Back for a second year, the Magnolia Village Auto Show will give a glimpse into the art of the car - oft forgotten in a cookie-cutter car production world, according to organizer Eric Berge.
"Cars were different from each other; it's not like cars are today, where they're generic. They had personalities of their own," Berge said. "...Everything now looks like a big egg with wheels on it."
But the fading uniqueness of old cars can be found in vehicles restored by car enthusiasts. Berge's 1923 Model T, which he wanted to be reminiscent of the early to mid 1960s, has spoke wheels with no brakes in the front and is coated with glistening candy-apple red paint.
"It's about the car hobby, taking something you see ... and interpreting it in your own way. That's the fascination of the automobile," Berge said.
For a fading art form and hobby, Berge hopes the Car Show brings a little trace of simplicity to Magnolia next Saturday, Aug. 22. "Keep it simple," Berge said.
"It's open to anybody. I didn't want to have a judging show; I just wanted it to be a chance to showcase your pride and joy," he added.
After the previous organizers of the event stepped down, Berge, who also owns Werner's Crash Shop in Lower Queen Anne, took the lead to make sure Magnolians didn't miss the car show last year. Berge's passion for cars sparked early on, especially since his father was a machinist. "I never stood a chance really. I couldn't help but be fascinated by it. The '50s and '60s were exciting times for cars."
Though the memorabilia, car pictures and speed talking about old cars conveys Berge's passion for the automobile fluently, he said he's particularly excited to see Jim Green's dragster, "The Assassin." This Top Fuel dragster, which has not seen the streets of the Magnolia Village Auto Show, has a long and awarded history of racing. Green, who owns Jim Green's Performance Center in Lynwood, restored the dragster - at least partly because of his passion for the Cammer motor.
"When the car was originally built in 1967, it was the most unique top-fuel dragster of its time - and it was two or three years ahead of its time. It was a unique thing that was done," Green said.
Green restored the car to its May 1968 configuration, "the way it was raced in 1968." Green will fire the motor at the Magnolia Village Auto Show, Berge said. While "The Assassin" has a legacy of its own, Green also became a figurehead in drag racing and an icon for one Magnolian boy.
"I've always considered the guy a Northwest legend, more or less," Berge said of Green.
Green was induced into the National Hot Rod Association Northwest Division Hall of Fame in 2005 and into the Northwest Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 2008.
As of last week, 45 cars were registered for the show, but last year 25 cars showed up the day of, so Berge said he's anticipating that turnout again. Last year the Magnolia Village Auto Show showcased 65 cars, though Berge said the space could fit 80.
But no matter the number of cars, the theme stays.
"It's going to be an easygoing, non-judging event, just for the fun of the car hobby itself," Berge said.
Neighbors can see a wide range of automobiles between 32nd and 34th avenues on McGraw Street, and one block north and south on 33rd Avenue. Participants pay $20 to enter their cars, which set up at 8 a.m. and leave at 4 p.m.
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