1931 Duesenberg Model J earns top honors at Classic Auto Show

(March 20, 2019) COSTA MESA, Calif.  — A pristinely conditioned 1931 Duesenberg Model J earned the Award of Excellence: Grand Boulevard Walk of History honors at the third annual Classic Auto Show, held at the OC Fair & Event Center this past weekend.  The honor capped a weekend celebration highlighted by record attendance, display of more than 1,500 rare vintage cars and the presentation of 25 awards.

The two-day festival kicked off with special appearance by Grand Marshal Adam Corolla, who hand-picked two vehicles from his private collection to display: Paul Newman's Championship Triumph TR6 and the Datsun 510 “Different Drummer” Trans Am.  The weekend also featured interviews with automotive celebrities Dave Kindig, Wayne Carini, Mark Worman, Mike Finnegan, Bogi Lateiner, and Lyn St. James.

Showcasing classics from antiques and pre/post war to the hot rods, muscle cars, lowriders and Japanese imports that personify Southern California’s iconic car culture, the two-day festival also featured an all-new “40 Shades of Green” collection to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday.


1931 Duesenberg Model J

The event also offered show-goers its popular Grand Boulevard, a display of 30 historically significant vehicles including the 1931 Model J Duesenberg, 1962 Fiat Jolly, 1973 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Spider, a 1941 Tatra T87, 1915 Pierce Arrow Model 48 Seven Passenger Suburban, 1976 Bricklin SV1 - the Canadian version of a DeLorean, and a 1956 Cadillac Limousine 7533 used under the dictatorship of Generalismo Francisco Franco, and more.

In addition, a dedicated marketplace with more than 150 exhibitors offered show-goers a first-hand look at the latest aftermarket products and services.

“The well documented love affair between Southern Californians and their cars, vans and trucks was in full-force this past weekend,” said Michael Carlucci, senior vice president at LeftField Media, the show’s producer.  Thanks to our relocation to this new venue, we were able to offer show-goers an unprecedented selection of priceless vehicles and other attractions, all under sunny skies and perfect temperatures.  We look forward to returning to the OC Fair & Event Center for years to come.”