With support from Car Street Journal and NICOclub.com, ClassicCars.com took over High Street in Phoenix to stage the inaugural Future Classics Car Show Monday evening.
All 100 spaces along the street through the upscale shopping district were filled with cars dating from the 1975 through 2005 model years.
Show sampler | Hans Marquez PhotoAnd the audience was as diverse by age as the vehicles were from a variety of sources, with Asian, European and domestic brands well represented. Those attending the show were able to enjoy more than the vehicles as the shops and restaurants lining High Street extended hours and many provided discounts during the event.
“We are overwhelmed by the response to ClassicCars.com first Future Classics Car Show” said Roger Falcione, CEO and president of ClassicCars.com. “It is a true example of how the collector car hobby is alive and well with the next generation. The enthusiasm from the 100 plus car owners and the huge crowd that came out to the event represents a vibrant car community around collector cars from 1975-2005 that we are proud to be a part of.”
Other highlights included a “paint a Mustang” station where anyone was able to apply their painting talents to 2015 Ford Mustang GT supplied by San Tan Ford (yes, the paint could be washed off afterward). Clowns handed out balloon animals and flowers and a DJ played a mix of music that inspired some to dance.
Cars were judged by a panel led by Classic Cars News East Coast editor Andy Reid.
The winners in each category were:
Best of Show – 1977 Toyota Celica, John Garza
200-2005 Import class – 2002 Acura Rsx Type-S, Nathan Nellessen
1995-1999 Import class – 1991 Acura NSX, Arnie Press
1975-1983 Import class – 1977 Toyota Celica GT
2000-2005 European – 1999 BMW M-coupe, Lena Norberg
1995-1999 European – 1996 Volkswagen Cabrio, Brian McCauley
1984-1994 European – 1987 Saab 900S, Dave Karsten
2000-2005 Domestic – 2004 Chevy Corvette Z06, Joe Martoccia
1995-1999 Domestic – 1996 Ford Cobra, Tim Brudler
1984-1994 Domestic – 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT, Dave Karsten
Diamond in the Rough – 1985 Mitsubushi Starion
Hagerty Youth Judging – 1977 Datsun 280Z, Mark Small
Photography by Hans Marquez, Jackie Wells-Currey, and Matthew Fink
Really think the Maserati TC built for Chrysler from 1989-1991 is being very overlooked as a true hybrid classic. With proper attention, such a neat little all-purpose Tourisimo Cabriolet could have been easily continued in many directions of further development, incorporating the many ideas for improvement that were suggested by many people with varying interests. It’s a beautiful, clean small grand-touring auto.