We had a great family outing to this totally fab vintage car show in San Jose, California. It's such a treat living in the Bay Area. In one hour we can be in San Francisco, and we can drive 10 minutes and be in downtown San Jose with it's restaurants, museums, and my favorite eight story library on the university campus, Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. Library. More about all of that in my next post. Back to the car show. There's such a culture built into car groups like the Strangers club.

The guys, the gals, the music, all wrapped up in a Rockabilly styling. It's pure theater. My lil' Marcel took over 200 photos. He was really in heaven that day…

Music wafting through the summer air, one of my faves: "Train I ride, sixteen coaches long. Train I ride…" (Elvis)
I was tickled pink to be skipping along to the English Beat's "Hands Off She's Mine" on this sunny playful day.

There are some very talented designers among the grease and gears. I discovered the lovely Lydia who makes charming hats that are the antithesis of Beach Blan ket Babylon in their diminutive scale.

hat and Lydia

Laura modeling a hat, and Lydia with a customer

I met this sweet re-make queen who customizes t-shirts of your choosing. I'm sorry I can't find my notes on her name and contact info. If any car show people are reading this and know her, please fill me in. Merci. *Update HERE

I was bowled over by the designs of graphic artist Chico Von Spoon. His qualifications for being an inspired artist are: he's from Oakland and he's a Johnny Cash fan! His style is a combination of cartoon and tattoo art and he creates original paintings, patches, and badges. Chico, if you're reading this, please put some items up for sale on your web site!

some badges I bought from Chico

There is also a vintage trolley museum at the park that's always fun for browsing:

I love the glass transformers on the chair legs

Everyone needs a Do-All machine!

For more fun photos of the day check out my Flickr set.

sylvie & richie

Marcel

Posted in Cars

7 responses to “Strangers Vintage Car Show”

Di Overton

August 3, 2008

Looks like a fabulous trip. Hope you are both well

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Cassie Brendan

May 25, 2011

Awesome! Love those vintage cars! And the lady in red top with tattoos ROCKS! Wish I were there. =]

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Blake Reina

May 26, 2011

Very nice pics. I love vintage cars, especially the Japanese ones. The vintage Dodge pickups are gorgeous, especially with the shiny paint job and gleaming chrome. Truly a treasure.

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Angelica Emmanuel

February 8, 2012

Hmm, do you often go to car shows for your family outings? You’re pretty lucky to be near places that are pretty fun to visit! Good thing you have a car! You should’ve taken a photo of it together with the cars on the show. It would surely fit in! 😀

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Elmas Schreier

April 10, 2012

This is more than just a family outing. It is also an opportunity to appreciate what the city has to offer and learn the different landmarks, just like the campus library. Another highlight is those car shows that make your trip unforgettable, just like the one you’ve gone to. These cars are real charmers.

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Nettie Christensen

November 13, 2012

Fantastic! That truck behind Marcel reminds me of “Transformers”. You too, right? I also remember my brother when he was younger. He kept telling me before that he really wanted to drive a monster truck when he grew up; and now that he’s 35 years old, that dream is still a dream. Haha!

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Timmy Radloff

November 15, 2012

I can see that you had fun! My son is also a car enthusiast. In fact,I am planning to bring my son to the Black Hawk Automotive Museum on his birthday, I am sure he will be interested seeing cars from the late 1800s to the early 1900s. If he is enjoying car shows like this, he will also enjoy the museum. By the way, do you know when the next car show is? I would very much want to go.

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