Auto Fixation

By Brianne Harrison

Let me just say right up front that I know next to nothing about cars. I’m proud of myself if I manage to open the hood and check the oil without screwing something up. Any time a warning light goes on, I take it to the garage. No way am I messing around with any of that.

Having said that, I do enjoy a good car show. And I’m willing to bet a lot of other automobile-impaired people do too. Just because we don’t really know what’s going on under the hood doesn’t mean we can’t appreciate the beauty of a lovingly preserved or restored car from the 1930’s, 40’s, 50’s and beyond. Let’s face it—they just don’t make ‘em like that anymore. Before they were designed by computers and all started looking almost exactly alike (can you tell the difference between a four-door BMW, Mercedes, or Lexus when they aren’t close enough to see the logo? I can’t.) cars were works of art—beautifully shaped and luxuriously detailed.

This weekend, there are two chances to celebrate beautiful old cars. The first is the East Coast Boardwalk Classic Car Show, which runs from the 24 through the 27. Spend a fine day at the beach with some lovely old autos and specially planned entertainment. On Thursday, from 6:30 to 9:30, is the first annual Classic Car Street Festival, featuring the Funseekers Band, food, and trophies for the Best Original, Best Hot Rod, and Best of Show. The band Exceptions will be playing Motown and music from the ‘50’s and ‘60’s Friday night from 7 to 9:30. Saturday culminates with an awards ceremony, with prizes ranging from the usual (Best of Show) to the entertaining (Most Likely to get Pulled Over). For more information, visit thundermoto.com.

If you’re a fan of older cars, you should check out the 2009 Monmouth County Concours d’Elegance at Hop Brook Farm on the 26 (raindate Sunday, September 27). The Concours will feature pristine classic cars from 1900 to 1969. The event benefits the Embrace Kids Foundation, which helps families with children suffering from cancer, sickle cell disease, and other blood disorders. For more information, visit monmouthcountyconcours.com.