The 13th annual Cadillac Through the Years car show April 29 at Town Square Las Vegas lived up to expectations attracting a record field of both vintage Cadillacs and enthusiasts.
With 72 Classic Cadillacs parked on the streets of Town Square Las Vegas, it was a true cruise through the years with nine of the 11 decades since Cadillac’s beginning in 1903.
And in the case of Cadillac Through the Years, a clever mix of talented entertainers and news and old Cadillacs proved to be the ideal combination.
Creating a car show of any kind is a time-consuming effort complete with endless hours of planning; and this one was no different. In this case, the combination of vehicles and surrounding retail outlets proved to create the ideal environment.
Presented by the Cadillac and LaSalle Club and Findlay Cadillac, the partnership agreement blended old with new and included thousands of dollars in raffle prizes.
Among the entrants in the event was Chardonnay Knox, a student at the College of Southern Nevada majoring in journalism who also displayed a 1949 62 Series cream Cadillac Convertible and a 1941 7533F Cadillac Fleetwood limo.
The 1941 model won Top Vehicle pick for the 1940 era.
“This show is special and this one was the best ever,” said Knox, whose father, Lyle, is the mastermind behind the three Caddies. “I grew up around the Cadillacs and have gone to car shows all my life. We’re trying to also get into muscle cars, but there’s something about a Classic Cadillac that has so much mystique.”
Chardonnay Knox said the family goes on short trips on the weekends oftentimes to attend other car shows. All of the family classic cars come from Southern California with the exception of the Limo that was purchased in San Francisco.
“We get a kick out of meet-and-greet car shows, she said. “We usually take one of our Caddies to a show that we visit.”
Chardonnay’s father added, “I have owned the 1949 for more than 30 years after finding it in Ontario, Calif. I found the 1941 Limo in a garage in San Francisco. Now that my daughter is older, she appreciates the value of the cars and how much time it takes to maintain them. Seeing Chardonnay driving one of these cars and getting compliments really makes my day.”
DR Rawson, president of the Cadillac and LaSalle Club, raved about the event.
“The crowd was the largest ever,” said Rawson. “The show included Cadillacs from nine decades. People came from as far away as Colorado, Arizona and California. In fact, Chardonnay has been an unofficial member, attending meetings and shows with her father since she was a little girl.”
“Several people present and the owners of the cars were the nicest people. It’s a very mellow show. We have people who are multi-millionaires and young people who are as young as 17.”
The family atmosphere was illustrated by the fact that the Clark County Fire Department attended the event and gave out more than 100 children’s fire hats.
“The Cadillac Club is very appreciative of the support of Findlay Cadillac General Manager John Saksa and the Findlay organization,” said Rawson. “We meet and coordinate activities in what becomes a highly-coordinated activity that requires a teamwork effort.”
Saksa was equally pleased with the latest Cadillac Through the Years.
“As usual, Cadillac Through the Years was a homerun,” said Saksa. “It was colorful, it was classy and it was an event that people will remember for years.”
Added photographer, author and lecturer Gary Freeman, I’m struck by the amount of energy, effort, and pure love that these owners have poured into their vehicles. I’m reminded of Cadillac’s century-long predominance in the industry and how the name was once synonymous with “The Best Ever.”
Further information regarding the Cadillac and LaSalle Club can be found by visiting www.lasvegasclc.com, or by calling 702-701-0378.