#255 Pacific Coast Dream Machines celebrates 30 years

James Raia

After a three-year hiatus, the most varied collection of automobiles, planes, boats and exotic machinery and their equally varying owners will again gather for the daylong Pacific Coast Dream Machines.

Sometimes described as a showcase of motorized mechanical marvels, the event’s 30th edition will feature more than 2,000 antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic machines on display for public viewing.

If it has an engine, there’s a good chance at least one example will be showcased at the Half Moon Bay Airport on April 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Unique vehicles abound at Pacific Coast Dream Machines. All images © James Raia
Unique vehicles abound at Pacific Coast Dream Machines at the Half Moon Bay Airport. All images © James Raia/2019.

Event chairmen Chad Hooker and Bob Pelikan are our guests on this episode of The Weekly Driver Podcast to discuss the return of the show and provide details of this year’s features.

In 2020 and 2021, Pacific Coast Dream Machines was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. In late January 2022, event organizers reported the show would be canceled because a large portion of the airport grounds was scheduled to be farmed. The show now has a new three-year contract with San Mateo County officials.

With arguably the country’s least pretentious automotive-related show back on track, organizers have reconfigured the showcase’s layout, and changed public and participant entrances and exits and parking.

The help celebrate the show’s three days, a “Machines of Tomorrow” showcase will include concept and flying cars, robotics as well as autonomous and electric vehicles.

A one-of-a-kind machine ideally suited for a Mad Max movie at the Pacific Coast Dream Machines show in Half Moon Bay.
A one-of-a-kind machine ideally suited for a Mad Max movie present at the Pacific Coast Dream Machines show in Half Moon Bay.

The Mainstay offering will return, streamliners to model-T fire engines and mega-modified machines to any vehicle and its proud owner wishing to display it.

A collection of antiques boast is also new and will be joined by the show’s tradition of flyover by historic military aircraft and antique railway artifacts and machinery.

As a family-oriented gathering, monster truck rides, uni-motorcycle drag races, bungee jump, waterballerz, and climbing wall are will return with varied food vendors and live music.

Organizers stress attendees visit the website to familiarize themselves with the festival’s new layout, particularly the entrances for spectators and exhibitors.

The show is an annual benefit for the Coastside Adult Day Health Center.

Fact & Figures: The 30th edition of Pacific Coast Dream Machines, 9850 Cabrillo Highway North, Half Moon Bay, 94109. April 30, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tel. (415) 999-2428; Tickets: $25 advance ($30 at the gate) for adults (ages 18-64), $15 advance ($20 at the gate) for ages 11-17 and 65 and older; free for ages 10 and under.

Website: https://dreammachines.miramarevents.com

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The podcast is in its fifth year, and we’ve had a diverse collection of guests — famous athletes, vintage car collectors, manufacturer CEOs, automotive book authors, industry analysts, a movie stuntman and episodes from auto shows and car auctions.

Please send comments and suggestions for new episodes to James Raia via email: [email protected].
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Article Last Updated: March 6, 2023.

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