Mopar® All-American Car Show 2025!
– FREE CAR SHOW SET WITH BACKDROP OF SCENIC SAN DIEGO BAY
– HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ANNUAL EVENT ON THE CALIFORNIA CAR CALENDAR
– A TRUE MOPAR® AFICIONADO’S PARADISE
Location, location and location! Capitalize on the fabulous location, that’s what the movers and shakers of the The Mopar Club of San Diego did when deciding where to stage their annual All-American Car Show! The beautiful Embarcadero Marina Park North is a scenic top tourist spot to view the busy cruise ship hub, with cargo ships, yachts, sail boats, jet skis, people kayaking and generally a fantastic place to absorb and enjoy the California Sunshine. Good job to all the 120-plus members of the club for making it all happen!
This group of Mopar vehicle owners and enthusiasts have decades of experiences, all revolving around Mopar vehicles. This annual All-American event has become a San Diego area favorite for car show participants and spectators alike.
Attending this signature event provides for a fantastic opportunity to absorb the California coastline all while viewing some awesome vehicles and supporting the San Diego military community. This year’s beneficiaries included Fleet Week San Diego and STEP (Support the Enlisted Project). The generous help and support of donors, sponsors and vehicle participants makes this a successful car gathering each year. Walking the 9.5-acre venue is a fabulous way to see and appreciate the passion for classic and collectable cars with the general public. Sweeping views of the Coronado Island and Downtown San Diego and there’s always an ample supply of Mopar vehicles galore!
The club member cars were scattered all over. Many were positioned on a hill that has now become known as “Mopar Island”. In all, nearly 250 vehicles from all eras were in attendance.
Impressive teamwork came from the car club members to make everything happen, and it all started well before the sun came up. In addition to the great group of long-time Mopar vehicle owners, there were young volunteers that jumped in with participation. It’s never too early to get the “car bug” and pitch in to help and also to feel a part of the car world scene.
After the event concluded, the members of The Mopar Club of San Diego staged their vehicles on the gently rolling mound turf area of the venue, which made for the perfect backdrop, it being the San Diego skyline and Pacific Ocean!
POWER WAGONS FEATURED
Rolling on a 114-inch wheelbase, a ’60s Step Side Dodge Power Wagon, lifted 3/4-ton chassis, 8-lug rolling stock and classic look all the way!
Believed to be a 1-of-3 survivor today, this 1960 Dodge Power Wagon W200 4×4 is a long wheelbase Utiline and is authentic down to every detail! Included in the special equipment as mandated by the NAVY: upgraded to 1-ton suspension, extended front bumper, front winch and with all the correct government markings.
CLASSIC C-BODY EXAMPLES
In the “not often seen” category is this 1965 Dodge Monaco, a full-size Dodge that was premium priced and positioned to compete with the Pontiac Grand Prix. Offered only as a 2-door hardtop model, they incorporated rattan-backed bucket seats with a full-length center console. 121-inch wheelbase platform and 4-barrel 383 engine standard equipment.
1965 Chrysler luxury with performance came with the Chrysler Letter Car (300-L) which was factory-fitted with the 413 Raised Block engine that delivered 360 horsepower, plus featured heavy-duty brakes and suspension. 300-L models are considered the last of the “real” 300 Letter Cars. The convertible version had a shipping weight of 4,170 pounds and records indicate a total of 440 were built. This particular one is now upgraded with a 2×4 intake from a previous model year Letter Car.
SIXTIES CHARGERS
The re-design of the 1968 Dodge Charger body revolved around all-new lines and what is known as the “Coke bottle” styling. Because of the iconic design and distinct appearance, they are highly sought after and cherished by Mopar enthusiasts today. All were well-represented at the event, including the nearly identical ’69 models.
Here’s a pair of 1969 Chargers. The R/T models came factory stock with the 440-cube Magnum wedge engine (as shown here), and only one engine option: the mighty HEMI®!
Yes, a survivor HEMI Charger with the classic slot aluminum wheels. This one is a “stripe delete” version and featured cast aluminum ”R/T” emblems on the rear-most section of the quarter panels. “HEMI” emblems on the doors were fair warning to any and all stoplight rivals.
A-BODY BARRACUDAS
A nice selection of second-generation Barracudas were in attendance, and we’ve highlighted three of them here. For the 1967 model year, the completely new Barracuda line were no longer associated with the Valiant body shape. For the all-new redesign, Chrysler stylists gave the car a certain Italian sports car flavor by incorporating crisp, flowing lines. A fun trivia fact on all 1967-69 Barracudas: there’s only one bumper used on them, the same part for both front and rear.
1967 X 2
Club members’ 1967 models, including the BH27 Convertible and the BH29 Fastback, both in gorgeous condition!
1968 340
A 340-cid version of the 1968 model year, restored in all its glory and treated to a refinish of Purple body color, an extra-cost “high impact” hue that was first offered on the 1970 Mopar vehicles. Personalizing is one of the choices that can happen when going through a revitalization of a classic Mopar car.
