The folks who put on the California International Auto Show earlier this month in Anaheim already are planning for next year.
The Auto Show Underground, a separate show of custom cars with a club vibe, is set to return next year after debuting under the main show floor at the Anaheim Convention Center. The Underground was for the hipper crowd,those who know “dub” is slang for 20-inch or larger rims and is the name of an auto enthusiast magazine.
Owners from Southern California car clubs showed off their chromed up and tricked out rides at the Underground. Some had Gucci interiors, big chrome wheels, booming sound systems, shiny Strut grilles and wild murals.
“It was a big hit with the consumers,” said John Sackrison, executive director of the Costa Mesa-based Orange County Auto Dealers Association, which puts on the show along with the Southland Motor Car Dealers Association, based in Long Beach.
The goal of the show: to get people excited about cars and into showrooms. Much of that effort played out on the main floor. But dealers also got in on the underground action along with some of the custom car shops found across OC.
Photos and text by Sherri Cruz
