HOT RODS, classics and customs will be a part of the scenery at the Vallejo Yacht Club Saturday for the Vallejo Hot Rod Car Show and Barbeque.
Photo by Keri Luiz

Some people visit Vallejo Yacht Club because they like boats. Saturday, they’ll be visiting because they like cars — hot rods, classic cars, muscle cars and restoration projects in particular.

The Vallejo Hot Rod Car Show and Barbecue, which made its debut last year, began when the Solano car club Boyz Under the Hood and the Freewheelers Car Club of San Francisco sought to collaborate on a show where their members’ vehicles could be displayed.

But this is a yacht club, so in addition to four-wheeled beauties, several classic and modern speedboats can be seen next to the Yacht Club.

Show entries will be competing for prizes, which have been given such nautical names as Commodore’s Choice, Fleet Captain, Rear Admiral, Yeoman and, after that famous “Gilligan’s Island vessel that never came back from its “three hour tour,” the SS Minnow.

Bonnie Collins, secretary of the Boyz Under the Hood, said owners of classic and vintage cars don’t have to register in advance for this show.

The show’s proceeds go to several good causes.

One is Rebuilding Together Solano County, which forms partnerships with area businesses and service groups to repair and renovate homes for low income and older residents as well as community-use buildings.

The other is the Benicia Community Action Council, which will use it for its Season of Sharing program that provides food and other items to the less fortunate residents of Benicia during holidays.

“If someone wants to support these organizations, come and bring their classic cars. They can register and be eligible for awards,” she said. “And, you’re showing off your car!”

Car show fans often wear attire that brags about the models of cars they like best, and some women take te opportunity to wear 1940s and 1950s styles, from victory curls to saucy sundresses to poodle skirts and sweaters.

But the Vallejo Yacht Club members are hoping some people will give a nod to the car show’s setting and wear nautical clothes, the louder the better.

Live music by Drunk Monkey, a classic rock and roll band, will entertain those who stroll among the gleaming show cars, lovingly-restored daily drivers as well as rough looking “rat rods.”

The car show opens at 11 a.m. and concludes at 4 p.m. Saturday at the Vallejo Yacht Club, 485 Mare Island Way, Vallejo. Car entry is $10 for each vehicle, and spectator admission is a requested $5 donation.

The catered barbecue meal is $12 per person, and beverages will be sold at the Vallejo Yacht Club’s bar.

Those interested may contact Kerry Scott of Boyz Under the Hood at 707-812-7215; John Kiszla of the Freewheelers, 415-215-1701.

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