Photo Ohlen Alexander

The sixth annual Orinda Classic Car Show started off with diamonds, dancing and 170 car lovers determined to celebrate classic cars and motorcycles. The opening night auction party, held under tents on Avenida de Orinda on September 24th, set the stage for the free, community car show the next day.

On Saturday, 152 shining examples of motor vehicle history provided plenty of excitement for the crowds. Between the oohs and aahs, people of all ages shared their knowledge and fascination with cars:

"I like this Lamborghini, because they competed with Ferrari. Lamborghini was tired of hearing Ferrari say no one could beat their cars, so he built these. I like them because you don't see them very often and, well, they're just a beautiful car." -- Kyle Koeger (age 16), Orinda

"It's cool because it's big. It's called an Aero Racer, but they don't really know what it is. I'd like to drive it on the highway so I could show it off." -- Molly Stuart (10), Walnut Creek

"It's a 1932 Model T-Deuce [Replica]. There are only 100 made in the whole world. I've been driving it around in my yard. It's peaceful. It's joyful!" -- Demetri Counelis (9), Orinda

"It's a darling car. A 1958 Porsche Speedster. There's nothing like an older Porsche. Every time they come out with a new one, the old ones look better." -- Brad Shafer, San Francisco

"I like the simpler ones. There's a sedan with a navy blue interior over there. I'd drive it to school and show it off." -- Sophie Belinn (14), Orinda

"This is Jim's '38 Harley [Davidson] 45. He has special cars too-Cords-built in the 30's, with front wheel drive. One of them is collapsible...you know, what you call convertible. When I go for a walk in the morning, I go down and look at Jim's cars: they're such beauties." -- Bill Garrison (86), Lafayette

"I keep it in my house, [his '38 Harley], 'cause I like to look at it." -- Jim Lawrence, Lafayette

This year's auction and raffle raised over $12,000 to benefit the Educational Foundation of Orinda, Seniors Around Town, and the Orinda Historical Society. Mechanics Bank sponsored the party Friday evening and Orinda Motors organized the event.

There was plenty of emotion at the car show, but the most poignant moment happened Friday evening, when Chip Herman and Steve Race put out a community appeal. "We asked people to give whatever they could for the two workers involved in the terrible accident that happened here," Herman said, referring to last June's electrocution victims. He and Race matched the donations with $1,000 each, raising a total of $5,500. "There's been some criticism that not enough was done for the two men," Herman said. "These guys were workers who contributed to Orinda. Last night, there was support going beyond the borders of our community; it was the best."