Twenty-Five Years Two Days of Style and Shine

We wander the grounds and take in one of Orange County’s oldest, continuing car shows. The “Muck” offers attendees more than a look at paint and chrome; it offers them a time portal.

The contrast between the two days of this year’s annual Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival practically couldn’t have been more opposite.

Saturday was a perfect car show day. The Fullerton area was bathed in sunshine. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center beamed with style. The Saturday festival showcases on the hot rod segment of the weekend’s participants. I noticed there were fewer cars on the grounds than in previous years. With as hard as the Committee works, I likened it to the chance of rain forecasted. Fortunately, Saturday remained dry.

I was here to take in a great car show but I also knew car aficionado, Fireball Tim was scheduled to be celebrity judge and select the one vehicle that would be awarded the Fireball Choice trophy. Knowing Fireball, who has an eye for workmanship, and recognizes the value of the owner’s journey that brought the vehicle, and them, to the “Muck”, I was intrigued to learn his choice.

Fireball has recently been appointed Design Director of the world’s first Nostalgic Automotive Art Gallery at The Murphy Auto Museum in Oxnard California, The Murphy is dedicated to creating awareness for creative artists in the Automotive community. Every three months, the Gallery will rotate 5-10 artists including the talents of photographers, sculptors, painters, illustrators, cartoonists, and pinstripers. Drive will have more on this coolness coming in a future issue. In the meantime, check out and subscribe to Fireball’s vlog and watch his in-show report at: fireballtim.com/2019/05/26/2019

…the Muckenthaler House and Muckenthaler Cultural Center received designation by the National Register of Historic Places.

A brief history of the property

The mission of the Muckenthaler Cultural Center is to conserve the heritage of the Muckenthaler estate while offering exhibitions, performances and stimulating educational programs.

The Muckenthaler home was built by Walter and Adella Muckenthaler in 1924. The 18-room mansion was donated to the city in 1965 by Harold Muckenthaler, who wished to see his childhood home used as a cultural center. In 1999, the Muckenthaler House / Muckenthaler Cultural Center received designation by the National Register of Historic Places. The Muckenthaler Cultural Center offers extraordinary exhibitions, performances, and engaging educational programs to Orange County’s diverse communities and beyond.

Within the grounds that span over 8 acres, there is an opportunity to explore the unique nooks and crannies of the Muckenthaler. To the southeast is a gazebo built from rock, with a seating area for a peaceful time away from life. I imagine there was a time when tea or lunch was served on a hot day.

An updated addition to the grounds is the full-size stage, with seating and small tables to enjoy the outdoor events hosted weekly. Art adorns the walls inside, and is rotated regularly, so there is always something new to see. The mansion itself is a walk back in time. The docents are happy to share the history when the home was a residence for the Muckenthaler family.

Proceeds from the Motor Car Festival, and many other events help, to enrich and improve the lives of children through arts and education programs through the Muck Foundation.

But let’s get back to the Motor Car Festival.

Sunday’s weather was opposite of Saturday. The forecasted rain was indeed joining us. Typically, rain spoils car show events. Fortunately, the drizzly rain was tolerable. I took a positive perspective and actually enjoyed the time because I rarely get to photo a rainy car show.

I had guessed some of the vehicles that were scheduled probably didn’t show up, but that didn’t ruin the day, Many of the excellent ones made the show. Besides, the drizzle passed by 1 o’clock and then it was So-Cal perfect. The dispersion of droplets on the clear coat, with the reflection of blue sky in the paint, made for a uniquely different show experience. Frankly, I have not been to a showery car show, ever.

Both days had great examples of their different period categories. The judges had their work cut out for them. I was impressed with the trophy designs this year. Winning one of these must have been something special.

As I mentioned in this issue’s Steering Column, special car shows like these, which are at unique locations, include live entertainment, food offerings, vendors, many different types of cars, and in the case of the Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival, the ability to give their best to those in attendance, and everyone in attendance gives back to the charity. Truly a heart-warming endeavor, even with a sprinkle or two.

Oh, and the Fireball Choice Award from the Saturday event? He chose the light blue Chevy Stepside truck. (shown on page 42)

The truck, and the story that comes with it, are both worthy of the recognition.

We’ll save more on that for another feature.

Proceeds from the Motor Car Festival, and many other events help, to enrich and improve the lives of children through arts and education programs through the Muckenthaler Foundation.

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