Despite restructuring being done to lead car companies in new, hopefully profitable directions, America will continue its love affair with the automobile. Not for the new stuff but the sentimental older ones. The car buff still lives in the “golden” past, whether with antiques, hot rods, custom, classic or muscle cars. Gas guzzlers, for sure, but a passion that never seems to die. The Car Club Council of Greater San Diego, for instance, lists 98 clubs dealing with all makes and models. Memberships run into the thousands. Hobbying car clubs are mainstreams of our times. Members assemble often to show off what they own and to share their enthusiasm. Antiques or rare vintage machines border the turn of the 20th century with the best creations of Henry Ford, Walter Chrysler, Karl Benz and Ransom Olds. Steam and early electric power were marvels of that period. Hot rod shows appear someplace in the county almost weekly, featuring the classics. These cars provide engineering influence and imagination. The leading competition and custom owners collect more huge trophies to stash away in the garage, often too big for a spot inside the house. Why not the garage — the car earned it. Evolution of the muscle car in the 1960s is well documented by these nostalgic horsepower clubbers. Opinions on which of these cars were best is grounds for heated debate. What’s best: Ford, Chevrolet or Dodge? … The Pontiac GTO, Camaro, Corvette and Mustang are still around and these owners would never part with them. These signs of the past relate to design, horsepower and size over today’s movement to economize. *** It’s interesting to note how some racing enthusiasts revel in the past when discussing auto competition. Modern day advancements be hanged. It was better in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s. Two organizations come to mind. One is the international e-mail network of racing historians who feel open-wheel racing beyond 1969 is not a true form of competition. Advocates of the front-end Indianapolis roadsters dislike rear engine racers. In 10 years this organization has grown to 1,000 members who keep the wires busy. It’s an intriguing bunch of worldwide guys and gals who deal with any subject, from driver identifications in an old black and white photo, technical points, long ago competition, race tracks or sanctioning bodies. Discussions may carry on for weeks. The other is the Fabulous Fifties, a group made up mostly of Californians who desire only to relive the days of Torrey Pines, Palm Springs, Riverside and Pomona sports car races. Anything linked to drivers Carroll Shelby, Phil Hill, Dan Gurney, Max Balchowsky and others are vocal points. *** Still on the subject of nostalgia, action-packed auto racing and vehicle exhibitions are coming to Coronado for the 12th annual Coronado Speed Festival Sept. 26-27. This Fleet Week San Diego event is the only racecar and military tribute event in the United States. The festival will highlight restored classics from years past. Also planned are military flyovers, drifting and drag racing exhibitions, car club corral and a car show. *** In an unusual sales promotion, Auto Club Speedways at Fontana and Pomona have put together a combined ticket package for the NASCAR Pepsi 500 and the NHRA Finals. Featuring a stop of the Chase Race championship, the Fontana event is scheduled Oct. 11. The season’s drag race finals at the fairgrounds are set Nov. 15. For one price of $95, the SoCal Speed Pass comes complete with reserved seat tickets and pre-race pit passes. With a savings of $80, race fans have until Sept. 11 for the offer.
