Classic Cars To Fill Streets

A plethora of classic autos of different colors and varieties will line Second Street on Sunday, Sept. 9, for the 18th annual Belmont Shore Car Show; and all will have at least one thing in common: a model date of 1975 or earlier.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. that day, the cars will and their owners will camp out on Second and the adjacent side streets in a showcase that has drawn tens of thousands of spectators in past years. Organizers call it one of the largest car shows on the West Coast and say that it will boast about 650 first class rods, customs, street machines and bikes.

“It’s one of the last shows being held at a seashore venue,” said Clyde Crossan, club president.

Second Street through Belmont Shore and some of its side streets will be blocked off for the event. Spectators can attend the show for free. Business vendors also will have booths along the street.

Proceeds from the last seven years of shows — about $130,000 — have benefited local charities.

The showcase is sponsored by the Belmont Shore Business Association and organized by the Bay City Rodders of Seal Beach, a car club that consists of about 50 members. The organization hosts one other car show — “Bay City at the Beach,” which takes place at Marine Stadium. Vehicles in previous shows have included Hot Rods, classic custom cars of the 1950s, low-riders, muscle cars and motorcycles

Pre-registering a car for the show costs $25. Registering on the day of the event costs $30. Cars must have model years of 1974 or earlier. Organizers said they recommend pre-registering, as the showcase typically sells out. Pre-entries get a $2 discount off of the official show T-shirt.

For more information about the show, call 421-6436. Entry forms are available at www.baycityrodders.com.

— Kelly Garrison