The 18th annual Mopar Alley Rally was once again a complete success. With competition in 37 different classes and nearly 200 trophies, it's the largest one-day, Mopar-only show in California. In spite of $4-per-gallon gas prices, we had nearly 350 cars of every type and description. With newly added categories for modern Mopars and 4x4s, this year there was something for every Mopar fan.
There was a huge diversity in age of the car owners, from high schoolers to one lovely woman of a certain age who was exceptionally proud of her late '50s vintage beautiful Teal Green Imperial. I think she is the original owner.
Mopar Alley was officially organized in January 1991 by a group of dedicated Mopar enthusiasts. our club motto states "...to the preservation of all Chrysler products." Current membership is over 220, with members scattered all over the globe from Australia to Canada to Finland. Our members' cars have been featured in national advertising campaigns and in major motion pictures--one of our members owns the '58 Plymouth that was Christine. Another member owns the last-ever Hemi 'Cuda convertible. However, we don't limit our cars to just the classic musclecars or exceptional show ponies; our club members own at least one of almost everything that ever rolled down an assembly line from Ma Mopar, from Airflows to Vipers. Our membership is also very diverse, from Average Joes to a professional drag racer, with a good percentage of our cars owned and shown by women. The only requirement for membership in our club is an appreciation for Mopars; current ownership of one is not necessary.
Proceeds from our show enable us to sponsor the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, for the care and healing of childhood burn victims, as well as the Santa Clara County Food Bank.
The Officers of Mopar Alley would like to thank every one who participated in or volunteered for our show this year. We couldn't do it without your help.
Find out more about Mopar Alley, their members, and upcoming events at their web site: www.moparalley.org.
Dan Upchurch is the editor of Mopar Alley Bee