Guest Speakers

In keeping with the Car Classic tradition of showcasing influential and celebrated designers and automotive experts, we are pleased to present the following distinguished transportation design professionals:

Burt RutanBurt Rutan

Founder and Chairman Emeritus,
Scaled Composites, LLC

Described by Newsweek as “the man responsible for more innovations in modern aviation than any living engineer,” Burt Rutan is a bold entrepreneur and designer with a vision and passion for the advancement of technology. In 2004, Rutan made international headlines as the designer of SpaceShipOne, the world’s first privately-built manned spacecraft to reach space, and the winner of the $10 million X PRIZE, the competition created to spur the development of affordable space tourism. Rutan designed the legendary Voyager, the first aircraft to circle the world non-stop, without refueling. He also developed the Ultralite, an all-composite 100mpg show car for GM, and the Proteus “affordable U-2” aircraft. His latest projects include the Virgin GlobalFlyer, which not only broke the Voyager’s record time, but also made history as the first non-stop, solo flight around the world.

Dave KunzDave Kunz (Emcee)

Automotive Reporter, KABC-TV Channel 7 Los Angeles

Covering the automotive beat for ABC television’s L.A. region, as well as for affiliates in the ABC network, Kunz brings viewers the latest news on everything from practical family sedans to exotic sports cars that only a privileged few will ever drive. Kunz is also regularly involved as an emcee at annual automotive events, including the Palos Verdes Concours d’Elegance, Newport Concours d’Elegance, and Art Center College of Design’s annual Car Classic, where he joins us again this year.

Barry J. MeguiarBarry J. Meguiar (Emcee)

President/CEO, Meguiar’s, Inc.

Barry Meguiar was born and raised in Pasadena and is president and ceo of Meguiar’s, Inc. His “Car Crazy” gene became apparent  while he was a high schooler, cruising the streets of Pasadena in his ’57 Chevy and hanging out at Blair’s Speed Shop. Back in the early 1930s, when Pasadena became a bedroom community for Hollywood, and coachbuilding became part of the city’s DNA, Meguiar’s grandfather was methodically crafting formulations for flawless automotive paint finishes. Thus the legacies of Pasadena and the Meguiar family became forever entwined. Today, Meguiar is best known as the host of Car Crazy TV on SPEED Channel, and for his Car Crazy radio program that airs in 130 markets nationwide. For the sixth year, Meguiar is serving as the emcee of our awards program.

Michael SongMichael Song

Lead Designer, Polaris Industries

As the lead designer for Polaris’ Victory Motorcycle division since 2000, Michael Song (tran ’93) designed all the bikes in Victory’s Cruiser line, including the Vegas, Kingpin, Jackpot and Hammer. Vision, another touring cruiser that impressed the motorcycle world, was under his management and came to fruition in 2002. He also designed the stripped-down Victory Core concept bike, whose frame components were made using an innovative sand-casting process. The Core recently won Metal Casting Design & Purchasing magazine’s ‘Casting of the Year” award. Previously, Song worked for Kia Motors in their Advanced Concept Studio in Southern California and for GK Design International, where he designed motorcycles, snowmobiles and watercraft for Yamaha.