A look inside shows the A/C, updated steering wheel, wood-grain treatment on the dash / center console and doors, a nice touch for certain. Peace out!
E-BODIES IN THE MIX
Dodge’s entry into the Pony Car market came late in 1969 with the release of the 1970 line of Challengers. Parked next to a Yellow Jacket modern Challenger, a sano 1970 Challenger Convertible with the optional E55 340-cid 4-bbl powerplant. Required with that powerplant were the 15 x 7 Rallye wheels and W35 collapsible spare tire. This Challenger V8 example has optional bumper guards and V21 black-out treatment. Period aftermarket wheels, Keystone Klassics, were added which deliver a nostalgic touch that relates to what typical Challenger owners were doing in the 1970s.
Originally a 340 ’Cuda, now upgraded with 440+6 big block with 1350-cfm of three Holley two-barrel carburetors and topped off with the Shaker scoop. It also showcases a front lip spoiler and AAR rear spoiler as styling additions. A very cool 1970 ’Cuda that has been enhanced while still retaining that desired Mopar muscle car look.
Resto-modded 1971 ’Cuda, Gen III HEMI conversion, Shaker scoop and unique full-length Hockey Stick side stripes. Modernized muscle!
SELECTION OF ROAD RUNNERS
An all-out rotisserie restoration went into this 1968 Road Runner Coupe! 383 / 4-speed with Sure-Grip 3.23:1 gearing, Magnum 500 wheels wrapped with F70 Red Stripes, tach, AM radio, black vinyl top and “JJ1” Ember Gold paint. Close your eyes and open, this car looks like the day it was built.
A well-done ’69 Road Runner Coupe upgraded to 440 6BBL engine, Hurst Pistol Grip shifter and era-correct “mag” wheels wrapped with Redlines! It’s a classic Mopar muscle machine slightly enhanced with a look that stands out now, but would’ve been typical back in the day.
Side window sticker added so no one mistakes their pride in being a Mopar Club of San Diego member!
A 1971 Road Runner, fitted with 440 engine and updated with V21 hood / fender stripes and featuring the plastic chin spoilers, option code J78. Curious Yellow and black half vinyl top. Not often seen!
SUPER BEE
The Dodge Coronet Super Bee was the division’s answer to the Plymouth Road Runner, and this particular 1969 “tribute” hardtop model has been modified to include a six-barrel 440 engine and A12 lift-off fiberglass scooped hood.
SUPERBIRDS TOO
A pair of real Superbirds joined in the day of sunshine!
OLD-SCHOOL DODGE CONVERTIBLE
The 1965 Dodge Coronet convertible model came as a “440” model and the Coronet 500 uplevel version, with the 440 description not having to do with a 440 engine (those weren’t available until the 1966 model year run).
A well-presented Mopar small block provides the power, and the detailing of the engine and underhood area in general is most impressive!!
The interior has some deviations from stock and with a certain “street custom” flavor. Check out that flush dashboard with full arrangement of round speedometer, tachometer and gauges!
OLD-OLD-OLD-SCHOOL CHRYSLER CONVERTIBLE
1949 Chrysler Windsor convertible, an amazing rolling time machine that has been family-owned since new! This was the first all-new Chrysler after World War II and power came from an inline six-cylinder engine, with 250.6 cubic inches, the very same engine as used since 1942. Records show that 3,234 of these Windsor drop-tops were produced and it’s anybody’s guess how many survive today. Costing $2,761, and with a shipping weight was 3,845 pounds. They were the entry-level convertible in the lineup (with the New Yorker Series next, then the top-of-the-line Chrysler Town & Country convertible). Seeing one in such absolutely original condition is a true testament to the care the various members of the family have given this classic beauty!
Reportedly only re-sprayed once with the original color, the car is remarkably still in fantastic condition!
A new safety feature for 1949 was the padded dash; and the 18-inch-diameter steering wheel was the way it was before the invention of power steering.
Originally sold in New Jersey, the Bateman Motor Company dealership license plate frame survived all the years, as did the car’s original license plate.
CREATIVE TROPHIES
The cleverly designed S&S show trophies for the 26th edition of the All-American Car Show were rather unique. They were awarded to the various category winners, providing a fun keepsake from the event.
RAFFLE ITEMS
A large gazebo with a vast assortment of raffle prizes included many Mopar-related items. Raffle ticket purchasing was brisk with the crowd watching and enjoying the process. A fun time was had by all.
A spectacular Mopar-oriented quilt was the crown jewel of the raffle! It’s a one-of-a-kind design by talented Fran VanderSchaaf. Wild!
The Mopar Club of San Diego was founded back in 1993 by a group of dedicated enthusiasts who uniformly believe in the preservation, restoration and modification of Mopar vehicles of all kinds. And this fun group is also out to have as much fun and enjoyment as humanly possible with these cherished vehicles.
For info on the 2026 running of this event, check out: www.moparclubsandiego.net
Author: James Maxwell
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