Type 34 (does that mean Karman Ghia?) was a surprise at the show. Its unique design and charm caught everyone's attention.

This car defied expectations and added a touch of individuality to the collection. Its presence was a reminder that there is always something new and exciting to discover at car shows.

The Chassis of a 1931 Ford Model A and a 500 Cubic Inch Cadillac Motor: Graun's Rat Rod
2024-11-23
Graun's Rat Rod stands out with its unique combination of a 1931 Ford Model A chassis and a powerful 500 cubic inch Cadillac motor. This remarkable vehicle was featured in the September 25 Cajon Classic Cruise car show in El Cajon, where it took center stage. Valley News/Courtesy photo captured the essence of this extraordinary creation. The theme of the night was Rat Rod Rally, and Graun's ride truly lived up to the occasion. He made the journey from his Menifee home to participate in the car show and was honored with the Best of Show trophy. "I left there feeling really, really good about the trophy," Graun expressed. A group called Downtown El Cajon Business Partners hosts weekly car shows from April through October, and they do an excellent job of involving the community. This year marked Graun's third time bringing his Rat Rod to El Cajon, but it was the first time he walked away with a trophy. The presentation ceremony was a memorable experience for him.

Highlighting the Community Involvement

The Downtown El Cajon Business Partners' weekly car shows play a crucial role in bringing the community together. These events not only showcase amazing cars like Graun's Rat Rod but also foster a sense of unity and pride among the residents. By involving the community, these shows become more than just a display of automotive art; they become a celebration of local culture and talent. Graun himself was impressed by the effort and dedication put into organizing these events. "They really do a good job," he said, emphasizing the importance of community engagement. The regular schedule of car shows from April through October provides a consistent source of entertainment and inspiration for both car enthusiasts and casual observers alike.

The Significance of the Rat Rod Rally Theme

The Rat Rod Rally theme added an extra layer of excitement to the September 25 Cajon Classic Cruise car show. Rat Rods have a distinct charm and a history of their own, representing a DIY and unconventional approach to car customization. Graun's Rat Rod perfectly embodied this spirit, with its combination of classic and modern elements. The theme attracted a diverse crowd of car lovers who were eager to see the unique creations on display. It became a platform for like-minded individuals to come together and share their passion for cars. The Rat Rod Rally theme also served as a reminder of the creativity and innovation that can be found in the automotive world.

The Journey and the Trophy

Graun's decision to bring his Rat Rod to El Cajon was a significant one. It was not just about showing off his vehicle but also about being part of a community that appreciates and values classic cars. The journey from his Menifee home to the car show was a memorable one, filled with anticipation and excitement. When he received the Best of Show trophy, it was a moment of pride and validation. The trophy represented not only his hard work and dedication but also the recognition of his unique creation. Graun's story is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance in the world of cars. It shows that with the right combination of talent and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams.
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The 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show: Hits and Misses
2024-11-22
At every auto show, our experts are dedicated to picking out the highlights and lowlights. This year's Los Angeles Auto Show was no exception, as we've rounded up the best and worst of the bunch. Let's dive in and explore the cars that made an impact.

Uncover the Auto Show's Top Picks and Disappointments

Driving's biggest hits from the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan truly stood out. Sami Haj-Assaad was amazed by the effort put into its interior. High-end materials give it a premium feel, and there's an abundance of features like heated seats in the front and rear, as well as front massage seats. The new Atmosphere feature, combining sound and lighting, adds a fun touch. While a hybrid version isn't shown yet, the Tiguan is already a strong contender.

The 2025 Fiat 500e Giorgio Armani Collector's Edition also caught our attention. Clayton Seams, a sucker for fashion collaborations, loved the "GA" wheels and the oddball charm. It may not be a sales leader, but it has a certain appeal. Nostalgia plays a part in making it a standout.

Driving's biggest misses from the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show

The 2026 Kia EV9 GT was a disappointment. Graeme Fletcher questioned the logic of a hot-rodded three-row SUV aimed at families. The GT-Line already has good performance, and adding more power and an adaptive suspension seems unnecessary. There are also plenty of other Kia EV6 GTs available.

The 2025 Kia EV6 GT also faced criticism. Clayton Seams loved the previous design but was disappointed by the new front end. It still drives well and has more range, but the restyle is a turnoff. Design changes can sometimes go awry.

The 2026 Kia Sportage left us puzzled. Sami Haj-Assaad wondered what Kia was doing to make it stand out. It was just redesigned in 2023 and now has a new front fascia. While it offers technology and different powertrains, it feels like a run-of-the-mill refresh.

Even with a small shortlist, these cars made their mark at the 2024 Los Angeles Auto Show. It's clear that each vehicle has its own story and impact on the automotive world.
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