September 10, 2011 – After countless days of 80 degree weather and sunny Southern California skies, dark clouds loomed and thunder rumbled in the distance as if the TBird club had special ordered it specifically for their 2011 Pageant of the Thunderbird show. Dark clouds and thunder are almost always accompanied by lightning and rain, which arrived just in time for all of those recently detailed TBirds to check in and take their places on the lawn. After two hours of checking in, the cars were lightly showered with beaded water drops, not to mention the camera equipment and the photographers as well, but the freak storm was passing and a little rain was not going to dampen the spirits of this fun-loving car club.
The day included a touching tribute to the victims of 9/11 on the 10th anniversary weekend of that fateful day, and an impressive collection of Thunderbirds from the mid ‘50s to the most recent production. The sun was out, the oldies were cranking, one hit tune after the next, and everyone was enjoying a day with friends, food and beautiful cars. Classic Rides was thrilled to be part of such a special event and grateful to have been invited to photograph such an exceptional collection of cars. We look forward to being there again next year…with rain gear packed, just in case.
