We’ve been going to Goodguys shows for quite a few years now and they never cease to amaze us with the quality of the vehicles that attend these shows… and this year they did it again.

The 21st Meguiar’s Del Mar Nationals were held where else?  But in beautiful Del Mar California at the Del Mar fairgrounds. To be specific,  2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd. “Ah cha cha cha.” I wonder if anyone knows that reference?

April 1-3 was three days of auto goodness for all who attended this show. The weather in Southern California is mostly sunny even during the winter months, sadly this weekend was cloudy with bits of rain over the course of the 3-day event. But that didn’t deter the throngs of car enthusiasts and custom car owners that filled the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

As automotive editors, we were like kids in a candy store trying to figure out which flavor to try first. Michael Eckerson (Drive’s Editor in Chief) and I decided to split up. I headed West and Michael headed East. Like explorers, we trekked through rows of custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles. It was awesome.

Lots and lots of vendors were on display to help you find that “one” part you need. We met with new vendors and old friends like Pete 4 and Rob Nouri from SoCal Speed Shops, Mike M. from K&N Engineering, and our friends at Wilwood Disc Brakes to name a few.

We only had a single day to cover this 3-day event that has over 2,500 vehicles to check out. It was a fun and challenging task trying to cover all the cool stuff this show is known for.

In addition to the hundreds of vehicles outdoors, the indoor car show was awesome! Including the Street Rod d”Elegance Competition and the Lowrider exhibit where chrome and primo paint jobs were definitely in the house.

As we ventured back outdoors we caught a glimpse of the Goodguys AutoCross featuring the CPP “Duel in Del Mar” Shootout. What a crowd-pleaser that was even in gloomy weather. One of my favorites was the Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition. These nostalgia-styled front engine dragsters were on full display with a few firing up their behemoth supercharged motors to the delight of the crowd.

If you were looking for some parts for your street rod there was the Swap Meet and Cars 4 Sale Corral with a multitude of parts for sale. I wasn’t allowed to bring any more treasures home till I used what I already accumulated. They say money can’t buy you happiness, but car parts can.

Not all the fun was for adults there was a Kid Zone with free arts and crafts, games, and prizes. Goodguys has thought of everything in family entertainment!

Sadly it was time to go and we thought it might be a good time as the skies were getting darker and a few sprinkles were starting to fall. We said our goodbyes to our new friends and old ones and headed back to Orange County. If you’ve never been to a Goodguys show we strongly suggest you check one out. It’s great family fun!

Special thanks to the entire Goodguys staff for having us out and we will try to hit more of these fantastic shows!

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