Every year, car enthusiasts around the country get together to donate toys for less fortunate kids, look at cars and hang out with friends. We decided to join the crowds at the 7<sup>th</sup> annual Motor 4 Toys Charitable Car Show & Toy Drive, which was held on Dec 5, 2010. What we hadn’t reckoned on was getting up at 6am, with the gates opening at 6.30 and closing at noon. Still, it was for a good cause, and we were shocked at how many friends we bumped into at that time of the morning.
And to the ladies who made the effort to both turn up and look gorgeous at 7am, we thank you!
The event was held in Woodland Hills, CA and drew an incredibly diverse selection of the automotive industry and enthusiasts. Entrance to the event was free but each person was asked to bring a toy worth at least $10.
In the past, the event has collected up to 25000 toys, making it one of the largest contributors to the Marine Corps’ Toys 4 Tots program. Organizers were obviously hoping to exceed that number in 2010 and had worked hard to make it happen.
The parking area was packed with cars, plus vendor booths from several sponsors, as well as a large presence from the local Sheriff, Police and Fire departments, including Swat and even a helicopter.
The atmosphere was friendly, as you’d expect, and we spent a few enjoyable hours looking a the thousands of cars, which ranged from the very latest supercars from Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc, to custom-built specials, with everything in between.
Inevitably, the hot- and street rods drew some of the biggest crowds, but the classic cars competed for our attention. From the row of immaculate Porsche 356s to an original Mercedes Gullwing, we were spoilt for choice.
We have to admit there were some oddities. A couple of awkward-looking kit cars had us scratching our heads, but perhaps the strangest was what appeared to be a DIY carbon fiber-look wrap on a Porsche 911. They’d literally covered everything, including the handles and vents, sometimes in several pieces, then added RS badges and extra insignia. If it had been a Pontiac Fiero underneath it might have made sense, but it’s an odd way to devalue a Porsche. However, it seemed to attract a crowd and the owner must be proud, so we shouldn’t judge too harshly. I guess it’s just not what we’d choose to do…
The Passat wagon and Audi TT on air suspension drew more favorable comments, sitting low and subdued next to a lifted Nissan 260Z 4x4. It certainly a great event for broadminded gearheads!