WHO WE ARE
Car Show Committee &
Car Show History
The Orinda Classic Car Show dates back to 2004, when Orinda resident Chip Herman and Orinda Motors’ John Vanek wanted to get together with friends and have a fun show. What began as a very informal 25 car exhibit quickly evolved into a multi event car-centered weekend with nearly 200 cars every year, always with the backing of Orinda Motors.
We close the northern part of the town to provide the best viewing for the entries. From treelined streets just off the Orinda Country Club fairway, to select vehicles on indoor display, we give owners and attendees plenty of room to enjoy the show. This special venue allows us to host a "big time" car show with a small town feel.
More than 200 entries come from all over the greater bay area and beyond!
A very special venue for the show
Every year Chip, John and the car show committee members would organize a special exhibit of cars, from Shelby Cobras and Mustangs to exotics, including Ferraris, Lotus, and one year even assorted race cars. The tradition continues. In 2019, The Orinda Association, the oldest local non-profit organization, took over producing the show. Orinda Motors’ Classic Car Center staff and management continue to provide invaluable support for the show. Thanks to the boundless energy and enthusiasm of our committee members, volunteers and the many dedicated car owners who come every year, the show goes on. With full community support, we close down the northern portion of Orinda Village for the car show. See maps.
Since the start the show’s fundraising has benefitted The Orinda Association, and its Seniors Around Town (SAT) senior ride program. The funds raised from the show directly support SAT, which for 19 years has provided many thousands of free rides to our local seniors. The Orinda Association and our Car Show Committee thank everyone for their continued support of this fun-filled annual event.
Our Partners and Founding Sponsors
2023 Team
Car show Committee
car show supporters
Bill Waterman
Mario Urquilla
Bill Criswell
Hans Hiller
Bill Brobeck
Xavier Estrada
Todd Mercer
Jill Gelster
Jay Ward
Steve Harwood
Kate Wiley
Cindy Powell
Marianne Moser
Jacalyn Buettner
David Dierks
Sally Hogarty
Gail McIntyre
Marie Waterman
Cathy Goshorn
Lauren White
Keep the wheels turning
Through the Years
Special Guest Jochen Rohr
Jochen Rorhr donates a high-speed ride in his Porsche at Infineon Raceway. Rohr enjoys watching his passengers ‘reactions when he takes them out for laps, especially when he is cornering. Not many have ridden in a car that tops 200mph.
On the 16th Fairway
"Thanks to the generosity and community involvement of Orinda Country Club, there will be the flavor of Pebble Beach in Orinda with something for everyone, from classic cars in mint condition, daily drivers, hot rods, custom cars, race cars and motorcycles.” Whitney Haist, an antique and classic vehicle expert
Rockin' 50's ~ Rag Tops and Hot Rods
See a wide selection of hotrods, rag tops and glass packs. The three-day event starts on Friday, with the Rebels with a Cause Dancing with the Cars pre-show party. On Saturday, Sept. 13, the car show will fill the streets around Orinda Motors and spill onto the Orinda Country Club fairway.
Covid Can't Stop the Car Show
On September 12, 2020, the Orinda Classic Car Show Became the Car Tour was held in Orinda, California and surrounding area. The Tour included 130 cars with a range of model types manufactured from 1929 through 2018.
Keep on Truckin'
Expect to see some vintage pickup trucks as well as state-of-the-art electric cars and other modern exotics. “One of the highlights of the show is having six to eight original Shelby Cobras driven by their owners,” said Car Show CoChair Bill Waterman. “These are outstanding examples of unusual and rare cars.”