The Art Center Car Classic ’04 “Supercars Past and Present” attracted over 2,500 attendees and more than 50 media outlets on Sunday, July 18, 2004 as 100 plus vehicles were on display. Motor Trend wrote, “…the 4th Annual Classic proved as impressive a car show as you'll see – anywhere. The field was relatively small – perhaps 150 cars – and powerfully eclectic. The school's setting is superb, and supports the event's design-flavored feel. And the assembled crowd was part friends, part legends, and part heroes. There was something there for everyone, and while the groupings weren't large, they were mighty…The Art Center Car Classic has become a "Don't Miss" show. We can tell you that we certainly won't.” (web - August 2004)

A who’s who in the automotive world attended, including keynote speakers Dan Gurney of All-American Racers and Grant Larson of Porsche who were joined by for other prominent designers panel discussions to share the creative process behind their famous designs:

• Reeves Callaway – Founder, Callaway Companies
• Henrik Fisker* – Executive Director, California Advanced Product Creation Studio, Ford Motor Company; Design Director, Aston Martin
• David Marek* – Chief Designer and Senior Manager, Honda R&D Americas
• Frank Saucedo* – Director, General Motors Advanced Design Studio
• Freeman Thomas* – Head, Pacifica Advanced Product Design Center, DaimlerChrysler *Art Center alum

Exhibitors Bernard Carl, Chip Foose, Bruce Meyer, Donald Orosco, Wes Rydell talked about their vehicles on display as well Steve Moal and Paul Yang who shared the story behind their innovative motorcycle designs.

With the year’s theme of Supercars, included in the Showcase Corral were two rare 1962 Ferrari 250 GTOs exhibited by Bernard Carl and John and Heather Mozart. Many of Dan Gurney’s vehicles were on display, including his Eagle racecars and his new Alligator motorcycle. Hot Rods and Customs were also an important part of the show with owners Bob and Wes Rydell exhibiting their Chip Foose designed 1935 Chevy “Grandmaster,” winner of the prestigious Riddler Award. A PDF of the final exhibitor list can be viewed here.

The Mozarts (1937 Alfa Romeo 8C 2900 B Spyder) and William “Chip” Connor II (1938 Talbot-Lago T150C “Teardrop” and 1960 Porsche RS60 Spyder) each won two awards during the Awards Ceremony emceed by Barry Meguiar. In keeping with Art Center’s focus on design, awards at the Car Classic are judged purely on design and overall aesthetic appeal. Ten awards are given each year, the Chairman’s Award and first, second and third places for the Strother MacMinn Designers’ Choice Awards, Students’ Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards. Carey Lynn, a third-term Transportation Design student, designed the awards as part of a class studying speed forms under the instruction of faculty member Richard Pietruska. Be sure to view the complete exhibitor and award winner lists.

We gratefully acknowledge the significant support from our Title Sponsor Galpin Motors, American Specialty Cars (ASC) and Meguiar’s. These companies provided vital resources to help make the Car Classic '04 an unparalleled success.