*Photo Courtesy of the San Marino Motor Classic*

Rolling out nearly 500 of some of the most fascinating and eye-catching automobiles spanning over 100 years of automotive history, the 13th Edition of San Marino Motor Classic will take place the weekend of August 24, 2024, and August 25, 2024, at Lacy Park in the City of San Marino.

This is not your usual classic car show according to Motor Classic organizer and Palos Verdes High School alumnus, Aaron Weiss, “Unlike many classic cars shows, the Motor Classic is a carefully curated collection of automobiles representing 38 distinct classes of automobiles ranging from the 1900’s brass and antique, pre-war classics, and a large variety of post-war cars that include luxury cars and sports cars. Every vehicle selected to participate in the event must be considered ‘concours level’ which means each vehicle must have its origin authenticated and restored to its original factory condition.”

The selection process begins with the Selection Committee determining which classes of cars will be included in the event. The Committee’s finalized list is distributed to car collectors across the country who must apply to the Motor Classic Selection Committee in order to have their automobile considered for the event. The Selection Committee is tasked with chore of sorting through all of the applications before and determining which automobiles will be included in the next Motor Classic.

Part of the selection process includes assigning the vehicle to a particular class in order to participate in the Motor Classic’s Best of Class competition. The judges assigned to the competition are members of the International Chief Judge Advisory Group (ICJAC) and have been vetted to judge vehicles in the Motor Classic as well as other prestigious car exhibitions such as the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance and the La Jolla Concours d’Elegance.

Trophies in each class are awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place. According to Weiss, “The judges use a 100 point scoring system that takes into consideration such things as the quality of the paint, fit and finish, chrome, upholstery, engine compartment and authenticity of the car. Points are deducted for items that are deficient.”

There is also the Best in Show Trophy which is awarded to one 1st place winner that the lead judges from each class mutually agree is the best car participating in the Motor Classic. The final selection is based on style, provenance, and other unique attributes.

In addition to the individual awards, the program of activities includes the ‘Symphony of Cars Gala.’ Weiss shares, “This unique event held on Saturday evening showcases 15 exceptional motor cars that will be individually presented on stage while the Gary Tole’s Legends of Swing Orchestra plays musical selections written in the same year the car was assembled. The evening is sponsored by David Lee and Hing Wa Jewelers. Preceding the Gala will be Automotive Fine Arts Society Art Show from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. sponsored by Team Janice Lee, Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices.”

The VIP Reception will be held on Sunday afternoon and feature an alfresco gourmet dining experience. The Motor Classic’s midway opens on Sunday and includes 40 trade booths featuring gifts and other items for purchase and information for car enthusiasts.

What really makes the Motor Classic a special event is its link to local charities and non-profit organizations. When the event was originally produced by the Assistance League of Los Angeles (ALLA), they included a charitable component to the event and donated a portion of their proceeds to the Pasadena Humane Society (PHS). As event expenses grew the ALLA could no longer afford to produce the event.

Rather than seeing the event fade away, Weiss and his two co-founders decided to revive the event, including its fundraising efforts to support local charities and non-profit organizations. Weiss and his two partners agreed to continue their support for the PHS. But in order to gain their permit to use Lacy Park, the City of San Marino required them to include a San Marino charity. The partners approached the Rotary Club of San Marino who agreed to distribute funds to local charities and non-profits. Over time, the list of community organizations supported by the event includes Cancer Support Community San Gabriel Valley, Give–Mentor–Love Foundation, and the Rose Bowl Aquatic Center.

Weiss stresses “Every dollar that is donated goes to charity. The San Marino Motor Classic has no paid employees, no rented office space and the costs of producing the event are not generated by Sponsor and Donor dollars, but rather from Entry Fees, Ticket Sales, Program Advertisements, and Vendor Tents.”

Major sponsors include Rusnak Auto Group, Hing Wa Lee Jewelers, Team Janice Lee Berkshire Hathaway, Bonhams, Chubb, and Gooding & Company.

Weiss stresses “There are numerous activities and events that are part of this two day event. Sponsorships help to maximize our charitable donations. We are actively seeking businesses, community organizations, and individuals who are able to support us through sponsorship opportunities.”

The Motor Classic activities begin on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. with the Automobile Fine Arts Society Art Exposition and Sale that concludes at 6:00 p.m. The Symphony of Cars Gala will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. at Lacy Park hosted by Hing Wa Lee Jewelers and benefitting the Cancer Support Community of San Gabriel Valley.

On Sunday, August 25, 2024, the Motor Classic opens to the public at 9:00 a.m. The VIP Reception, VIP Ticket Holders only, is open from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event concludes with the awards ceremony from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For Sponsorship opportunities and general admission ticket information visit: https://sanmarinomotorclassic.com.

SUBSCRIBE FREE TO PALOS VERDES PULSE

Steve Tabor

This South Bay native’s photographic journey began after receiving his first 35 mm film camera upon earning his Bachelor of Arts degree. As a classroom teacher he used photography to share the world and his experiences with his students. Steve began his photography career photographing coastal landscapes and marine life. His experiences have led him to include portraits and group photography, special event photography as well as live performance and athletics in his portfolio. As a contributor and photojournalist, he has published stories about the people, places and events in and around the Palos Verdes Peninsula and beyond.

Interested in seeing more of Steve’s work, visit website at: www.stevetaborimages.com