Oak Brook Father's Day show features 'uncommon cars'
On a day when we celebrate classic Dads, it's probably only fitting that we allow them to spend Father's Day celebrating classic cars at Oakbrook Center.
Dozens and dozens examples of shiny steel and chrome will be on display Sunday when members of the Classic Car Club of America's Greater Illinois Region park their lovingly restored and preserved cars between the mall's anchor department stores and boutique shops, giving visitors a chance to admire them up close.
"Our club specializes in extremely rare, prewar cars. These are the cream of the crop," said Russ Rodriguez, director of the club's Illinois chartered region. "They're all Midwest cars from a four-state region."
Father's Day shoppers will have a chance to see a 1932 Chrysler Confederate Deluxe Roadster and a 1930 Cadillac V6 Roadster.
For those interested in cars with a more recent vintage date, there will be a 1967 Shelby GT350 and a 1989 Bentley Azure convertible.
They'll also see Rodriguez' own 1924 Hispano Suiza Tupi Wood roadster and his 1937 Cord Cabriolet.
And that's just the beginning. Other cars visitors may see include other Duesenbergs, Pierce Arrows, Packards and Bugattis.
"We cap it off at 100," said Rodriguez.
He said club members enthusiastically embrace the annual show, this year marking its 51st year.
"These are people who are serious about the uncommon cars, about cars created as much for art as for motion," he said.
This is a show where visitors are invited to look but not to touch.
"(The cars) will be chained off, unless the owner invites a specific person to get in. Most of these cars are worth millions," he said. "It's just a display. It's open to the public. It's free admittance. It's not juried."
Rodriguez, who lives in Itasca and works in the sports and entertainment industry, said he's been fascinated by the beauty of cars since he was a child. His neighbor owned an Auburn.
"To me, if it's beautiful standing still, it's going to get my attention," he said. If a car exhibits even more style and grace while in motion, he said, he really takes notice.
"I've got about 20 cars myself," he said. "I've personally purchased from coast to coast in this country," he said.
He said he's also bought and sold vehicles in Canada and made one sale that was shipped to Paris, France, for delivery.
His Hispano Suiza, he said, is one of only a few in the world.
"These are the rarest of the rare," he said.
Rodriguez said the show goes from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. An 18-piece swing band will perform from 1 to 4 p.m.
The show is a rain or shine event, he said.
"The mall does a great job of promoting it," he said. "In one day, they expect 70,000 people to file through. There are people who come from all over to see these cars."
If you go
What: 51st annual Father's Day Car Show
Who: Greater Illinois Region of the Classic Car Club of America
When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, June 16
Where: Oakbrook Center, 22nd Street and Route 83, Oak Brook
Admission: Free
Info: girccca.com