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Cars in the Park Cars in the Park marked its 25th anniversary with a showcase honoring the early days of American motoring. The Santa Clara Valley Model T Ford Club and History San José celebrated the 25th anniversary of their annual Cars in the Park on Saturday, September 13, 2025, attracting a record crowd of car enthusiasts, families, and history lovers. This year’s event showcased antique and classic automobiles, spanning from the late 1890s through 1949, each either preserved in original condition or meticulously restored to period accuracy. Lining the streets of History Park were 130 vehicles, including 30 Ford Model As, 10 Ford Model Ts, 11 vintage Chevrolets, and an impressive collection of Lincolns, Packards, and Cadillacs. Among the rare automobiles on display were an 1899 Osen Hunt, a 1903 Haynes-Apperson, a 1907 Mitchell, a 1911 REO Power Wagon, a 1911 Oakland, a 1913 Hudson, a 1914 Metz, a 1916 Detroit Electric, a 1927 Kleiber, a 1933 Franklin, and a 1941 Lincoln Continental, to name just a few. This year’s special spotlight focused on race cars and speedsters, with 10 examples displayed on the grounds in front of the Hotel and the Associated Gas Sation. Among the speedsters were two competitive race cars —a 1917 Stutz and a 1922 Mercer Raceabout. These vehicles represent the pioneering spirit of early racing and automotive innovation. Together, they highlighted the ingenuity and daring that defined the early years of American motoring. Visitors were treated not only to gleaming brass, nickel, chrome, and polished wood, but also to exhibits of early-day crafts and antique collectibles. Demonstrations of vintage gas engines showed how they once powered saws, water pumps, and corn grinders. At the blacksmith’s shop, red-hot iron was skillfully hammered into practical items once essential for the farm and household. In the theater, Dennis Mattish gave a presentation on Bay Area Auto Racing. Adding to the lively atmosphere, the Silicon Gulch Dixieland Band filled the park with traditional jazz, while the Tonic Trio Singers delighted the attendees with their vintage harmonies. The highlight of the day was the Model T assembly demonstration, where a team of 11 collector-restorers entertained onlookers by assembling a Ford Model T in just 11 minutes and 54 seconds—that is a little over a 1-minute reduction from last year. Adding to the fun, Mike Hennessy once again entertained the crowd with a quiz on the early days of the Model T and the progress of the assembly. Over its 25 years, Cars in the Park (formerly Antique Autos in History Park) has become a much-liked tradition, bringing together those who preserve automotive history with those who simply enjoy stepping back in time. With this milestone anniversary, the event proved once again why it remains a favorite in the Northern California’s automotive calendar. |
