Ocean Beach recently hosted a laid-back marathon. Next, the community will try its hand at hosting a laid-back classic car show.
The first Sunset Cliffs Car Show & Grill Master Competition is being held Saturday, Sept. 9 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the corner of Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Point Loma Boulevard in the church parking lot, as well as in Trinidad Motor’s parking lot and in the parking area of Inn at Sunset Cliffs, 1370 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
“The plan is to basically have nice, special cars in parking lots in the Point Loma area to get some exposure to help these local businesses, and for people to come by and check them out,” said Gavin Fleming, hotel manager at Inn at Sunset Cliffs, which is co-hosting the event.
Fleming’s been mulling over the car show idea for a decade. “I love cars, and I was trying to figure out a way to get a car show around me,” he said noting the Inn at Sunset Cliffs “loves OB, loves being involved, and loves working to get OB community members involved.”
There will be cars, trucks, motorcycles, and golf carts on display. A $1,000 cash prize is being offered for the best show vehicle.
Event sponsors are Inn at Sunset Cliffs, Trinidad Motors, St. Peter’s By The Sea, Olive Tree Market Place, Ulivo, and Ocean Beach MainStreet Association.
There will be food trucks, music, free giveaways, raffles, and ride-alongs in exotic vehicles. For kids entertainment, there will be a balloon artist and airbrush tattoos.
Most of the vehicles shown will be on display only, but a couple may be offered for sale, said Fleming. He hinted that there will be some exciting and exotic cars on exhibit such as a Dodge Viper and a Lamborghini Huracan sports car.
“We will have all sorts of vehicles, 27 hot rods and some other pretty cool stuff, like a 1979 Chevy Camaro,” he said. “We’ll have a real unique Porsche, one of five maybe in the whole world. We’re offering a very unique opportunity for these cars to be displayed.”
For refreshments, there will also be a pizza oven onsite.
If this inaugural event works out, it could become a regular thing. “The long-term goal is to get people out to Point Loma Avenue,” Fleming said noting the event is definitely going to be kid-friendly. “We want kids to come by and check out the cool cars including race cars that are on display,” he said.
A bike valet will operate until 4 p.m. The contest winner receives two free nights at the Inn at Sunset Cliffs, a prize package, and bragging rights. There will also be VIP party access for car show owners.
Contestants can claim bragging rights and win prizes in the Master of the Grill Competition from noon to 6 p.m. There are still a few contestant spots open. Call to enter. For more information, call 619-222-7901, or email [email protected].
