SANTA MONICA, Calif. — September 13, 2025 — More than 200 gleaming classics, from pre-war cruisers to chrome-laden lowriders, lined the historic wooden planks of the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday for the 5th Annual Santa Monica Classic Car Show. Hosted by the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), the free, family-friendly event transformed the pier into a rolling museum of automotive history and Westside culture.
The all-day showcase invited solo drivers and car clubs to display meticulously restored Chevrolets, Buicks, Fords, Cadillacs, Corvettes, and more—some dating back to the 1930s. Spectators strolled past candy-paint finishes, wire-rim wheels, and hydraulics demonstrations while the Pacific Ocean provided a dramatic backdrop. Organizers said the gathering drew thousands of visitors, echoing last year’s turnout of more than 3,000.
Beyond the polished chrome, the event carried a deeper mission. All proceeds support youth services and after-school programs for underserved families in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. The show benefits the Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC), a Santa Monica–based non-profit dedicated to empowering at-risk youth ages 16–24. Serving hundreds of young people each year, PYFC provides case management, counseling, tutoring, job readiness training, leadership development, and creative outlets such as music, art, and computer training. Through these proven services and the dedication of a caring staff, the organization brings hope and opportunity to the lives of Santa Monica’s less fortunate youth while working to prevent violence and create lasting community connections.
“At a time when low-income residents, especially Latino and African American communities, are being displaced, unity and visibility are needed more than ever,” said Santa Monica City Councilman Oscar de la Torre. “This car show celebrates cultural diversity and keeps Westside lowrider traditions alive.”
The show continues until 4 p.m., with on-site registration available for late-arriving exhibitors. For details, visit picoyouth.org or email carshow@picoyouth.org.
Santa Monica Closeup will continue to document the day’s sights and sounds as the Pier celebrates the enduring artistry of lowrider culture and classic automotive design.
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