As-it-happened coverage: Biggest West Seattle Car Show ever, in The Junction

(SCROLL DOWN for the newest photos/updates as the show continues)

(WSB photos by Patrick Sand)
10:14 AM: The seventh annual West Seattle Car Show is officially on – ~220 cars already, and it’s looking like the biggest one yet. That means the show is using the full street-closure footprint – same as Summer Fest – California midblock between Genesee and Oregon, to Edmunds; Alaska between 42nd and 44th, and there are cars along every stretch of street in those boundaries. Come buy a 50/50 raffle ticket at California/Alaska – the prize pot goes half to the winning ticket holder, half to charity. And get here before 3, which is when the awards ceremony is scheduled – participants will start departing after that.

10:26 AM: Yes, we know the game’s just a few hours away:

Lots of spirit, not just the Seahawks variety!

On the south end of the show zone on California, there’s a car Alice Cooper fans won’t want to miss:

And of course, it wouldn’t be a car show without an Elvis sighting:

(You thought we meant Elvis the SINGER?) Meantime, some of the participants are indeed taking advantage of the fact all years are allowed for the first time – this is a 2012 Aston Martin V12 Vantage:

And on the other side of the timespan, here’s a car from 1933:

Whatever year an entry’s from, you just might see an extra touch:

This might also be the best weather we’ve ever seen for the show – clear from the very start of the day – so even if you’re not a big car fan, come out and enjoy the sun. It’s a great tribute to the man who founded the show in 2008 and shepherded it every year, Michael Hoffman – gone too soon earlier this year, at age 47. You’ll recall that two local businesses – West Seattle Autoworks and Swedish Automotive (both WSB sponsors) – stepped up and asked if the community wanted the show to go on. Consensus was “yes”; they and a core group have been working on it ever since, including some changes, and the result of a beautiful day with big participation. Don’t miss the chance to help vote for the “People’s Choice” Award before 2 pm – come get a ballot at the booth next to our table alongside KeyBank.

11:44 AM: This is likely the biggest entry:

Not far east of there is one of the overflow zones – you haven’t seen everything until you’ve walked Alaska all the way between 42nd (where we took the photo) and 44th, and California between Genesee and Edmunds:

Along Alaska on the west end of the show, by 44th and the Farmers’ Market, the Zucchini Races are on (until 1 pm) and Pagliacci is tossing dough.

And while you’re on the north end of the show, pop over to 44th and Genesee for a fundraising lemonade stand:

Jen sent the photo – her kids are donating half their proceeds to the South Seattle College Co-op Preschools.

12:30 PM: Lots of families here:

Someone asked us if there’s a food court. Nope – lots of local restaurants to visit, both sit-down and take-out. We also hear the West Seattleites who run the Cookie Counter vegan-ice-cream-sandwiches truck are up by Greentree on California north of Oregon for the duration of the show – their vehicle, a classic VW bus, could be an entry even minus the treats! And of course, there are vendors at the Farmers’ Market – we’re told the empanadas are especially popular today. Meantime, a multimodal sighting:

1:30 PM: Half an hour to vote for the People’s Choice Awards. Meantime, we’re well aware the Seahawks game is on, so we’re posting updates at our table, just in case you’re here and without another quick way to keep updated (Twitter, etc.). And if you’ve seen a drone over the show, nope, not ours (we don’t even have one). Meantime, on the ground:

Meet the Hell’s Belles, who joined the West Seattle Car Show team as hosts this year.

2:07 PM: Just under an hour to get here and be able to see everything.

The judging is wrapping up, and the amazingly cool trophies (designed by Mindi Katzman, fabricated by Brian Walker) will be awarded at 3 pm.

If you’re here at the show, they’re on display on a table right behind ours (SW corner of California/Alaska). *Update*: People’s Choice Award voting has been extended to 2:30 – ballots are on the SW corner of California/Alaska.

2:58 PM: Right across from us – motorcycles next to the truck dubbed “The Kenworth.” Including a 1971 BSA:

Almost awards time!

3:23 PM: The awards have been announced – we have the list and photos and will be adding it when we’re back at HQ in a while.

8:38 PM & BEYOND: That process has been interrupted by a few things, but here we go. First – Best in Show, the Michael Hoffman Memorial Trophy, this 1955 Packard:

Best Import,” this Opel Kadett:

Best Antique,” this DeSoto:

Best Muscle Car,” this Hemi ‘Cuda:

Best Classic,” this Nova II:

People’s Choice winner – this Studebaker:

Best Motorcycle” was the BSA shown higher up in our coverage.

