Despite the drizzling rain on Saturday, September 2, 2023, the Venice Beach Boardwalk was alive with the rumble of engines and the gleam of classic chrome as car enthusiasts from across the region gathered for the 2nd annual Venice Classic Car Show. Over 200 classic cars, kustoms, lowriders, street rods, rat rods, pre-80's trucks, pre-80's muscle cars, and Harley Davidsons graced the event, turning the iconic Venice Beach setting into a paradise for automotive aficionados.

The Venice Classic Car Show is not just an exhibition of vehicles; it's a celebration of West Coast car culture. Rain or shine, attendees reveled in the rich history and craftsmanship on display.

Trophies were awarded to the standout vehicles in various categories, including Best Classic, Best Kustom, Best Lowrider, Best Truck, Best Muscle Car, Best Paint, and Best Chop. Enthusiasts had the unique opportunity to get up close, inspect these automotive marvels, and meet the passionate owners behind these incredible machines.

This year's event was proudly presented by the Westside Classic Car Club in collaboration with the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks, Venice Beach, and Munson Industries, Inc. Generous sponsorship was provided by the Los Angeles Chargers, Bartels’ Harley-Davidson, Minute Maid’s Agua Frescas, SMART Water, ThumzUp!, Mr. Cartoon x Turtle Wax, STANCE, and more, underlining the event's significance as a community-driven celebration.

The car show festivities began with a special "Blessing of the Cars" ceremony conducted by descendants of the Tongva people, honoring the rich cultural history of the Venice Beach area. Numerous local car clubs also participated in the event, showcasing the camaraderie and community spirit that surrounds the world of classic automobiles. Austin the DJ played music throughout the event, adding a vibrant soundtrack to the day.

Among the attendees at the Venice Classic Car Show was a group of Los Angeles Police Officers from the Pacific Division, underlining the event's importance as a bridge between the local community and law enforcement. Their presence added an extra layer of appreciation for the shared love of classic cars.

In addition to the impressive vehicle lineup, the Venice Classic Car Show invited the community to explore a variety of vendors and food trucks. A percentage of vending and raffle donations will benefit the LA Parks Foundation for Venice Beach Recreation Center. The event aimed to reintroduce Venice Beach as a safe and family-friendly recreation area for everyone, in partnership with the City of LA Department of Recreation and Parks.

Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions, the Venice Classic Car Show offered a fantastic opportunity for car enthusiasts to pay homage to the beauty and history of classic cars while enjoying the stunning backdrop of Venice Beach. Raindrops couldn't dampen the enthusiasm of those in attendance, and the event stands as a testament to the enduring passion for automotive excellence on the West Coast. With the support of sponsors and the community, this annual gathering promises to become a staple of the Venice Beach calendar for years to come.

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Fabian Lewkowicz is a Santa Monica-based photojournalist and press photographer, and the creator of the photo blog, Santa Monica Close Up. With years of experience as a staff photographer for several media outlets including the Santa Monica Daily Press, Santa Monica Mirror, Santa Monica Observer, and the Santa Monica Corsair, Fabian has captured some of the most iconic moments of Santa Monica.

Fabian's photographs have been displayed in a variety of settings, including museums, art galleries, hospitals, department stores, banks, fire stations, police stations, commercial buildings, amusement parks, offices, and homes. His photography captures the essence of Santa Monica, from its beautiful landscapes and stunning sunsets to its unique culture and diverse community.

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TAGS: Photojournalism, Photojournalist, Documentary, Cinema Verite, Fly-on-the-wall, Observational Photography, Press Photography

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