Strolling Down Memory Lane On Coronado’s Main Street

Motorcars on Mainstreet. Photo from blog.sandiego.org

Coronado’s Motorcars on Main Street was started in 1988 by the City of Coronado, California when the downtown area had a vacancy rate of 35%. Part of the city’s strategy was revitalize the commercial area as a vibrant meeting place, and the Motorcars on Main Street classic car show was one of the steps taken. The successful and unique approach to increasing interest in downtown Coronado is now in it’s 22nd year as an established tradition in the San Diego area. Founding Board Member Chris Ackerman said it best,”Coronado’s Main Street has become the community’s living room and, more importantly, a family room.”

1928 Aston Martin. Photo from Coronado Eagle and Journal.

The 22nd annual classic Motorcars on Main Street was held on April 22, 2012 from 10:00 in the morning to 3:00 in the afternoon in-conjunction with the Coronado Flower Show and Book Fair. Local Coronado business’ El Cordova Garagewill co-sponsored the event with San Diego’s Ron Baker Chevrolet and donations from EDCO Disposal Corporation and Wes Gibbs, Realtor.

Taking place in the plaza, right in the center of downtown Coronado, more than 400 pre-1973 classics, rods and trucks were on display in the three adjacent city blocks with live music from Tommy Price & The Stilettos playing throughout the day.

Photo from Coronado Real Estate

Like any car show, a panel of judges awarded trophies in several different categories including; “Bad to the Bone” (selected by former Police Chief Paul Crook), “Best of Coronado” (selected by Mayor Casey Tanaka) and “Best of Show.” Spectators and entrants also voted for their favorite entry as the People’s Choice award.

One of the show’s highlights was a sneak peek of the new Centennial Edition Corvette celebrating Chevrolet’s 100th anniversary courtesy of co-sponsor Ron Baker Chevrolet.

The crowd favorite of the show had to be a small, yellow sports car on the grass of Star Park. The 1928 Aston Martin is considered to be the ultimate English sports car, and the third oldest Bertelli Aston Martin known to be still running.

The ‘S’ Sports Model TS10 was unique with swept wings and a wet sump engine. It was sold from the 1928 London Motor Show at Olympia to the Maharajah of Patiala and shipped to India. After a long search and a three-year restoration, it made a grand appearance on Main Street Saturday, much to the delight of serious car fans.

Photo from Coronado Real Estate

MotorCars on MainStreet, 2012
April 22, 2012 Coronado, CA
Award Winners

Best of Show: 1934 Packard 1100 Standard Sedan owned by Richard Schauer
Bad to the Bone: 1935 Chevy owned by Steve Beck
Club Participation: Chiefs
Mayor’s Choice: 1937 Ford Diamond T owned by Bob Bardin
People’s Choice: 1932 Ford Coupe owned by Albert Aguilar