Pacific Coast Dream Machine show review

This well-known car show was held on April 26, 2009 at the Half Moon Bay Airport on the coast of Northern California off of Highway 1. A great deal of variety was the main attraction in the author's opinion. From modern to to classic, aviation to monster trucks and choppers, it had something for everyone. http://www.miramarevents.com/dreammachines/directions.html It is very close to the location for the Mavericks surf competition: http://www.maverickssurf.com/

In years past, easiest way to go was by motorcycle via Highway 1, skipping 92 due to the heavy traffic. Even then cutting lanes was needed due to the excessive lines. This year the motorcycle wasn't needed, but many chose this option. Instead, taking the car from San Jose to 84 to the coast and then northbound proved to be a great route. Not only that, the backup to turn into the show parking area was about 3 cars long, instead of 3 miles.

One unusual aspect, besides the excellent variety of vehicles, was that there was really no perceptible rhyme or reason to where they were placed. So a brand new Dodge Challenger could be parked next to a ratted-out old roadster with scary costumed mannequins in the seats. A bit surprisingly the new Camaro wasn't there, or maybe not since a large dealer locally has only delivered about six as of Memorial Day weekend. But there were imports, classics, you name it. There is something else special about this show too.

The motorcycles did happen to park together and while few, were particularly impressive in the level of customization, even enough to stand out at a custom bike show. A Rat Bike or two provided some humor as well. If you wanted to see a lot of bikes, walk the bike parking area.

While the show was quite spread out around the grounds of the airport, there was a very good and enthusiastic blues band playing at the food area. One tip for next year: Check out the food area at the aviation display before deciding where to get food, they had BBQ there!

Speaking of the aviation display, the warbirds from World War II were on display as well as some others types of propeller aircraft. Unfortunately I can't name them. But you could walk right up to them and touch them. After looking at hundreds of cars, the size of these fighter planes from the 1940s was impressive. The nine-cylinder engine up close behind the propeller looked ominous. One thing had me wondering though - the exposed hoses and wires apparently were pretty safe from air turbulence at 400mph. It just seems even more hazardous than driving without a hood on your car.

There were fly-bys of various planes which is always cool. A P-51 Mustang, flying or parked has got to be one of the most nostalgic and patriotic sights in aviation history. Helicopter and airplane rides were offered as well. However, the twin-engined plane that looked like it was from the 1950s didn't have a comforting engine note to us. Yes, I'm sure it was perfectly safe and the passengers loved it, but to this car enthusiast, the engine note sounded like a cylinder was missing. We decided to stay on the ground.

In the center grass area there was monster truck demonstrations and rides (off road use only, hah!) as well as some sort of a grass-surfing on an engine and snowmobile track type of competition. Falling off was almost inevitable so it looked like a lot of fun and a short "dragstrip" to keep injuries to just face-splitting grins and scuffs from the tumbles.

Vendor displays were varied as well. Cool sunglasses, motorcycle clubs and model cars made sure there was something for everyone. Jason with Crown Deluxe sunglasses had something unique vs. the knock-offs you see at every show: http://www.crowndeluxe.com/

Over the years I've always felt a sense of frustration during and after shows like this. Sure, you probably think it is a form of envy. Actually no, even when I was younger and didn't know I would never own many of the cars I saw, it came from something else. What I was feeling was a discomfort that I couldn't hear and see these cars run. It was like looking at a piece of art and engineering that remained silent and immobile despite an inherent purpose to move, and move fast with a great soundtrack. This show doesn't seem to have strict judging rules, if at all. So when the wide-body Jaguar with the monster Ford 427 cammer motor started up and tossed us all some revs, it made everyone within earshot smile.

Leaving show was easy too despite seemingly well attended. There are some good restaurants just south of the show and it seems watching cars leave belonging to both the spectators and the entrants is becoming a small event itself. One last tip, if you head back south, 92 was backed up heading back east. Take Highway 1, a perfect solution to end the day.