By Kayla Knowles
Staff Writer
The beginning of summer is typically signified by crowded beaches, emerging tanlines and the end of school. In Hermosa Beach, residents celebrate the start of the season with the “Endless Summer Classic Car Show,” held this year on May 3 in the Hermosa Beach Plaza.
The car show is a complimentary event run by HB local David Freedman. Attendees roamed the exhibition while learning about classic American cars.
“All the cars are so crazy,” sophomore Lucas Wilson said. “I love cars, and it was awesome to see all of them, free of cost.”
Freedman created the idea for the show 15 years ago. It has been running annually ever since.
“I am a Hermosa Beach native, and I wanted to start the show because of my obsession with cars,” Freedman said. “I started my own car club, and I also have organized two other events.”
The cars ranged from classic General Motor Companies to vintage Shelby Cobras, focusing on the ‘50s to the ‘90s. Freedman gets the cars for the show from community members who want to showcase their collection.
“This is the first time I’ve ever been a part of this show,” car owner Don Stager said. “I own six Delorean General Motors. It’s neat to be able to share my love of these cars with other people.”
The volunteers have been working together putting on the show for years. Through the event, they are able to create friendships based off of their shared passion for classic cars.
“All of us guys are really good friends,” car owner Sandy said. “We come to the show and do what we love, talk about cars, and it is very enjoyable.”
Hermosa Beach resident Heather Pham believes that the plaza is a prime location for the show as it allows spectators to not only see the classic cars but also shop as well.
“I came to Hermosa with alternative motives and happened to pass the show,” sophomore Jordan Jernigan said. “All of the cars are amazing and impressive.”
Freedman has run other car shows, including the Gilmore Heritage Classic Car Show in Chicago and the Hermosa Beach Classic Car Show.
“I had no idea the show would be this well put-together,” Pham said. “I came because my son is obsessed with cars. I thought there would be two or three cars.”
The “Endless Summer Car Show” is aimed to interest viewers of all ages. According to Freedman, he will begin to plan next year’s show in the upcoming months.
“I had fun at the show, and my favorite car was the DMC Delorean,” Wilson said. “I wish there were more cars to look at. It took me a really long time to get through the ones I did look through, and it was really enjoyable.”
Leave a Reply