TR Robertson   — Car enthusiasts from all over the county filled Downtown Historic Vista’s streets on Sunday to admire the incredible work over 300 classic car owners had put into their cars. The day was hot and humid with occasional clouds helping to cool down the streets as people visited with the car owners, read about the cars from the placards some had in place and to stop by the various tents set-up with vendors selling a variety of items from material for cars to food booths. Classic 50’s and 60’s rock and roll music blared adding to the festive atmosphere.

Photos by Brian Robertson

The morning began early as cars lined up to check in and to find out where they would be placed in the Downtown area. Event Planner Debbie Medrano and her crew checked participants in and gathered information the car owners they filled out about the category their car fell into for judging. Wandering the streets car owners were enthusiastic about talking about the restoration process they had gone through to get their cars into the immaculate shaped they were now in.

Randy Ade, owner of the 1959 pink Thunderbird on display, said he had worked on restoring his car for over 2 years. TJ Crossman, owner of TJ Crossman’s Auto Repair in Vista, had his 1929 Model A Kit Car on display and offered visitors a chance to sit in the car for selfie pictures. Fritz Eibel, Josh Spann and Mike Saldaria were on hand from the Vista Firefighters Association to speak with the public and the classic Vista Firetruck was also on display.

If you were in the market for purchasing a classic car, there were a number of vehicles on sale to choose from. The most expensive one I saw was a Shelby Cobra on sale for $58,000. If you wanted something a little older you could get a 1931 Ford Roadster for $25,000 or one of my favorites a 1940 Ford Deluxe 4 Door for $22,500. These were but a few of the cars on sale at Vista’s Rod Run.

Award Sponsored by Winner Car-Make  Model Year

Best of Show  Trade Craft Farms Tim Huizenga Chevy  COE Pickup 195

Best Original Chevy  Richer Auto & Truck Electric Co Dale Vermillion Chevy  Corvette 1967

Best Muscle Car  Free Builders Supply Doug Eisberg Chevy  Camaro Z-28 1971

Best Young Guns Childrens Paradise Ken Johnson Chevy  Nova 1971

Best 1940’s Destiny Innovations Ernie Espinoza Chevy  Deluxe Coupe 1941

Best 1950’s  Oceanside Driveline Erik Morales Chevy  Convertible 1950

Best 1930’s  Allens Wrench Ralph Dolain Dodge DP 6 1933

Best Under Construction  Best Pizza and Brew Tucker Roth Dodge Pick up 1939

Best Original Ford  C & G Early Ford Parts & Inc. Richard Ivkovich Ford Convertible 1957

Best Custom  Al and Ed’s Autosound Jim Escarcega Buick Riviera 1965

Best Rad Rod  J & R Autobody & Paint Jim Ramsey GMC Rat Rod 1946

Best 1960’s  Curtis Management Eric Rosendahl Chevy  Chevelle 1967

Best Strawberry Red Vista Chanber of Commerce Michael Del Vecchio Ford Coupe 1932

Best Graphics B&C Auto Repair Richard Mendez Chevy  Pick up 1949

Best Chrome Vista Village Pub Jim Hallsted Mercury Woodie Wagon 1947

Best Original Truck NC Daily Star Efrain Sandoval Chevy  Pick up 1937

Most Original Discover Vista Carrie Scott Plymouth  Suburban Station Wagon 1958

Drivers Choice  (My San Diego North County) John Laxa Invicta   1959

Drivers Choice  (TJ Crossman’s Auto Repair) John Nutt Chevy  3200 Truck 1955

Drivers Choice  (NC Daily Star) Steve Jones Chevy  C-10 1966

Drivers Choice  (B&C Auto Repair) Tom Glavas Chevy   Nova SS 1966

Drivers Choice  (Autotyme Automotive) Judy Korbacher Ford Truck 1926

Drivers Choice (Poway General Insurance Agency) Steve Wells Ford Convertible Roadster 1934

Drivers Choice  (Allens Wrench) Bill Troop Ford Mustang GT/CS 1968

Drivers Choice  (Adams Automotive Towing & Repair) Jim Fahnestock Pontiac GTO 1965

Drivers Choice  (Kenny’s Kar Klinic) Raymond Farmer Ford Mustang Mach I 1970

Drivers Choice  (Town Square Realty) Steven Peters Ford Shelby GT500 2007

Biggest Club Participation Wildwood Crossing Drifters