Palm Springs Car Classic
Written by Keith Fudge

Last year, Dennis Gage and the My Classic Car crew had the great opportunity to attend the 10 th Annual Palm Springs Car Classic. Held at the beautiful Spa Resort and Casino, this event had something for everyone. It included a nifty Cruise-In for vintage muscle cars, a Concours d'Elegance for pristine vintage autos, and an auction for those who might want to add another something special to their garages! After he arrived, Dennis spoke with Tom Hanson, the Chief Judge at the event. Tom told him that it was his fourth year as Chief Judge. Since its inception, this show has turned into quite a regional event. Tom mentioned the Cruise-In, Concours show, and the auction as major attractions, but also cited the fact that there are several awards for individual categories that make the show extremely popular with participants. For instance, there are awards for Best Paint and Best Flames. There are also awards for individual makes such as Best Camaro. He also said that there were judges from Michigan , Washington , and Texas in attendance. We also noticed that Palm Springs has a host of attractions for everyone, including some of the best golf courses in the country. Consequently, it wasn't difficult to find something to do in this picturesque location. After Tom and Dennis chatted a while longer, the conversation finally came around to just what this show was all about, and they headed to the show area.

First, Dennis found Tom Maple and his sweet 1940 two-door Ford Sedan Delivery. This “American Beauty,” as it was appropriately named, has been Tom's property for five years. Dennis asked Tom what sets this vehicle apart from the Ford Panel Wagon of the same year. Tom replied that the Panel Wagon has a taller roofline and has double doors in the rear. This stunning ride has Metallic Gold paint accented with Magenta Flames. The interior is upholstered in leather, and the floorboards are fitted with Mercedes Benz carpet. Completing the interior are appointments in elegant Rosewood trim. While this ride is all luxury on the inside, under the hood lurks the heart of a beast in the form of a 502 cubic-inch Chevy crate motor! Tom had to complete some modifications, such as redesigning the firewall to accommodate the massive power plant. We can tell from the look in his eyes that it was all worth it! Tom also told Dennis that he drives it to ninety percent of the shows he attends. We can only imagine that it is one heck of a ride! Thanks, Tom!

Next, Dennis found a car that had truly been given a second chance! Meet Jeff Martin, a man who saved a classic from destruction. Jeff is the proud owner of a 1966 Olds 442 convertible. Jeff told Dennis that in 1984 a friend of his who worked at a junkyard gave him a call one day and told him what had just arrived. You got it. It was the 442, and it was about to be crushed. Jeff purchased the car sight unseen for $400. In 1991, he began a ground-up restoration. Jeff said the car was extremely rough and that new sheet metal and a complete new interior from Year One, Inc. had been installed. The restoration was completed in 1997. Jeff said the car is ninety-five percent original, with the major change being a period correct 425 cubic-inch Olds Toronado engine. Jeff went on to tell Dennis that there were 1,378 drop-top 442s that were made with automatic trannys that year. If this one isn't rare enough for you, it also has factory air conditioning. This is Jeff's fourth trip to the Palm Springs Car Classic. By the way, his 442 is a driver and not a trailer queen. Cool!

Finally, Dennis met with Mark Mendelsohn who had one of the more unusual vehicles at the show. Mark is the proud owner of a 1938 Ford COE (Cab Over Engine) tow truck! Mark has owned the truck for a year and a half. However, it has been in his family for quite a while since his uncle owned it previously. The truck was originally owned by a Ford dealership in Ohio and was made during a time when automobiles were made of “real steel.” Powered by a Ford Flathead V-8, this truck weighs more than 7,500 pounds and has lead counterweights in the front fenders for towing purposes. Mark says the truck is fully operational and is quite a hit at all the shows he has attended. Furthermore, Mark adds with a grin, at these shows with all these cars it sometimes comes in handy. Thanks to Mark, all we can say is, “Now that's a truck!”

The 10 th Annual Palm Springs Car Classic was a great show, and we have no doubt that it will continue to grow in the future. If you would like more information on future events, visit them on the web at www.palmspringscarclassic.com . That's it from beautiful Palm Springs , California . So remember, “Honor the timeless classics. Happy Motoring!”