Car Show looks at the past on Route 66

By CARLOS SANCHEZ

V8. New paint. Bright grills. Strong exhaust gases. On Oct. 5, 2019, San Bernardino County organized and presented the seventh annual car exhibition, Route 66. 

(CARLOS SANCHEZ/ Ethic Photo)

Since 2012, Route 66 was founded with the intention of uniting the community through mechanic and car culture. Having people who know how to build a car to those who do not even know how to start one, people from all around the county enjoy the time they spend with their families and friends. 

As many children as adults were interested in the forms, styles and retro models of various cars from 50 to 80 years ago. From the square and flat shape of the 1965 Chevy Impala to the distinct round shape of the 1950 Ford Club Coupe, everybody turned their heads to see the incredible and beautiful works of art that classic cars are.

People learned about the history of San Bernardino car culture as they attended this event. The cars told the history of how the city, its society and culture changed and developed. For one day, everyone was able to live in the past and see what their grandparents and great-grandparents thought of as “cool” and “modern,” against what many millennials and generation Z now think fits this category today. 

Everyone could also submit themselves and see how fast technology has innovated and improved. For example, air conditioning that is taken for granted on those hot days. To see people go up and down E Street covered in sweat personally opened my eyes to the small details in life we often take for granted.

In general, it was a unique experience with many classic and rare cars that we do not see daily that converged E Street and Court Street. Lines of 1953 Fords, Chevy Impalas, 1960 F-100, 1945 Chevy C-10, Fairlanes, Chevelles and Malibus were some of the cars who made the streets shine. 

The deep polished metal on the freshly painted bodies shone even when there was no sunlight. The owners of their “precious treasures” dedicated so much time, strength and of course money to these forgotten souls who were too beautiful not to show the public. Especially if what was underneath the hood said something. 

Difficult to believe, these old cars were equipped with twin turbo, supercharger, cool air intakes, intercoolers, intake manifold, high flow fuel injectors, modern engine control units and many more modifications of performance. But, of course, the favorite modification favorite of everyone: hydraulic suspension. 

Nothing in the whole world sounds better than a 1966 Dodge Charger or a 1965 Ford Mustang speeding through the streets of downtown San Bernardino at noon. If you ever have the opportunity to go to an exhibition of classic cars or trucks, don’t forget to bring a camera. The experiences you will find in these «every so often» events are in actuality, impressive. 

The automotive culture is not only for those who know the ins and outs of cars, but for everyone regardless of one’s age, gender or knowledge of cars. It is one of the most creative art forms that generates patience, character and determination. Seeing how a piece of rotten and abandoned metal becomes a bright and fully functional car is really inspiring and satisfying. The Route 66 car show is truly one of the many amazing events that our community has organized.

Lea este artículo en español aquí: https://laplaza.press/2019/10/31/exhibicion-anual-de-automoviles-da-una-mirada-al-pasado-en-la-ruta-66/