Once again visitors to Downtown Historic Vista wandered the streets of Vista on the first Sunday in September looking at a variety of classic and retro cars participating in the 34th Annual Vista Rod Run. Cars were parked in every parking space and parking lot along Main St., Citris Av., Broadway and Indiana Street. The downtown restaurants were filled on Sunday morning with visitors enjoying an early morning breakfast before walking the streets to check out all of the cars on display. Having covered this event for years it was nice to see a number of cars and groups participating for the first time. One group with a large display of electric cars was from EV West, a group dedicated to educating and training young people how to convert gas vehicles to electric vehicles. Instructor Mark Weller and many of the car owners spoke with people and demonstrated how the program works. The cars that had been converted were amazing, especially the Volkswagen Van and the Mustang.
Several car clubs were in attendance and the members spoke with anyone wanting to know about their cars. The Hooligans from Orange County had a beautiful display of rods, and the Shafters from Fallbrook had numerous cars on display. The Shafters said they had been in existence since 1949. DJ Michael Basic blasted classic rock n’ roll tunes and kept everyone informed about the different events the Rod Run was running. All of the car owners were willing to tell you anything you wanted to know about their cars. Richard Ivkovich said he had owned his 1957 Ford Fairlane 500 for 64 years and had purchased it originally for $2,195.00. Dave Schneider discussed the operation of his sleek 1962 Thunderbird featuring the ability to go from a two-seater to a four-seater. I own a 2004 retro Thunderbird and enjoyed speaking with Bonnie Hollingsworth, owner of a classic turquoise 1955 Thunderbird. Bob Diefender had his classic 1934 Ford Four Door Sedan on display and offered the vehicle for door-to-door service for all occasions, weddings, birthdays and more. Several cars were for sale, like Stephen Wenzel’s 1941 Chevy Special Deluxe selling for $35,000. As always, the Rod Rats were in attendance, this time with three very unusual vehicles made up of every kind of part you could imagine. Every style, every make and model, paint schemes beyond description, all on display at the Rod Run.
The results of this year’s Rod Run Award Winners were sponsored by Mr. Tint, Gate Masters Inc., Servpro, Vista Village Pub, TJ Crossman’s Auto Repair and The North County Daily Star.
Best in Show – Wayne Hartwig – 1955 Chevrolet Belair Convertible
Best Antique – Pre 1930 – Tim Huizenga – 1951 Chevy COE Pick-up
Best 1930’s – Jim Dickerson – 1939 Ford COE
Best 1940’s – Dwain Knapp – 1940 Packard Coupe
Best 1950’s – Mike Stacco – 1950 Studebaker Coupe Convertible
Best 1960’s – Joey Hunter – 1966 Chevrolet C10
Best Street Rod – Al Albers – 1957 Chevrolet Nomad
Best Rat Rod – Mickey Randolph – 1929 Ford Model A
Best Hot Rod – Chuck Ulmer – 1955 Chevy Gasser
Best Lowrider – All Years – Choy 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster
Best Ford/Mercury – All Years – Bob Conklin – 1933 Ford 5W Coupe
Best Mopar – All Years – Katie Timmons – 1969 Dodge Charger
Best GM – All Years – Ernie Cabral – 1962 Cadillac DeVille Convertible
Best VW – All Years – Kevin Werner – 1967 Volkswagen Beetle
Best VW Bug – Lori Hatley – 1963 Volkswagen Bug
Best Low Rider – 1980 or older – Albert Fletes – 1963 Chevy Impala Wagon
Best 1980 or Newer – Ron Whittaker – 1966 Buick Roadmaster Wagon
Best Electric Car – Gregg Snowden – 1965 Mustang
Top 10 (9 listed)
Ken Erwin – 1931 Ford Roadster Pick-up
Wayne Arguello – 1959 Chevrolet Impala
Al Aguilar – 1951 Chevrolet Styleline Deluxe
Mike Manley – 1959 Chevy Corvette
Phil Glorioso – 1969 Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Michelle Henderson – 1960 Chevrolet Camero
Larry Henderson – 1960 Chevy Biscayne
Joe Free – 1947 Cadillac Convertible
Jonell Laxa – 1959 Buick Invicta
