Hall C of the Washington Convention Center came alive this past Sunday with the roar of engines and the smell of oil as cars rolled in in preparation for the 2011 Washington Auto Show, which kicks off Friday. Tysons Corner resident Rex Turner oversaw both the moving in of this year’s featured Star Cars, and entrants from the National Capital Region Mustang Club.
| 2011 Washington Auto Show |
| The Washington Auto Show runs from Friday through Feb. 6, doubling from five to 10 days in length, at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. The event features more than 700 automobiles from more than 42 manufacturers. In addition to the lineup of cars, highlights this year include: |
| » The Advanced Technology SuperHighway, a showcasing of innovation. |
| » Star Cars, featuring replicas of vehicles made famous in popular movies and television programs. |
| » Celebrity appearances, including Snooki from “Jersey Shore,” Redskins players, WWE wrestlers, and cheerleaders. |
| » Children’s activities, including PBS characters, Captain Planet, Dora the Explorer and Max the Magician & Christine. |
| » Info: Noon to 10 p.m. on Fridays, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Sunday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. next Sunday, and noon to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Adult tickets are $12, with various discounts available. Visit washingtonautoshow.com <http://washingtonautoshow.com> for complete details and schedule of events. |
The new display Star Cars highlights a number of automobiles from popular television and movies. Most are replicas, and include examples of vehicles driven in “American Graffiti,” “Starsky and Hutch” and “Magnum, P.I.”
“I thought it would definitely be an interesting display, something lots of people can relate to,” said Turner, who originated the Star Cars idea and approached the auto show organizers with the concept.
One of the Star Cars that actually appeared on screen, and is not a replica, is Barricade from “Transformers.”
“I’m very excited,” said Prince William County’s Jim Ortte, Barricade’s owner. “I can’t wait for the kids to come here and see Bumblebee and Barricade sit side by side.”
Founded in 1979, The National Capital Region Mustang Club has displayed at the auto show the last five years. This year features a number of vehicles spanning all five generations of Ford’s most iconic model.
“We like showing off the Mustangs,” said club President Chris Caldwell, who has been with the club since 1999 and owns four Mustangs. “People don’t get a chance to see them other than going down the road. It excites a lot of people.”
“For the value, it’s the best thrill,” he added. “It makes me laugh every time I punch that accelerator down.”
Caldwell enjoys seeing what’s at the auto show, and giving his feedback.
“I’m looking to see what the new products are out,” he said. “What’s cool, what catches my eye, what’s going to hold up its value.”
Turner, who in addition to operating as the liaison between the National Capital Region Mustang Club and the national organization, also heads the Northern Virginia Car Club Council.
He owns three Mustangs, and five Fords in all.
“It’s iconic,” Turner said. “Mustangs are affordable for lots of people. Everybody knows somebody that’s had one. People love the styling. It’s an all-American car. It spans multiple generations.”
