MUCKEN THALER MOTOR CAR FESTIVAL

MICHAEL ECKERSON March 19, 2023 Events

Imagine.

Imagine that you have a very wealthy aunt and uncle. Imagine it’s 1934 and your rich aunt and uncle are having a huge party at their swanky estate on the hill overlooking Fullerton.

Imagine that you are invited.

That’s the feeling you get when you attend this one-of-a-kind automotive festival. It’s a two day event with polished automotive perfection strewn over the rolling hills and under a canopy of 100 year old eucalyptus trees. The Muckenthaler family estate is, by itself, a treat to explore. Add in the festival with food, live music, vendors, self-guided tours of the estate and hundreds and hundreds of beautiful classic cars over two weekend days in May and you have one amazing event. That’s the Annual Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival.

The festival splits the weekend with Hot Rods and Custom cars on Saturday, and a Concours d’ Elegance on Sunday. The committee recently included vintage trailers, which adds something even more enticing. Beautifully restored vintage trailers open for you to enter and have a close look at the style and craftsmanship of a bygone era. Most on display have an equally unique tow vehicle complimenting the display.

So, “your” wealthy aunt and uncle have generously opened their sprawling estate to party goers and encouraged lots of car friends to join in and park on the grounds to show-off their chromed best. They have thoughtfully made food available, lots of beverages (youth and adult), and they even thought of musical accompaniment to the event. Each of the two days a different group performs live on the huge stage alongside the Muckenthaler main house. Imagine if you had enough dough to have your own theatrical stage with seating for all your friends to enjoy the entertainment. Sweet.

But with all the merriment, I forgot to tell you that “your” rich aunt and uncle provide for more than just the car enthusiasts. They made the Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival a charitable event. “Your” aunt and uncle are cool. Proceeds from the event weekend benefit the Children’s Art Programs which are held on these same grounds. The show proceeds ensure children have opportunities to participate in fun and creative art programs. There is also a Summer Camp and Art Education programs. They have adult programs as well. By the way, these grounds are also available for weddings, private parties and they feature live theater, a jazz festival, movie nights and a lot more.

Next year will be the 25th anniversary of the Muckenthaler Motor Car Festival. Tom McDonnell, president of the MMCF, tells Drive that it’s going to be a special year with unique surprises to celebrate the Silver Anniversary. We’ll be sure to let you know more as soon as we hear the details.

We’d like to thank “your” rich aunt and uncle for an amazing event. They seemed to have thought of everything – including inviting you. See you there next year!