Best Modern/Future Classic,” this 2007 Shelby:

Still a few more to add, but we have to consult with our photographer again later in the morning, and we hope to get a few more infobits from the show team!

25 Replies to "As-it-happened coverage: Biggest West Seattle Car Show ever, in The Junction"

  • Brook September 14, 2014 (4:21 pm)

    I noticed a drone flying overhead when we were at the car show. Saw one last weekend at San Genaro festival as well. Does this belong to WSB or do you know who it belongs to?

    • WSB September 14, 2014 (4:28 pm)

      No, we mentioned that in this coverage. We don’t own one and have never even used one.

  • Kassandra Krohn September 14, 2014 (5:01 pm)

    Curious, did you get any pictures of a blue ’53 Cadillac coupe?

  • sbre September 14, 2014 (5:33 pm)

    And the winner is………..?

    (#41 got my vote!!!)

    • WSB September 14, 2014 (7:13 pm)

      Sorry, had to take a break. Getting back to this now. Re: Blue ’53 Cadillac – don’t know but will look again through what we have.

  • miws September 14, 2014 (6:03 pm)

    Another great Junction Car Show! I think Michael Hoffman would be proud!

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    Although a bit warm, otherwise perfect weather for the Show! Maybe Michael pulled some strings. ;-)

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    It was good to see Tracy & Patrick again, see a few longtime friends with their cars in the Show, as well as to meet another longtime WSB’er face to face for the first time. Plus, It was good to meet Chris and Chelsea of the Cookie Counter, to see their VW Bus, (I’m an air-cooled VW fan) and enjoyed a tasty Cherry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream Sandwich.

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    Finally, had a nice visit with “T” (and a refreshing glass of cold water), of The Wash Dog, when she called out to me as I passed the shop walking from the Car Show on down to Thriftway!

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    I think my feet and legs are a bit mad at me right now, from all of the standing and walking, but they’ll get over it!

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    It was a great day overall!

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    Mike

  • miws September 14, 2014 (6:20 pm)

    Oh, and thanks to Swedish Automotive, West Seattle Autoworks, WSB, and all of the other Sponsors!

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    Mike

  • Eddie September 14, 2014 (6:22 pm)

    The use of the term “drone” to describe a radio controlled model airplane or helicopter really raises my hackles! They’re stinkin toys used by hobbiests. Don’t brand them with the same (derogatory) term used to describe multimillion dollar military devices.

  • NW September 14, 2014 (8:11 pm)

    I didn’t like the drone flying over head either not one bit malfunctions or the operator has a stroke and it dive bombs into someone.

  • tony September 14, 2014 (8:15 pm)

    The drone was mine. I was flying it at both events. Just a hobby, not doing anything professional. Ill try to do something cool with the videos and pictures I got someday when I have time.

  • hj September 14, 2014 (8:20 pm)

    @Eddie: the term “drone” has been used to describe unmanned aerial vehicles long before it became fashionable for the military to use them for killing people. Your hackles will just have to get used to it.

  • tony September 14, 2014 (8:42 pm)

    I’m only 31. I’m fairly confident that I won’t being having a stroke our heart attack any time soon. Malfunction…. possibly but I maintain the thing pretty well.

  • Jissy September 14, 2014 (8:45 pm)

    Yay!!! I sure voted for that Packard, it was awesome!!!

  • Homer September 14, 2014 (9:25 pm)

    Great turnout but appalled that 95% of the cars didn’t have their model/make/year!!! There should be an entry form that they stick in the windshield of each car that the owners fill out so I can know what kind of car it is. Crazy that most didn’t even want to just write something on a piece of paper to show it off.

    Great show otherwise, just need “labels”!!

  • kg September 14, 2014 (9:48 pm)

    Yes, let’s ban the drones for hobby use as only the .gov is professional enough to fly them.
    /sarc

  • Pibal September 14, 2014 (11:23 pm)

    For Tony and other hobbyists…

    Caveat: I write the following simply to educate. My only agenda is to keep everything safe and within the rules.

    The use of UAS (unmanned aerial systems) – the preferred term to drones – has and will continue to proliferate. The technology has advanced so quickly that the supporting safety and regulatory infrastructure has been unable to keep pace.

    Both recreational and commercial UAS operators have rules that must be followed. While recreational guidance is clear, commercial UAS guidance is far less so and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is dealing with many requests for exemptions. That’s a whole ‘nother subject.

