Herbie, Grease Lightning and a 1927 Phantom Rolls Royce Town Car once owned by the elegant Fred Astaire.
These legendary attractions will be among the 500 cars on display one week from Saturday at the Culver City Car Show.
For six hours, starting at 9 a.m. in the heart of Downtown, streets of Culver City will serve as the backdrop for this annual charity event hosted by the Exchange Club.
With the death last year of celebrated car customizer George Barris, the Exchange Club has rehoned the show theme to focus on the intersection of cars and movies.
Both have long traditions in Culver City. In place of the irrepressible Mr. Barris, L.A.’s Petersen Automotive Museum is now the show’s principal co-sponsor.
“While George will be sorely missed, we are thrilled with the Petersens’ involvement,” said event co-organizer Jay Shery. “Culver City is not just the Heart of Screenland, where great movies get made.
“Our city’s past is inseparably tied to the colorful history of the automobile. The Petersen Automotive Museum is the ideal partner to help us bring these two great Culver City traditions together.”
As in years past, Downtown streets will be filled with hundreds of custom hot rods, muscle cars and classic rides displayed by proud owners hoping that their car will be chosen “Best in Show,” in this annual judged competition.
Along with automotive vendors from across the Southland, the show stage will feature live entertainment by the The Red Surf Band, Luis & the Wildfires, and returning favorite Lynda Kay.
“Everyone knows about Culver City’s leading role in movies and television,” said Dr. Shery. “Few, though, know that Culver City was the West Coast answer to Gasoline Alley.
“We were home to two race tracks.
“On a typical Saturday afternoon, 70,000 fans would gather to cheer on their favorites. One of auto racing history’s most mythical figures – Barney Oldfield – is laid to rest right here in Culver City.
“This year’s show kicks off our celebration of this extraordinary history,” Dr. Shery said.”
Other historic cars from Petersen collection will include Mach 5 from the television series and 2008 movie “Speed Racer,” and a 1941 custom Cadillac that screen icon Clark Gable had built as a birthday gift for his wife and screen sweetheart Carole Lombard who died a shortly thereafter in a plane crash.
The Car Show Grand Marshal is Michael Hammer.
A grandson of Los Angeles-based industrialist Armand Hammer, and the father of screen actor Armie Hammer, Mr. Hammer is well known as a philanthropist and chairman of the Armand Hammer Foundation.
A longtime show supporter and custom car enthusiast, Mr. Hammer owns one of the most extensive private collections on the West Coast.
He is among the newest members of the Petersen Automotive Museum board of directors. Grand Marshal Hammer plans to bring some of his prized cars to display at the show.
Parking is available at city lots and structures ringing the event.
Street parking in designated locations will be restricted.
Car Show fans are advised to take the bus or Metro’s Expo Line as a hassle-free way to enjoy the day.
A bicycle valet will be available at the city’s Lot B for attendees looking to beat the traffic on two-wheels.
All proceeds from the Car Show go to support the many youth charities underwritten by the Exchange Club, including the Club’s part in a national effort to prevent child abuse.
Saturday, May 7, 2016
9AM-3PM
Learn more about the Culver City racing scene from the Culver City Historial Society by clicking here.
Mr. Cohn may be contacted at john@thejungle.biz or at 310.402.3263.