That was quite a parade of Classic Antique cars purring down Market Street yesterday afternoon.
Led by an official-looking motorcade, with lights flashing - halting traffic and causing quite a stir among the tourists, by the way - even local residents were inclined to slow down on their lunch hour, take a gander, and offer up hoots and hollers when the beaming auto enthusiasts chose to wave their way.
There were old caddies with long ubiquitous fins, period Classics with wide articulated hoods, and a handful of rare one-of-a-kind stylized jalopies with jump seats out back.
A snazzy looking Buick, detailed in fire engine red, was a big favorite...as was an old Studebaker painted to perfection in a blinding pastel pink.
The Vettes wowed 'em, too; as did a couple of souped-up muscle cars which roared by to loud applause. A few "old ladies" - grand touring limousines from the turn-of-the-century - caused a hush in the crowd. An elegant ride, man!
The chrome - polished to perfection - dazzled 'em in the bright mid-day sun. Why, there was enough of the piping on hand to sink a battleship.
Of course, the street round-up was a percursor to the Antique Auto show, which is held over Presidents' weekend each year. (February 15th thru 18th)
The popular event is sponsored by a San Francisco Chapter of a Model A Ford Club.
The chapter here is a non-profit organization founded to celebrate the preservation and use of the historic Model A Ford automobiles built by Henry Ford during the years of 1928 through 1931.
Through the Membership, and annual shows, the club endeavors to encourage the preservation of the Model A Ford.
Today, fifty years later, wild enthusiasm for the "little charmers" is still going strong.
In fact, members currently on the rolls, own and operate a number of Model A styles...including Tudors, Pick-ups, Fordors, Roadsters, Phaetons, and Woodies. Because of the range of body styles, availability of parts and know-how is accessible through club members. In sum, being a club member is a good way to maintain a Model A in operative condition.
In addition to the car display at Fisherman's Wharf over the weekend, other events are planned, which the public is invited to participate in.
For example:
"The Night Tour" of Alcatraz
(4 pm Saturday February 16th)
The Alcatraz Night Tour provides an intimate, engaging experience. This tour includes a personally narrated boat tour around the island; guided tours from the dock to the main prison building; and the entertaining “Doing Time: The Alcatraz Cellhouse Tour” ; as well as a variety of special programs and presentations offered only at night. Enjoy a sunset silhouetting the Golden Gate Bridge and breath-taking views of San Francisco as night falls. A truly exceptional experience.
Voted “Best Tour of the Bay Area.”
Note:
Mandatory pre-registration is required for this event due to space limitations.
Transportation will be on a motorized cable car provided by the Cable Car Charters.
Guests are instructed to board the cable car inside Pier 45 at 4 pm.
Saturday Nite Social
(7:30 – 9:30 pm Saturday February 16th)
After the Car Show, the public is invited for hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and good conversation at Boudin’s Bistro overlooking Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 45.
One complimentary non- alcoholic beverage will be provided.
No Host cocktails will be available.
Tour of the School of Industrial Design
(11 am – 1 pm Sunday February 17th)
Learn all about automotive design and view the classic car collection of the celebrated Academy of Art University.
The Tour will be led by Tom Matano, Director of the School of Industrial Design. Transportation will be on a motorized cable car provided by Cable Charters. Guests are advised to board the cable car inside Pier 45 at 10:30 am.
San Francisco Transportation Tour
(10 am Sunday February 17th)
Begin with a ride on a historic streetcar, from Fisherman’s Wharf along to the Embarcadero, up Market Street, then along the Church Street Line to the Geneva Car Barns. Here club enthusiasts will be able to tour the paint shop and learn about the rich history of San Francisco’s Municipal Railway. Nathaniel Ford is expected to join in the festivities (Muni chief for the tour).
There will be a LRV (light rail vehicle) ride to Powell and Market Streets, where the guests will transfer to a cable car for a ride to the Cable Car Barn. At that historic location, the curious will be able to see what makes the cable cars run and tour the Cable Car Museum.
After that little foray, there will be a ride on to Fisherman’s Wharf and the close of the Classic Car Show.
Farewell Gathering – The Grand Finale
(3 – 5 pm Sunday February 17th)
As the Car Show comes to a close, the public is invited to join the organizers for one last afternoon for hors d’oeuvres, drink, and a farewell visit with all the participants in the annual event. The whole "gang" will gather at the Boudin Bistro.
One complimentary non-alcoholic beverage will be provided.
No Host cocktails will be available.
Northern Italian Late Nite Dinner at Fior D’Italia
(8:30 pm Sunday February 17th)
After the close of the car show, those hearty souls who remain, may wish to join the auto club members for a late nite supper at America’s oldest Italian restaurant...a second chance to enjoy the ambiance, glamour, and magic of the popular watering hole. For over 120 years, the Fabulous Fior has created and maintained a delectable cooking experience - all-the-while - keeping the cuisine true to its Italian roots.
Departing Brunch/The Final Farewell
(9 am Monday February 18th)
The morning after the Car Show closes, there will be a Monday morning brunch and a final visit with other Classic Car Show participants. Auto enthusiasts (probably somewhat ragged by now) will gather at the Tuscan Inn for a final 2008 meal together.
Drive Tour – the Presidio
(11 am Monday February 18th)
There will be a final drive through the Presidio of San Francisco. The members will take a loop through the Main Post, Crissy Field, and Fort Point, as well as explore the west end of The Presidio. Along the way there will be an opportunity to take in different periods of military architecture and view the continuing restoration of some of The Presidio’s unique residential neighborhoods.
This little beauty is For Sale...
