By Jessie Recendez, Jan. 28, 2025
The Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show that showcases thousands of cars over 15 miles and more than 2,000 parking spaces at the Pomona Fairplex is celebrating its 50th year.
Originating in 1975, the event is now considered the largest automotive swap meet and classic car show on the West Coast. It takes place seven times a year and has displayed hundreds of thousands of cars throughout its history.
“I’ve been attending the Pomona Swap Meet since I was 14 years old with my dad,” said Heidy Garcia, a Pomona resident who attended the Jan. 17 swap meet and car show. “Now, I go once a year with my own family just to look at the cars. It’s a tradition that brings us together and fuels our passion for classic automobiles.”
Appearing across six specialized car corrals, classic models range from antique cars dating back to the 1900s and 1920s; hot rods from the 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s; and Volkswagen buses prominent from the ‘60s and ‘70s. Newer models include a variety of sports cars like Camaros, Challengers, Corvettes, Porsches and Mustangs.
Richard Muñoz showcased his 1959 Chevy Bel Air at the Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show with his cousin. Muñoz said he loves the event, as it brings back fond memories from his childhood.
“We’ve been playing with cars since the 1960s,” Muñoz said. “Our dad introduced us to driving classic cars, and we love keeping the tradition going in the family.”
Of the thousands of original and restored classic vehicles, some are for sale, and some are just for show. For those looking to build or restore their own vehicles, there are also vendors selling hard-to-find car parts and accessories at swap meet prices.
Danny Morelos, an attendee at the car show who owns a 1939 Chevy Master Deluxe, advised eventgoers looking to purchase a vehicle opt for cars that are already restored or at least close to being restored.
“Buy cars already built or ones that don’t need a lot of remodeling, because it saves a lot of time and money,” Morales said.
But for most, including Cal Poly Pomona students, the Pomona Swap Meet and Car Show provides an opportunity just to do something fun and different.
“I enjoy spending my days taking pictures at events like the Pomona Swap Meet,” said Moises Alvarez Sevilla, a graduate student and photographer. “It relaxes me and allows me to capture the beauty of classic cars.”
The Pomona Swap Meet and Classic Car Show will take place six more times this year: March 2, April 13, June 22, Aug. 10, Oct. 12 and Dec. 7. It runs from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $15 (cash only), and parking is $18 (debit or credit card only).
Those looking to show off their own vehicles can reserve a spot in the car corral for $30, but newer model cars and trucks cost $100, unless it’s a Camaro, Challenger, Corvette, Porsche or Mustang.
Feature image courtesy of Jessie Recendez
