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Local car shows display
continued growth
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The 2009
Kahala Mall Cruise Night & Car Show featuring classic
cars from 1920 to 1980 will be held on Saturday, June
20, from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Mall wide! Admission is
free. |
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Written by:
Jerrette Kamaka
Honolulu
Streets Magazine.
With the down turn in the economy it
seems that anything related to the automotive industry has been put
under a microscope and let's not forget that cars are blamed for
much of the world's pollution. All of this comes at a time when U.S.
car makers are facing tough economic times and are cutting the
amount of dealerships they have across the country. General Motors,
who leads the country in cars that are turned into hot rods, is
going to cut 1100 dealerships and Chrysler will cut 2600 dealerships
off its list by 2010. And both car manufactures still face the
possibility of bankruptcy if they haven't already.
Weighing in:
But if you look at the custom car communities across the nation,
there isn't an equal amount of decline in hot rods and other custom
cars being built privately, commercially or being sold. In a press
release from Barrett Jackson dated January 20, 2009.
The Barrett-Jackson Auction Company
exceeded industry-wide expectations by recording more than $63
million in sales last week during the 38th annual Scottsdale
auction. From Jan. 11-18, 2009, the all No Reserve auction featured
an eclectic offering, including a 1929 Ford 4-AT-E Tri-Motor
airplane that sold for $1.21 million and the "first production" 1955
Ford Thunderbird that fetched $660,000. Despite an uncertain
economy, numerous Barrett-Jackson records were set, including
$220,000 for a 1959 Chevrolet Corvette convertible, $250,000 for a
50th Anniversary Hurst Performance 2008 Dodge Viper and $137,500 for
a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 fastback.
In addition to the top sellers,
Barrett-Jackson offered a healthy collection of entry level to mid
range cars. With nearly 70 percent of all purchases made by new
buyers, these vehicles served as the nucleus of the 2009 event. The
diverse docket also catered to buyers planning to spend
conservatively in today's economy.
"Our customers asked us to offer more
mid range vehicles this year," noted Steve Davis, president of
Barrett-Jackson. "And the solid sales performance demonstrates the
wisdom of our approach. While the Tri-Motor and Thunderbird were
highlights of the week, collectors really responded to cars in the
$50,000 to $150,000 price range. We're cognizant of the current
economic conditions and made sure to offer something for everyone."
Homegrown results:
On Oahu the car scene is still as popular as ever with car cruises
and car shows of all sizes being held throughout the island by
various clubs and organizations. Back in May Mike McKenna hosted the
annual Mustang Madness car show at his Ford dealership in Kailua,
which has been a longtime tradition for the Aloha Mustang & Shelby
Club. According to the Honolulu Advertiser the event had 3000+
spectators which is normal for most major repeat events on the car
show calendar.
And that optimism carries on to many local car enthusiasts who are
looking forward to participating in car show throughout the 2009
summer starting with the Kahala Mall car show on June 20. This will
undoubtedly bring a lot and much needed foot traffic to the premiere
East Oahu Mall.
Kahala Mall draws car clubs
"The Kahala Mall car show has a really good cross section of old
cars and all of them are pre 1980 and back in 2007 there was about
125 cars," says Mel Sakaba. "And some of the choice cars were
displayed inside the mall during the event so it gives the car
community great exposure."
Mel Sakaba is no stranger to the hot rod and custom car community
with a resume that stretches back to the days of Jolly Rogers
Restaurant, where he and a few friends created the Hawaiian Island
Camaro Club. Although that club doesn't exist anymore, a new and
improved Camaro club has just been launched with the help of Sakaba
called 808Camaros. So even in tough economic times, new car clubs
are still being formed with enthusiasts who are spending money
customizing and building hot cars. Sakaba and a few other members of
the fledgling club will have their Camaros on display at the Kahala
Mall Car Show.
2009 Kahala Mall Summer Car Show Preview
"In order to participate in the Kahala Mall car show you had to
fill out an application" says Sakaba. "And this show is not like
other shows because you have to apply to enter and it is limited to
certain years. Most shows will let anyone enter their car but this
Kahala show is more selective so it'll have some really nice cars."
Kahala Mall puts on a car show every 2 years which makes it rare and
unique with the kind of surroundings the Kahala area brings. This
year's show is expected to be the show that sets the standard for
the rest of the shows this summer. So bring Dad and the family down
to Kahala Mall on the Fathers Day weekend and enjoy one of the best
car shows this year. The show is on June 20, 2009 from 2:00 pm to
8:00 pm and admission is free and open to the public.
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