On Sunday Oct. 13 a multitude of classic cars gathered on the grass of Sylvan Park, across from the University of Redlands. Stater Brothers was a sponsor for the fundraiser which acted in support of military participation. The event was in thanks to those who served, both past and present and the proceeds benefited both. Found on the windshields of many of the automobiles read “If you like your freedom thank a vet.” After speaking with multiple owners of cars at the event a certain mindset begins to show itself in the visuals of the vehicles. One type—and the majority here—believes the cars should reflect the personalities of the drivers—the modifying of a vehicle to a completely new design on an old car, purposefully unlike the traditional build.
On the other side of the spectrum is those who believe the old cars should be fully restored to what they were originally like when they first emerged in their specific era. An old Chevrolet had positioned upright in the passenger seat a model of Frankenstein’s head. Found on the driver’s side window is a sticker displayed with colorful language. Many of the customized cars have paint colors that weren’t ever factory available in their original production era. Many older model trucks present had a very common sight: flames soaring backwards painted on the hoods.
Ken Johnson is the owner of a classic Vietnam Era Cargo truck from 1968. He explained his passion to restore the historical vehicle to exactly how it was originally made. This means something as simple as painting a screw to match the body paint is seen as a deviation from the original factory design if originally the screw wasn’t painted. Approximately in total Ken has spent $8,000 in his historic military vehicle. He mentions how doing the labor himself has saved him a lot of money in his true restoration process. It’s his 7th year at the car show and he is enthusiastic to display the vehicle and explain its history and discuss his knowledge of military history.
Also, among the many at the car show is Jessie Flores, a Military Veteran who served in Korea from 1967 to 1969. On this Sunday morning, Jessie is with his longtime friend Ron Craft. The two are sitting close to Jesse’s 1932 Ford Roadster. “It’s very traditional,” says Jessie, “I’m trying to keep it that way.” He explains how the headlights alone cost $400. In total he’s spent about $55,000 in his classic car. He mentions how doing the labor himself has also saved him a lot of money. He reflects on a time in the sixties when many cars didn’t have hoods and simply displayed the chrome coloring of the engine out in the open. His vehicle is from the thirties, but he still takes it out frequently. “I drive it all the time.” says Jessie, as he jokingly and genuinely mentions that being an older Veteran, he’s got to make the most of his time with the car.
Many walked around the event enjoying bacon-wrapped hot-dogs and shaved ice among other options. Music was being played through the speakers of the park and the cars were being shined by their owners. Many propped the hoods of their cars to display the shiny chrome coloring of fully rebuilt engines. Many cars had Fall themed decals such as one that read ‘The Adams Family” or an old Chevrolet painted a flat black with the name “Liz” present in front of the radiator. Many walked around the event with their dogs on leashes and some walked with their children in strollers. Some took photos of the cars and some just took in the sights with their eyes. Many longtime friends were present at the event and have been coming to the event for many years and are more than likely to return next year, when another gathering of such classic cars will roll into town again.