The automotive scene is finally coming out of hibernation in Arizona now that the daytime high temperatures have eased up a bit. The Fenders & Friends car club, the same group that hosted a visit to the Dwarf Car Museum in September, recently got together for a classic cars event in the town of Cave Creek.
Cave Creek is a western-themed settlement located about 30 minutes north of Phoenix that is home to saloons, gift shops, restaurants, and about 5,200 total residents. Cars, trucks, and motorcycles lined the streets on Saturday, September 10, representing a wide range of years, manufacturers, and genres.
The event ran from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and I stopped by shortly after things got underway to take a lap to see what it was all about.
Cave Creek’s website says, “Each fall, Cave Creek Road transforms into a vibrant showcase of chrome, horsepower, and nostalgia as several hundred classic cars roll into town. Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or just love the thrill of revving engines and vintage style, this unforgettable event promises something for everyone.”
And indeed, there was something for everyone. Where else might you ever come across a lifted, four-wheel-drive C3 Corvette? Check out that license plate: YEP 4×4.
Several vendors were on-site selling things such as Hot Wheels and jerky. No automotive event is complete without proper concessions, of course!
Several other car clubs besides Fenders & Friends were out in force. In particular, I noticed strong representation from Valley of the Sun Pontiacs.
The group (classified as chapter 107 of the Pontiac Oakland Club International) was formed in 1972 and has dues of $15 per year, which covers the cost of club events, website maintenance, and car show entry fees. The next get-together will be held on Wednesday, October 21 in Scottsdale. How about this for a comparison photo? Vintage transportation, in front of even-more vintage transportation.
A few people, like the owner of the car below, got into the spirit of Halloween with a skeleton in the engine bay and a bowl full of treats for the taking. Don’t mind if I do!
In the coming weeks, I’ll highlight a few specific vehicles that caught my eye at the show. I think you’ll appreciate them as much as I did.