Orinda Classic Car Show-Five Years and Going Strong | Orinda Motors

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Published September 2nd, 2009

Orinda Classic Car Show-Five Years and Going Strong

By Andrea A. Firth

Chip Herman (standing) and Whitney Haist (driver) with Haist's fully restored 1926 Dodge Brothers Roadster which will be on display at the 5th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show Photos Ohlen Alexander

"It's all about building community and giving back," says Chip Herman as he looks out the window from his seat inside Geppetto's toward Orinda Way, which on September 19th will be lined with vintage and modern exotic cars for the 5th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show. Herman, a 20-year resident of Orinda and the event founder, displays a youthful exuberance and his passion for cars as he describes the plans for this year's show. "Orinda's Car Show is unique because of the range of great vehicles we get from the community," says Herman. "Each year we have both classic cars in mint condition and others that are lovingly driven every day. We get hot rods and other custom cars, race cars, and even the occasional vintage Air Stream camper. There's something for everyone," he adds.

The car show has become an Orinda tradition and has grown exponentially over the past five years. The first year, the show attracted 22 cars and raised $1,600 for Seniors Around Town, a volunteer organization that provides transportation to senior residents. Last year, there were over 125 cars on display and the show netted $16,000 for the seniors' program. Herman expects year five to be even bigger and better. "I've been to a lot of car shows," he says, "[The Orinda Car Show] has some hidden gems, some really amazing cars. It rivals any national car show."

These amazing cars come with their own unique and remarkable stories as well. Sean Kimble brings his Ford Fairlane, an exact replica of the car featured in the old television crime drama Dragnet. Kimble plays the part of Sergeant Joe Friday for the day, sporting the skinny-tie style of the fifties and spouting, "Just the facts ma'am." Kirk Haley brings his 1969 Mustang Fastback-the first car he owned back in high school. Haley sold the car years ago, rediscovered it sitting in an apartment complex parking lot, decided he had to have it back, and re-bought the now classic car. And Tom Cargill, a former Orinda resident who lives in Reno, drives his 1963 Corvette back to his old hometown each year to participate in the show and visit with his daughters.

This free event is presented by Orinda Motors, which closes business for the day and transforms the auto body shop into a classic car showroom. Orinda Motors owner Allen Pennebaker, a Miramonte High School graduate, and service manager John Vanek have been great to partner with, notes Herman. "They are very committed to the car show. It's a great example of a local business giving back to the community," he says. "And, they actually have mechanics who can work on these old, classic cars that are not completely computerized."

The Orinda Classic Car Show kicks off with a Friday night pre-party aptly named Dancing with Cars. Attendees enjoy drinks, including a martini bar which features the "carsmopolitan," dinner, and live music along with an expansive view of Mount Diablo from an airplane hangar at Buchanan Field where the party is held. "It's like a big post-summer reunion," says Herman. "My goal is to make it the most fun charity event to go to."

As in previous years, viewing the cars on Saturday will be complemented with food and music. Once again vintage race cars will be on display including special guest, Orinda resident Jochen Rohr, a world GTI driving champion and Daytona 24-hour event winner (1997), who will bring his winning racecar which has been faithfully restored. Herman has also incorporated some new elements into the show including a display of custom motorcycles from Dublin-based bike producer Arlen Ness along with vintage motorcycles owned by local residents. And, the Orinda Historical Society will present "Orinda Through the Years," a photographic history of the city and its cars. The show wraps up at 2:00 p.m. with a parade of cars and the opportunity for show goers to take a cruise in their favorite classic car for a $25 donation.

For tickets to Dancing with the Cars on Friday, September 18th, contact Chip Herman at Chipherman@hotmail.com. For more information about the Orinda Classic Car Show or to register your car or motorcycle, go to www.orindamotors.com.