Attending car shows and related events is considered a privilege among automotive enthusiasts. Likewise, for us magazine types. The difference is we typically attend more shows and events than most would deem physically possible. Then again, it's all part of the job. To fly in and out of airports, travel to and from event sites. Hey, someone's got to do it.
Recently, while discussing travel plans for the New Dimensions Charity Auto Show, senior editor Les Bidrawn and I decided to forgo the cumbersome airport hustle in favor of an old-fashioned road trip. "Let's take the Corrado," Bidrawn said enthusiastically. "It will be a good drive and what better car to take to a VW/Audi event?" Good enough and the decision to drive was made. The Corrado, however, had other plans and dropped the heater core. Not a big deal, but the car hadn't yet been shaken down after its recent build up anyway. Fortunately, our long-term Carrera 4S was conveniently parked and available for the taking.
Photo gear and bags packed, we made the 385-mile trek in very good record time.
Back for its 12th anniversary, the show, which benefits the Second Harvest Food Bank, was spread across the spacious grounds of the Twin Creeks Sport Complex in Sunnyvale, Calif.Billed as the premier West Coast event for VW and Audi, this year's show also welcomed BWM owners, adding more European flavor and overall appeal.
Sunny warm skies set the tone for a wonderful show, a pleasant respite from the rain that plagued last year's event.
Each marque was featured on a separate field that encircled the complex, making it easy to peruse the vehicles by model grouping. As expected, a good balance of Audis and Volkswagens were on hand, encompassing almost every model imaginable, including dozens of old-school cars--MkIs and MkII s, Audi Coupe Quattros and even a few modified BMW 2002s. Of course, all the latest hardware was also present: a handful of R32s, 20th-anniversary Golfs, V8 S4s and E46 M3s. As always, the exterior parking lot was another good place to spot impressive rides. We saw severalnumber that would have easily placed in the show.
Dozens of vendors were also present, displaying their wares and highly modified tuner cars.If making plans to attend next year's event, be sure to take advantage of ND's annual sale held at its Santa Clara headquarters the day prior. We'll be there, perhaps with Bidrawn's Corrado--and perhaps with a new record? Don't hold your breath.