Motortopia - EVERYTHING Automotive!
Close

COOL CRUISE

Roger Rohrdanz . October 23, 2022 . All Feature Vehicles
Save ArticleLogin to save it

For the 19th year Cool Cruise was held in the beautiful old town setting of La Verne, CA.

The show started early, so the weather was a little on the cool side in the morning. By 9 a.m., the temperatures were on their way to sunny and 75 degrees warm. Along with support from the Old Town Business Improvement District, The City of La Verne, and the current promoter, Larry Trujillo of Family Festival Productions, they have created another “well-done” Cool Cruise. This show began nearly two decades ago on the foundation of “quality” and “organization”. It continues today as one of the best car shows in Southern California.

A very sharp ’70 Plymouth Roadrunner 440, 6 pack owned by Vince Vanni.

a classic “55 Chevy 210 “Gasser” owned by Ron Blanchard led the “Power Parade” through the intersection. A blown 350 Chevy powered ’64 Chevy II Nova owned by Barry & Cathy Dooley.

“Elephant” powered ’69 Dodge Dart 426 HEMI.

The traditional start of this event is a feature that has long been a hit with the crowd. After most of the cars have been parked, the “Power Parade” begins with 10 very loud, hot cars and they are driven through the cheering crowd to their parking spots. Over 350 cars of every color created a perfect match for the Easter holiday. The intersection of “D” and 3rd was jammed with very high quality vehicles.

Show Chairman, Larry Trujillo, presented the flag and our national anthem. La Verne Mayor Don Kendrick welcomed the participants and spectators. The raffle that took place was to benefit the Alex Xydias Center for Automotive Arts.

The word “quality” could also be applied to the commercial vendors, food, prizes, and awards.

Forest Lawn sponsored the stage for the Ravelers who provided terrific rock music all day and that’s where the awards presentation took place.  They also had a car on display. The well-crafted awards were announced by “Uncle” Joe Benson and presented to each winner by Monica Lazo from Forest Lawn. The special Cornerstone Award was presented to the founder of Cool Cruise, LD Johnson. The next Cool Cruise is already on the drawing board. No doubt the committee will create another special event! Don’t miss the chance to celebrate the show’s milestone 20th. For more information visit Coolcruise.net.

An 871 blown, 540ci Chevy powered  ’41 Willys homebuilt by owners, Chuck & Brenda Immormino.
Jack & Kathy LaPresti from Big River (Parker), AZ. brought this stunning ‘35 Chevrolet Coupe.

This Art Chrisman built, blown 392 HEMI powered, ’40 Willys won “Best Flames”. The owner is Marcia Duncan of Corona del Mar, CA.

A beautifully stylized ‘66 Ford Mustang Fastback is owned by Glen Martyn of La Verne, CA.
La Verne Mayor Don Kendrick (left) welcomed the participants and spectators. Show Chairman, Larry Trujillo, presented the flag and our national anthem.

Forest Lawn Memorial Park entered a very unique vehicle, a Cadillac hearse! The coach work was very intricate and exceptional.
A very nice ’65 VW Crew Cab owned by Ron Adler. Next, Road Kings member Dave Maher’s ’41 Willys with 454 Chevy power and rare “blower delete”. A frame-off restoration on this numbers matching ’71 Oldsmobile Cutlass above by owner G. Rodriguez. Dave & Terry Tobar equipped their ’32 Ford 3-window with suicide doors, Mustang II front end and a blown 500hp small block Chevy. A Gen 1, 572ci Chevy powered, ’69 Chevy Camaro won an award for owner Ray Ziglari. And at right, Bob Porter brought his mildly modified, sharp ’65 Pontiac GTO from Yorba Linda, CA.

Interior of the Camaro.

From the middle of the show at the intersection of “D” & 3rd St.
The Ravelers
The awards were expertly presented by “Uncle” Joe Benson of 100.3 FM.
D Johnson received the special Cornerstone Award as the founder of “Cool Cruise”. Flanked by Monica Lazo of Forest Lawn(L) and Mrs. Janet Johnson.
Charley Tachdjian of La Verne received his award from Monica Lazo of Forest Lawn.


 

You may also like this