On August 28, 2022 Lacey Park, the best kept secret in San Marino, California, was bursting with over 350 classics and vintage automobiles. The 11th Annual San Marino Motor Classic is presented in the shadow of the historic Rose Bowl in Pasadena. Aaron Weiss, chairman of the event, gathered hundreds of volunteers to put on a “show of shows,” that drew thousands of car enthusiasts to the 30-acre green span in the heart of a lovely residential neighborhood. The event was co-founded by Paul Colony and the late Ben Reiling as a successor of the Los Angeles Concours that made its inaugural entrance on the scene on May 21, 2006.
A century of historic automobiles for public view were blanketed with automotive excellence over acres of manicured lawn with about 53 classes ranging from Brass & Nickel Era cars, American Classics, European Sportscars, to the Volkswagen Beetle and more.
“Our annual community event brings increased awareness of the history of the motor vehicle through a broad-spectrum exhibition of historical automobiles from the early to mid-twentieth century,” says Weiss. “It’s a full concours event in picturesque Lacy Park with objective judging that attracts the finest cars from some of the best-known collectors in both S. CA and throughout the country.”
To set the mood for a concours level car show a “Symphony of Cars” charitable fund raising gala was held the day before the show at Lacey Park. Some of the classics on display included a 1907 Columbia-Mark LXII Park Surey, a 1911 Rambler, Model 165, a 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, a 1929 Duesenberg Butterfly Dual Cowl Phaeton, 1 932 Packard Series 904, a 1948 F40 and 50 and a few more automotive treasures.
As dubbed in previous years, “Design in Motion” has been the theme and this year includes the Ferrari Club of America Southwest Region Concorso Ferrari, Packard International Grand Salon, the Porsche Club of America and San Gabriel Valley Region.
For the second year, the event hosted the Automotive Fine Arts Society Art Exposition and Sale. The work of Dennis Brown, Richard Pietrustka, John Frye, Tom Garner, Richard Lewis, and Dave Marek were on display for automotive enthusiasts.
Past Chief Judge Jerry Rosenstock once said, “A concourrs d’elegance is a combination of the restorers art, the elegance of the conception of the automobile and its preservation.”
After an overcast morning that cast a saturated quality to the shiny metal, the sun came out in typical California fashion and it was time for the awards presentation. Dave Kun, KABC automotive reporter and commentator Ed Justice Jr., conducted interviews with car owners and presented the awards to a great parade of cars.
The automotive works of art were judged by experts for authenticity, restoration quality, and if it runs and idles smoothly with all the instruments and light functions working.
Some of the top awards:
Most Elegant Post War Open Car: 1961 Mercedes-Benz 300 Model D Convertible Sedan, Don Mertz
Most Elegant Pre-War Closed: 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Sany Hansen
Meguiar’s Best Paint: 1967 Corvette, Julie and Bill Ebling
People’s Choice Award: 1921 Ford Model T Boat Tail Speedster, John Echard
Mayor’s Award: 1952 Muntz Jet, Chris Roth
Chairman’s Award: 1911 Rambler Model 65, Janie and Joe Conzonire
Hagerty Preservation Award: 1925 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, Mike Adams
Best of Show Pre War: 1932 Maybach Zepplin DS8, Nethercutt Collection
Best of Show Post War: 1957 Alfa Romeo CSS 1900 Zagato Double Bubble, Ken Roth
Best of Show Concorso Ferrari: 1967 Ferrari 330 GTS, David Lee
All funds raised benefit the Pasadena Humane Society, Cancer Support Community Pasadena and the San Marino Rotary Charities.
