The Belmont Shore 2nd Street Car Show was held in Long Beach on September 13, and what a fantastic event it was! Some of us met up at different locations and caravanned to Chuck’s world-famous coffee shop before the event for breakfast. From there, we all got in line and paraded into the car show, which was held along 2nd Street. We eventually settled in on Park Avenue, where we ate, drank, laughed, and enjoyed all the puppy dogs that stopped by to say hello to this motley crew of treasures.
A big thanks to Monica Lago-Kaytis, for guiding each and every one of us into our assigned parking spots—and then the fun began. Those in attendance were John Hummer and Alice P.
Johnson, Phil Caliva and Nancy Wolf, Greg Aden, Phil Capon, who was eventually joined by his beautiful family, Monica Lago-Kaytis (as mentioned previously, I get more points for saying her name twice), Clay Kaytis, Dan O’Neill, Bob Bolling, Paul Van Wig and his wild-eyed Bugeye Sprite with the infamous rotating twist knob behind the cabin, Nancy Asahina and Steve Schryver.
Bob’s brother, John, also stopped by and reminisced with Bob and me about some great memories and all the cars they had bought and sold over the years.
The weather was perfect, and the sun finally emerged to join the fun. The architecture surrounding us provided just the right amount of shade for the lineup of automotive musical chairs that ensued throughout the day.
I know we all made new friends and caught up with old ones, sharing stories, jokes, and plenty of laughs. The show was packed with more than 800 cars and trucks, including lowriders and even a 1923 hearse/funeral coach with wooden-spoked wheels that had been restored for Forest Lawn.
The Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 1024, brought their Bell UH-1 Huey helicopter, named “Life Saver,” which had brought many Vietnam veterans home. It was there to honor those who served during the Vietnam War.
There was also a procession of early-’60s Lincoln Continentals that dominated both sides of 2nd Street. Another standout was a replica of the 1977 Pontiac Trans Am used in the filming of Smokey and the Bandit.
Tidbit of trivia: The actual car used in the movie was a 1976 Trans Am. Filming began in mid-1976, before the 1977 models were available, so Pontiac outfitted a 1976 model with the new front end, grille, and rectangular headlights to make it look like the upcoming 1977 model. The chassis, however, was that of a 1976.
Best of all was the group picture—and the smiles it created when I stepped out in front of everyone, spread my arms wide, and, for one brief shining moment, became the ringmaster of this motley crew! Overall, the event was a great success—not just because of the incredible cars, trucks, and history on display, but because it brought all of us together to enjoy each other’s company, share stories, and have a few laughs.
Until next time...