Without the competition on his mind, which deals in classes such as “Rust Belt American Junk” and “Unmitigated Gaul,” Simons came for the simple pleasure of seeing “old stuff that looks old.” Though consistently a proud Concours participant himself, Simons opted to just peruse the unsightly selection this year when his go-to submission – a 40-year-old Turbo Volvo – cracked its engine block. The irresistibly uncouth display attracted hundreds, from unassuming pedestrians pausing to figure out what was going on to longtime visitors like Simons getting their much-anticipated lemon fix. “That’s my aesthetic – distressed,” said Simons, nodding his wide-brimmed cap to an oxidized Pontiac Firebird down the exhibition lawn.Ĭalling attention to the antithesis of what most Monterey Classic Car Week events hold in esteem, Saturday’s auto show included more than 50 entrants, each wrought with defects, quirks or character compelling enough to warrant a place on the grass outside Seaside City Hall. ![]() To Arthur Simons, and other Concours d’Lemons attendees Saturday morning, these are the shoddy, eye-watering and junkyard-worthy qualities that comprise a real prize-winning vehicle. And the sweet stench of old, unburnt gasoline rotting a car’s interior. A dried-out, rear seat upholstery where orange powder slowly replaces foam rubber. Tom kept a script from the show and an an 8 X 10 collage of photo shots from the show signed by James Garner in the trunk of the Firebird because Tommy loves to talk about them and about the Firebird at car shows.īut it was clear to Tom where the 8 x 10 really belonged: on the wall of the cafe behind the check in counter for all to see.SEASIDE – Vinyl convertible tops peeling away, with rust bubbles peppering the well-traveled hood instead. ![]() In fact, he related that Gigi Garner (James Garner's daughter) expressed to him the very same dismay when she visited the restaurant. It was incredible to Tom that perhaps the most popular show ever shot at Paradise Cove did was not represented in the collection of pictures. "We had a replica business card from the show behind the desk where customers check in, but someone stole it". So Tom asked the manager where the Rockford Files pictures were. "We don't have any" he said. Surprising, they couldn't find a single photo from The Rockford Files. When he and his fiancée Ginger walked into the Paradise Cove cafe Bob Morris' Paradise Cove Beach Cafe, they saw 100's of pictures from various movies and TV shows shot at Paradise Cove over the decades. But Tom related that as much fun as all that was, the most gratifying part of that day was yet to come. When he got to Paradise Cove - where the famous trailer was parked - appreciative fans snapped photos if the car. He shared that as soon as he got onto PCH in Santa Monica, there were honks and waves in recognition if the car. Of course the Firebird got quite a reaction to the people there. This past weekend, Tom took his Firebird down to Paradise Cove and took these wonderful pictures. It did come with a rear spoiler and a "snorkel" hood, which were both removed, just as done on the show.Ī few months ago Tom and his son just finished the project, and began traveling to different filming sites from the show. Just like the Firebirds used on the show, it has it's original 400 cubic inch engine, automatic transmission, deluxe interior, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, rally guage package and manual windows. Tom's car is a 1975 Pontiac Firebird Formula 400. At that time he and Tommy were just about to start working on their own Rockford File replica Firebird. ![]() I had the pleasure to meet Tom Martin and his 10 year old son Tommy at last years Rockford Files Cast and Crew Reunion Party. Tom Martin's 1975 Rockford Files Firebird Replica
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