Submitted By Randy Blum

A nice warm summer evening helped set the stage for the annual club trip to the La Mesa Car Show on August 9th. For those who have never attended this event, it continues to be one of the premier on-going car shows in San Diego County. The variety of fabulous hot rods, both custom and stock '40s, '50s, and '60s muscle cars and "cruisers" never ceases to amaze. The show runs all summer on Thursday evenings, with a selection of San Diego's finest vehicles lined up for blocks, so people can ogle and drool over them, and those of us who have been around a while can reminisce. 

The VSA Club secured its customary position in the parking lot of "All Things  Bright & British" just in time to edge out a few classic British machines, whose owners were hoping to display their proud possessions also, without benefit of prior reservations. It seems their club made a few mistakes in the process of notifying members of the date of their proposed event. Nevertheless, there was room for all, and VSA Club members had an opportunity to view some classic MGs, including a rare '48 MG sedan while trading various car stories (some of them true).

The parking lot is strategically located at the east end of the car show, offering a wonderful opportunity to view the large number of rods, bikes and cruisers as they make the rounds throughout the event. This is an active show, in that many cars spend the evening cruising up and down the four or five block "main drag' of La Mesa that makes up the show.

More importantly, the spot is located across the street from a popular vendor that hawks hand grilled hot dogs, and sausages with sauerkraut and all the trimmings! Plus, as an extra added bonus, a local pub is located nary a stone's throw from the fine Volvo cars proudly displayed at the event, offering a nice selection of thirst quenchers on tap. Several members apparently offered to do some comparison taste testing (or so they said) while taking a break from the rigors of the evening.

In all, six Volvos were displayed, a nice selection including: Bud Hartwell's immaculate1800ES, Goran Freske's excellent 1800S, Randy Blum's reliable and improving 122 wagon, Rick Brule's meticulous 122 wagon, Gene Bellegarde's trusty 544, and Russ's impressive green 1800S. Lots of admiring people stopped by to look at the cars, and to ask about the history and vintage of the various models. More than a few noted that they either "had one" or "always wanted one." I guess we really are the lucky ones. 

If you missed it, be sure to plan to attend next year. It's always an interesting event, and makes for a nice mid-week evening out. Thanks to Bud Hartwell for making the arrangements, and for getting there early to hold our "spot."