Oldies Rock and Roll, Hot Rods, and Muscle Cars

On Waring Road in Allied Gardens on Sunday, oldies rock and roll music filled the air, mixing at times with the distinctive rumble coming from the engines in a variety of hot rods, muscle cars, and motorcycles. Filling the parking lot in front of Pal Joey’s, shining paint, sparkling chrome, and love of horsepower were the order of the day.
It was the 2nd Annual Eye Candy Car and Bike Show, touted as the “Sweetest Car Show in Town.” Hosted by Pal Joey’s and the Friends of Braille Institute of San Diego, all proceeds benefited the Braille Institute of San Diego. A constant stream of people walked among the cars and bikes, with many more cars and trucks than motorcycles. 

Admiring the customization, detailed engines, and glossy paint, many of the spectators were of an age that the muscle cars reminded them of their teenage years. Signs describing the work done and listing its high performance enhancements were displayed in front of several cars. In response to one gray bearded gent’s comment that it would help if the print on one sign was a tad bit bigger in deference to the older set, another gent about his age replied that he always brings his magnifying glasses.

Walking among these works of mechanical art on this sunny, warm afternoon, one couple was spotted with an ideal spot in the shade from which to enjoy the event. Sitting in his hot rod, Orlando Chavez said, “It’s fun.” A semi-truck driver, he has had it about six years, explaining, “The reason I have this hot rod is that I was ready to buy a Harley, a nice Fat Boy. But I have too many friends who have been hurt really bad and two who were killed [on motorcycles]. At my age I can’t afford to get hurt, so I bought the hot rod.” He also admitted he had ridden a friend’s motorcycle, exclaiming, “It scared the hell out of me.” Whatever the motivation, Chavez obviously enjoyed being out in his hot rod, joining other enthusiasts for a worthy cause.

Orlando Chavez

These works of mechanical art take countless hours to build and maintain. And keeping them show ready, even when on display, is a constant process. This was evident by the buckets of cleaning gear staged behind some of the vehicles. Cleaners, waxes, polishers, cloths, brushes, and all sorts of gear spoke to the effort required to make that shine dazzle folks on a sunny Sunday.

Muscle cars. Hot rods. Street rods. Custom pick-up trucks. Fords. Chevys. MoPar. A small sports car. The ubiquitous Cobras. Even a three wheel (you read correctly – three wheel) BMW. 

When your husband said he was getting you a red BMW, this probably isn't what you had in mind.

Something for everyone, as long as automobiles and horsepower make your day. What could be better than listening to oldies rock and roll music, sipping on a Coca Cola, and walking among these fantastic machines!