MOSES LAKE — Now technically, the Moses Lake Classic Car doesn’t celebrate its 50th anniversary until 2024, but its members decided to start the party a little early. Club members brought out some of their cars Nov. 5 for a show and shine, part of an open house at Youth Dynamics in Moses Lake.

Club members also raised $1,111, which they donated to Youth Dynamics. 

President Dave Robins described the late fall show and shine as the “kickoff event” for the 50th anniversary. 

“We’re definitely planning for 2024,” he said.

Whatever those plans are, they will include club members showing off and talking about their cars, and doing projects for the community. Both of those are important to the club, Robins said.

“We strive to do fun activities,” he said. “Community support is our biggest endeavor.

“Plus enjoying our passion,” he added. 

This means it’s even better when community support involves showing off cool cars.

“Every car has a story, just like every person has a story,” Robin said. 

His 1954 Ford Crestline Victoria was his car when he met his wife Ann. They celebrated their 60th anniversary earlier this year.

“That was our honeymoon car,” Robins said.

Of course, the Crestline has had some work done to it — most cars in the club have had some work done. That too is part of the appeal.

“It’s got 47 different body modifications on it,” Robins said. “I like to say it’s how Henry Ford should have done it.”

The work didn’t stop with the body — there’s a mural painted on the inside of the hood, which Robins quoted.

“Never go faster than your angel can fly,” he said. 

While classic cars are in the name, the Moses Lake Classic Car Club is open to any kind of ride, Robins said.

“We take any truck, any motorcycle,” he said. 

Bicycles are welcome, so are any kind of cars, old or new, he said. Frequently they partner with other car clubs around town, including the Lakesiders and Diverse Society car clubs. Their members have different rides, but everybody likes showing off the car (or cars), looking at and admiring other cars, no matter the make or model. Robins said the Crestline has allowed him to meet people he might not have known otherwise.

While the Moses Lake Classic Car Club was founded in 1974, it has its roots in an older group, dating back to the days of Larson Air Force Base. The Pacers car club was made up of guys who lived around town, often in the military, who had and loved cars. 

The MLCCC got its start as the Horseless Carriage Club, Robins said, which was its name until 2001. It was a little more loosely organized; its members decided to become an official non-profit, and with that came a new name. 

The Sunday show and shine was part of the club’s effort to do things to support the community, he said. Members got a chance to see how Youth Dynamics works and what it does, along with raising a little money.

And that, Robins said, is the club’s goal.

“You just go and help out,” he said. “Our goal has been to be as helpful as we can.”

Cheryl Schweizer may be reached via email at [email protected].

    Cool cars from the Moses Lake Classic Car Club line the street outside Youth Dynamics Nov. 5.
 DAVE ROBINS/COURTESY PHOTO   

    Spectators look over some of the cars at the MLCCC show during September’s Sip ‘n Stroll in Moses Lake.
 File photo