Robert Blechl
MEDIA DISTRICT WEST -- Johnny Carson Park was a hot rod mecca Sunday,
packed with vintage metal and mega horsepower.
The fifth annual car show and picnic, sponsored by the Road Kings of
Burbank, drew 400 classic vehicle owners and about 5,000 admirers,
officials said. The display included machines from almost every decade of
the 20th century.
The event is one of two yearly car shows sponsored by the Kings, with
proceeds benefiting the Burbank and Burroughs high school auto shop
programs. Entertainment was provided by the John Burroughs High School
Jazz Band.
"A fun day in the park is what it is," said Don Baldaseroni, Road
Kings member and event chairman. "We wanted to keep something in Burbank
since we are a Burbank-based club."
Baldaseroni said the group's previous show raised about $5,000 and he
expected Sunday's event to bring in a little less when the tallying is
complete.
The Road Kings has 110 active members. However, Baldaseroni said
Sunday's event was not limited to club members, but was open to hot
rodders from all over.
Nelson and Edward Meeker, a father and son from Eagle Rock, took
advantage of the King's invitation to show off their stock 1970 Ford Gran
Torino. Nelson said 100 man-hours were put into the fabrication of the
Torino's grill, since it could not be supplied by the Ford dealer.
"Ninety percent of it is a labor of love and a pit to put money into,"
Nelson said with a grin, referring to their hot rod obsession.
Burbank resident John Gerro appreciated the rodders' hard work. He
came to the show with his wife, Marsha, and son, George.
"We frequent these events because they're a real asset to the
community, a good family activity," Gerro said, admiring a 1965 cherry
red Corvette. "The best thing about these car shows is that they bring
back memories."
The Road Kings initially started as a drag racing club in 1952.
Although it disbanded for a while, the organization regrouped and
eventually transformed itself into a club of hot rod enthusiasts.
Bob Muravez joined the Kings in 1957. He went on to become the fastest
top gas dragster racer in the early 1970s and set numerous records. After
four decades, he's still a fixture at Road King events.
"Once you have oil running through your veins and under your
fingernails, it kind of sticks," Muravez said.
