Carmel Mission Classic photos: Carmel Mission Classic
FIFTH ANNUAL CARMEL MISSION CLASSIC IS AUGUST 16 by David M. Brown
More than 1,000 car lovers are expected to attend the fifth annual Carmel Mission Classic, Wednesday, August 16, 10 a. m. to 4 p. m.
The annual event takes place at the historic Carmel Mission Basilica, 3080 Rio Road in Carmel –– the jewel of the Monterey Peninsula. The 18thcentury Spanish Franciscan missionary to the area, Father Junípero Serra, is buried on the church grounds; he was canonized by Pope Francis in 2015.
The signature cars include actress Delores del Rio’ s 1930 Duesenberg, presented by the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, which maintains a stellar collection of classic automobiles acquired by the Stephens family of San Francisco and Phoenix.
Others are a 1954 Packard Caribbean; 1955 Woodall Wildfire from the Richard Atwell Collection in Texas; a 1965 Chevrolet Impala,“ The Imposter,” a $ 3-million custom by Chip Foose and shown by Don Voth; and the Wonder Bread Car, which ran at Indy in 1933, presented by event sponsor Pat Phinney, who will be serving food from his auto-inspired restaurant, the Baja Cantina, Carmel Valley.
Barry Meguiar, star of Car Crazy, will emcee, and the guest judge will be custom car guru, John D’ Agnostino. Danny Sullivan, winner of the 1985 Indianapolis 500, will be the honored guest and will happily sign autographs.
Roger Pendenza is co-chairman of the Carmel Mission Classic and recently retired from the FBI:“ We are the most holy and secure car extravaganza out there, and we welcome you all! God bless!” says Event Chairman Frank DiPaola, a retired Los Angeles police officer who helped found the event with friend, Richard Pepe, a retired New York City policeman, in 2013.
DiPaola and Pendenza are members of the service fellowship, The Knights of Columbus, a Catholic-based fraternal organization engaged in many charitable works.
Among the event beneficiaries: Junipero Serra School Scholarships for the Roman Catholic elementary school on the Monterey Peninsula community; Coats for Kids, providing 200-plus coats annually for needy children of all faiths living in South Monterey County; and Knights of Columbus Charities, supporting Christians at Risk in Syria.
A variety of trophies will be awarded to the owners of the fine automobiles, including Best of Show. An original work of art, the poster for the event by Carmel artist Ed Greco, will be auctioned.
In addition, some of Monterey County’ s finest vineyards will offer their wines, Andrea Carter and her ensemble will perform and a gourmet food bar will be prepared by a local chef.
A U. S. Marine color guard will begin the event, and Bishop Richard Garcia will offer his annual blessing of the cars.
“ How many car shows have you been to at a 300-year-old mission where a saint is buried, which has a bishop’ s blessing and eight wineries pouring?” DiPaola says.“ At the Carmel Mission Classic, there is something for the body and something for the soul.”
For more information on or tickets for the Carmel Mission Classic, see carmelmissionclassic. org, e-mail info @ carmelmissionclassic. org or call 831.915.5311.
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