Art Center Car Classic 2013 - Part 1
The Art Center College of Design's annual Car Classic is one of the most diverse car shows of the year. From Bugattis to Corvettes and hot rods to a Tesla concept car, this event brings together fascinating people and cars at one of the premier automotive design art schools.
Another beautiful day for a car show. Check out the Delorean - it makes me want to climb in and travel back in time to when some of these cars were new on the road.
A great way to spend a vacation - load up the 1957 Buick Wagon and a 1964 Airstream Bambi and a camping we will go!
These pictures do not do justice to the paint job on this 1934 5 Window "Iron Orchid" Coupe.
We loved the peek-through window to this engine - the blue tint on the glass was a nice touch.
Under one of the tents was a stunning 1959 Chevrolet Corvette Racing Stingray...
... which sat right next to a 1961 Chevrolet Corvette Mako Shark.
There were a number of kids at this event, who had plenty of activities to keep them busy, such as finding all of the automotive "animals" at the car show. I overheard one eager tot telling his friend what he had found so far that afternoon, "... and then I saw a jaguar, a cobra, and a MAKO shark!"
The Vettes continued with a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray Split Window....
... and a creamy yellow 1967 Chevrolet Corvette 427/435.
Those in attendance were treated to a stunning display of fine French coaches, beginning with this 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Atalante...
... and followed by this equally intriguing 1939 Bugatti Type 57C Aravis...
One incredible treat that the Mullin bestowed upon show goers was the presentation of this "buck" - the wood full-scale form that is the beginning of a Bugatti.
It was amazing to see a fitted piece on the buck itself, and even more mind-boggling to imagine all of the fitment work that occurs during this process, which in itself is both a craft - and an art.
In a visually satisfying and overwhelmingly beautiful display, the finished product, a 1939 Bugatti Type 64 Coupe, sat right beside the buck itself.
I stopped and stared at this finely crafted coach far longer than any other vehicle at the event - I found myself not being able to get enough of the details.
Each time I looked at it, I saw something new. The car itself is so effortlessly graceful and breathtaking, as are all of the details that subtly command attention.
I was fortunate to be within earshot of the coach builder as he answered questions from attendees about the process...
I love seeing the final product of Peter Mullin's vision, combined with the coach builder's immense skill and ability, to carefully transform that vision into a reality.
As if the display of hand-crafted Bugattis hadn't already made our day, we were absolutely thrilled to run into friend and fellow car nut Dave Kunz from ABC 7...
...which was promptly followed by an impromptu run-in with Jay Leno. I have such great respect for his promotion and preservation of vintage automobiles. It was an honor to briefly chat with him about it.
But there was still more to see at the show, including this 1917 La Bestioni 14 Litre (900 cu in) Boat Tail Speedster.
Talk about a fully executed theme! Every inch of this Bestioni was filled with "rusty" details.
The tail end of this car reminds me of the Hispano-Suiza that resides in the Mullin Automotive Museum's collection...
Not to be outdone by the Bestioni was this 1953 Cadillac Gia formerly owned by Rita Hayworth.
Another highlight of this event? The exposure to the school's art students - who were busy furiously sketching as many of these gorgeous cars as they could that afternoon... oh to be able to draw like that - they make it look so easy!
The center lawn was overtaken by Citroens, including this 1971 Citroen DS 21...
... and this 1972 Citroen Maserati...
... and this 1972 Citroen DS.
Does it look like something is wrong with this picture?
Well, if you guessed yes, you're right. So - this was not at the Art Center show, but seeing the Citroens there reminded us of another Citroen we once saw. This one was at The Centre Pompidou in Paris, France.
The artist had taken a Citroen, split it down the middle, and put it back together.
Is it art, or is it a car? Maybe both, but we're certain it would tip over around the first corner (plus, those alignment issues in the back would drive us absolutely batty!).
We couldn't help but peek over each artist's shoulder as they sketched away. There was so much to see at this show - stay tuned as we bring you part two of this incredible event!