Growing up, I had a strong attraction to vintage cars, though we didn’t call them 'vintage' back then. Basically just about anything from the 1950s, 1960s, and some models from the 1970s, too. I loved the sleek lines, large fins, dramatic headlamps, and some of the unique features that you don't see in vehicles today. For example, one of the cars I used to own was a 1965 Dodge Model 440. The Model 440 was a larger, more upscale version of the Dodge Dart, and it was an absolute beast of a car. The one that I owned had two very special features that I loved. The first of those was that it was equipped with a push-button transmission. The buttons were located on the dash, just to the left of the steering column. And the other feature, was that the words, "Dodge Golden Anniversary 1915-1965", were inscribed around the center hub of the steering wheel.
Although the Model 440 was a great car, my all-time absolute favorite vehicle would have to be the 1955 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop Convertible. It is an absolutely beautiful car, especially when they were painted using a two-tone color scheme. It is definitely one of those cars that still makes me stop and admire every time I see one in a car show, parked in a lot or someone's driveway, or even just driving down the road. Just seeing one reminds me of all of the scale model cars I built as a kid, of which, I probably built this specific model at least a dozen times.
I never got to own one of these beauties, but I still hope someday that I will. And when I do, you can bet you'll see me cruising down Main Street with the top down and the classic rock music playing. I don't know what color I'll paint it yet, but I know that, if it's not already show quality when I get it, it will be fairly soon after. When it is, I'll be sure to enter it in the very popular Main Street Car Show that the city of Oakley hosts every summer! In fact, I just got back from this year's event. There were some truly beautiful vehicles to look at, too!
This Year's Show
The event is held every summer in the parking lot next to Oakley City Hall, on the side of the lot next to Civic Center Park. As in past years, the event is limited for how many vehicles can register. This year, it was limited to the first fifty vehicles to register, and from the looks of things, they filled all fifty of those spots.
Out of all of the vehicles that were on display, those that really caught my eye included a beautiful two-tone yellow and white 1955 Chevy Nomad, an eye-catching fire-engine red 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, a gorgeous bright white 1937 Ford Cabriolet, a 1923 Ford T Bucket Roadster that was bathed in chrome, a two-tone orange and white 1949 Chevy Business Coupe, and a flawless light tan 1937 Packard 120C. There were also a few vehicles that were a bit more modern as well.
Throughout the day, the band Rock the Heat brought the music! Everything from classic rock songs, to R&B, to Top 40 dance hits, they really helped to set the mood! It almost felt like I was back in my youth, spending a Friday night cruising the main streets of Pleasant Hill or Walnut Creek.
And the Award Goes To…
All of the vehicles on display were worthy of recognition. It was evident from the condition of the vehicles that the owners put a lot of work into maintaining them and that they cared about their cars a lot! The exterior paint was absolutely glistening in the sun, as was the chrome, too! The interiors were immaculate, and for those who chose to show off what was under the hood, the engines were so clean you would think they had just installed them.
Out of all of the cars, I would have had difficulty choosing which ones were the best. Luckily for me, that wasn't my job! I was there just to admire and imagine myself behind the wheel of every vehicle I saw. I would have given all of them a ribbon if I could have. Still, this was a competition, and the winners for this year were...
Judges Awards
Jim Williamson – 1949 Chevy Business Coupe
Ted Anderson – 1969 Ford Mach 1
David Neely – 1955 Chevy 150
Barionel Guiteau – 2005 Ford Mustang GT
Mayor's Choice
Jon Cambra – 1966 Chevy Impala
Best of Show
TJ & Sherry Seat – 1968 Chevy El Camino
Congratulations to all of the winners!
Cypress Self Storage – Built to Service All Your Needs!
If you've been thinking about owning a vintage or classic car, but have too much stuff in your garage to fit one, then Cypress Storage has the solution for you! Let us help you determine the best storage option for your needs, whether that is one of our drive-up self-storage units, an interior unit, or one of our climate-controlled storage units, we have options for every storage need and budget. Set to open soon, we are Oakley's newest self storage facility!
