How about a car show for Father’s Day?
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He taught us how to stand up for ourselves, throw a ball and drive our first car, so finding the right Father’s Day gift is certainly worthy of our consideration. Earlier this week in Up to Speed, Steve C. Smith told us about six alternative gift ideas for dads that will wow where the necktie cannot, including the Spotter GPS Navigator, which uses the voice of Dale Earnhardt Jr. to help navigate you to your destination.
But we’d like to argue that the best Father’s Day present can’t be bought – spending time with good old dad seems to be the best gift you can give.
Here are eight fun car shows -- all within ‘road trip’ driving distance -- where you and dad (or anyone else who loves cars) can spend some quality time this Father’s Day weekend:
-- Annual Classic at Pismo Beach: One of the largest annual car and street rod shows on the West Coast, this show features more than 1,000 classic cars and street rods all weekend, from June 19-21. A portion of food and drink purchases at the Hot Rod Bar & Grill beach tent goes to benefit charity. Fri.-Sun. www.thepismobeachclassic.com
On Father’s Day, more than 100 exotic cars will be on display on the 300 and 400 blocks of Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, with a spotlight this year on classic alternative energy vehicles, including steam, electric and hybrid models. 300 and 400 blocks of Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills. Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., http://rodeodrive-bh.com.
-- Rock n’ Roll Mopar Show, Torrance: This is the fifth year of the Rock n’ Roll Mopar event, which features antique, muscle, race, LX, pick-up and under-construction rear-wheel-drive Mopars. Attendees can take a tour of the Rock-Ola Jukebox Factory and enter to win a 45-rpm Rock-Ola jukebox; a portion of the proceeds benefit the Children’s Learning Center. 2335 208th St., Torrance. Saturday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., www.southbaymopars.com.
-- LA Roadster Show, Pomona: See some cars and meet the Fonz! The 45th annual exhibition, trade show and swap meet offers something for everyone, including a special 1933-34 Ford display (honoring the 75th anniversary of the Model 40 Ford), the first-ever front-engine dragsters’ Cacklefest on Saturday, and a meet and greet with Henry Winkler, the Fonz from “Happy Days.” L.A. Fairplex, Pomona. Saturday and Sunday, http://laroadsters.com.
-- Father’s Day Car Show, Oxnard: The Milestone Car Society hosts this annual car show, which welcomes every year, make and model. Look for pre-war antiques, street rods, Corvettes, foreign sports and ’46-’72 post-war stock, among many others. Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. Sunday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m., http://milestonecarsociety.com.
-- Mustangs in the Park, Van Nuys: This Ford-powered show, hosted by the Mustang Owners Club of California, features old Mustangs and Fords along with raffles, trophies, drawings and vendors, plus a horseshoe contest to raise money for cancer prevention. Woodley Park, Van Nuys. Sunday, www.mustangownersofca.org.
-- Teen Challenge Benefit Ride, Ventura: Bikers for Christ hosts its sixth year of this event with a benefit ride, food, live music, raffle, poker challenges and silent auction to benefit the substance abuse recovery program Tri-County Teen Challenge. 6790 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura. Sign-up 8 a.m., ride begins 9:30 a.m. www.bfcvc.org.
-- Father’s Day Car Show, Murrieta: Hosted by the city of Murrieta, this car show boasts hundreds of classic and specialty cars, music, food and a pancake breakfast. Admission is free for spectators. California Oaks Sports Park, Murrieta. Sunday: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., http://murrieta.org.
-- Kelsey Ramos