Community Corner

Classic Car Nights Provide Rich History in Encinitas

Vintage vehicles line South Coast Highway 101 every third Thursday during summer months.

In 1929, South Coast Highway 101 in downtown Encinitas was lined with shiny sports cars, including the popular Ford Model T. Nearly 100 years later, some of those cars are still here.

During Classic Car Nights, which occur every third Thursday during summer months, downtown Encinitas looks a lot like it did all those years ago.

Dell Pound, a resident of San Marcos, brought his 1924 Model T, which he has had for 20 years. He said he doesn’t go to many car shows, but mostly has the car so he can enjoy driving it.

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“I’ve driven it all around the western United States and Canada,” he said. “It’s on its third motor since I’ve had it. They’re really primitive motors; they don’t last as long as today’s motors.”

The car includes a hand crank engine and a “fat man,” a steering wheel that bends downward to accommodate those who may not fit in the driver’s seat otherwise.

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Another popular car on the Highway is a 1917 Model T Touring Sedan featuring almost all original parts. The car was donated to the San Dieguito Heritage Museum in 2003. It came from South Dakota and was stored in a barn for 30 years. When it was first made, it sold for $850.

Warren Raps, who restores cars for the museum, worked on the Model T, mostly re-painting it and changing the upholstery. He said restoring a nearly 100-year-old car requires “time, sweat and a lot of swearing.”

But classic does not always mean old. The Classic Car Nights include cars such as the 2001 BMW Z-8, a car featured in James Bond films and valued at $135,304.

Tylor Burnett, a mechanic with O’Reilly Auto Parts and a former mechanic in the Marine Corps, is in charge of judging the cars and giving out awards. He often rewards newer cars with titles such as “best interior,” “best woody,” “best hot rod” and “best finish,” although the older cars get plenty of recognition, too.

Jim Miller collects, repairs and sells cars from a variety of eras. He brought a 1934 roadster that he’s had for two years, and is now selling it for $80,000. He says he doesn’t make any money on his cars, but that’s never been his concern.

“The way to ruin a project is keeping track of how much money you spend,” he said. “Showing off is really a last consideration—the fun part is getting in it and driving it.”

For many classic car collectors, the community that forms is just as important as the cars themselves.

Bob Romeo brought his red 1956 Chevy Bel Air convertible, which he’s had for 8 years and has all of its original parts. Romeo is a member of Heartbeat Classics, a classic car club.

“We have a club and we go out to eat,” he said. “I love talking to people, and the camaraderie that forms [around cars].”

There will be two more Classic Car Nights this summer, on Aug. 15 and Sept. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

 

 


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