THE CARMEL MISSION CLASSIC

When Fr. Junipero Serra, recently canonized Saint Serra, founded the Carmel Mission in 1771 he could not have imagined that it would become an iconic jewel of the Monterey Peninsula.  The courtyard, which in his day was home to carts pulled by donkeys bustling about, is now home to some of the finest collector cars on the Wednesday of car week in August of every year.

The signature cars this year included actress Delores Del Rio's 1930 Dusenberg, proudly shown by the San Francisco Academy of Art University, and a 1937 Super Charged Cord 812 Cabriolet once owned by Al Jolson.  The historic Wonder Bread race car of 1930s Indy fame was also a crowd pleaser.  Providing a spectacular contrast to the above classics was the custom car phenomena “The Impostor,” a 1965 Impala built on a corvette frame by Chip Foose.  We were blessed to once again have Barry Maguire as guest MC and Danny Sullivan signing autographs.

The Carmel Mission Classic is the only show during car week where one hundred percent of the net proceeds go to charity.  The Knights of Columbus, which is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal organization, of which I am a proud member, put on this blessed event. As co-chairman and founder, I am proud to have added the blessing of the cars ceremony performed by Bishop Richard Garcia of the Diocese of Monterey. Participants and attendees leisurely stroll the grounds sipping wine from several of Monterey counties finest vineyards.  A jazz band and harpist provide entertainment.

For all you Mercedes mavens you will be happy to note that the Best of Show automobile was a 1957 Mercedes 300SL owned by Ted Voigt of Pebble Beach. The Show offers something for the body and soul, hope to see you next Year.

Frank DiPaola, Member SFBA MBCA