    Let’s stick in this discussion just to the operational rules for recreational UAS operators. One thing to be aware of is that the FAA, by law, regulates the use of all airspace; that means from the ground up, and not just above some arbitrary altitude above the ground. Therefore, any airspace user – even UAS hobbyists – must comply.

    The current rules for UAS Hobbyists may be found at this link:
    http://www.faa.gov/uas/publications/model_aircraft_operators/

    Beyond the listed Do’s and Don’ts, there are two things especially to note:
    1. “Avoid doing anything hazardous to other airplanes or people and property on the ground.”
    What would happen if a UAS powerplant failed above the crowd at the car show? Would it be able to avoid harming the participants or their property? Where and how the UAS is flown must keep this principle in mind.
    2. “…when flown within 5 miles of an airport, the operator of the aircraft provides the airport operator and the airport air traffic control tower…with prior notice of the operation;…”
    The Alaska Junction is just 4 statute miles from Boeing Field. This means any UAS operator in most of West Seattle must notify Boeing Field’s Air Traffic Control Tower of the intended UAS operations. For convenience, here is their phone number: 206-764-6611.

    Please also keep in mind that there is a flight corridor directly over West Seattle on a line between Boeing Field and Lincoln Park/Ferry Terminal. This corridor is used by small aircraft and helicopters flying to and from Boeing Field while remaining below the approach path of those aircraft going to Sea-Tac. These aircraft will routinely be approximately 600 feet above the ground near the now underground West Seattle Reservoir and approximately 1000 feet above the ground in the vicinity of Lincoln Park. UAS hobbyists are supposed to remain below 400 feet above the ground. It wouldn’t take much of an error in altitude to create a potential hazard. And UAS types are so small, they are extremely difficult to see from another airborne aircraft or helicopter.

    Please be wise, be safe, and comply with all the rules. There are many users of the airspace and it’s everyone’s responsibility to imcrease the safety factor to the maximum extrent possible for everyone’s benefit.

  • Eddie September 15, 2014 (7:42 am)

    So as I wind up the rubber band on my balsa wood toy airplane (drone?…) should I have mom call the tower?

  • miws September 15, 2014 (7:50 am)

    Congrats to Lisa P. for the win on the Shelby!

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    Mike

  • Todd September 15, 2014 (9:17 am)

    Thanks to all of the participants and visitors who made the show the biggest one, yet! The weather was great and we couldn’t be happier that we were able to make it happen in the short time we had to get the plans and budget in place.
    We’re looking forward to next year already and would love feedback to make positive changes/additions for the next one – we had so many ideas that we just couldn’t put into place this year with our time constraints, but we want this to be a community event that everyone looks forward to! We’re thinking live music, a kid’s area, etc. but would love to hear from both the participants and the visitors to see what can be improved. I know we already have changes in mind…Thanks again to WSB, Hell’s Belles, Monumental Productions, all of the sponsors and all of the volunteers who helped make the show happen and a success!

  • Jon September 15, 2014 (10:59 am)

    Did you get a picture of the white Lotus near the crosswalk by the Cancer Society Discovery thrift shop? Very short car the kids seemed to like walking up and looking in at their height.

  • WSince86 September 15, 2014 (2:08 pm)

    Congratulations to all the winners at the show! That beautiful Packard was my favorite! The pictures don’t do it justice! The color scheme was fantastic as was the interior.
    Kudos to the organizers for pulling off such a good show in a realitively short amount of time. Extremely tough to get ALL the details right, especially the first year!

    • WSB September 15, 2014 (2:11 pm)

      WSince, our motto is always “you had to be there.” We try to bear some witness but nothing, no matter how artistic the photographer or excellent the wordsmith (and the two of us are neither), beats being there and seeing it firsthand, which is why the MOST important thing we do here in cases like this is, publish advance notice :) Glad you were able to go!

  • Tony September 15, 2014 (3:12 pm)

    I wonder if the black/red 2011 Shelby would have beat out that 2007 Shelby for the Best Modern/Future Classic award had I left that piece of paper on the windshield to get a number to even get some votes. Damnit.

  • WSince86 September 15, 2014 (4:30 pm)

    WSB! True, true, true!!!

  • Cheryl September 17, 2014 (2:16 pm)

    Ooooooh, that ’71 BSA made my heart go pitter pat. Love me those old British bikes! (although I’m personally more enamored of the mid-60’s BSA’s and Triumphs)
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    Looks like it was a great day TR!

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