The Classic Auto Show 2017 - 1st of its Kind

Flickr Slideshow (click <108>) or Flickr Album

Los Angeles CA, Jan 27 2017 - Billed as the Ultimate Auto Experience, a new high profile automotive event has landed in Los Angeles California. Winter in LA is a pretty good excuse for anything, but the decision from the groups (Clarion Events and Urban Expositions) that run The Classic Auto Show in places like the United Kingdom seems an easy one. Fitting into an already crammed Socal automotive schedule, it was either an unfortunate date selection conflicting with the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona or by choice to compete for some reason.

Over 600 cars and trucks were chosen to represent the best of automobiles eras, brands and builders. With car clubs representing a large percentage of the auto volume, it was a communal show of force that added personality to the proceedings. While many dsplay cars were beautiful one-offs, it was just as fun to see a color-chart sea of 240Zs or Mustangs or Model As or lowered Chevy trucks.

There is no shortage of talent or cars in this town and it shows - the South Hall field would be worth half a million person-hours of effort and perseverance.

On hand to provide star power, a gaggle of some of the best known automotive television personalities - mostly helped to be famous by automotive television specialist the Velocity Channel. Mike Brewer, Wayne Carini, Chip Foose, Chris Jacobs, Mike Phillips and Dave Kindig all got out of bed early to be a part of the 3 days long theater presentations for the attendees. It was great to see them all on the stage at one time having so much fun - sometimes all six talking at the same time. No spoilers for Velocity's coverage here, sorry.

The Los Angeles Convention Center is a handy central spot for attracting crowds - close to freeways and transit and familiar home of the LA Auto Show. One striking difference between the two events was how the South hall was lit - Car Classic was solely by the anemic fluorescent fixtures a hundred yards up and away.

Mercury custom

Where automakers spend big bucks spotlighting their displays at LA Auto Show, there is no such logistics or budget for custom lighting at a first time in town car show. Knowing this, our only minor photographic-centric complaint is that the cars were not quite shown in their best light, and that we weren't sufficiently blinded by the colors present.

1941 Chrysler Woodie and Chris Craft Boat

LA-Live is right next door to make a full day of happiness. Tickets are available online ($25) and at the door ($30). Next show March 2-4 2018.

Australian Mini Moke

1955 Chevrolet Nomad

Land Rover Ambulance by Soldier of the Great Pour

1954 Chevrolet Sedan Delivery

Pictured below: 1963 Volkswagen Notchback Type 3; 1934 Packard Super 8 Convertible Victoria; 1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS Official Pace Car; and 1960 Cadillac Custom

by Randy Berg