by Tim Beeman

1957 Custom Chevy. Photo courtesy of Tim Beeman.

For a remarkable and singular experience, there’s nothing than matches the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show, Half Moon Bay’s massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style. It’s a whimsical, fascinating, amusing, curious and absolutely unique show-and-tell spectacle featuring 2,000 magnificent driving, flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. The world’s coolest cars of every era and style, Model T fire engines, vintage busses, custom motorcycles, tricked-out trucks, sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors and historic military aircraft will be among the mesmerizing displays. The spectacular 20th annual show takes place on Sunday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Half Moon Bay Airport. The show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center.

Headline attractions include

• Adrenaline-pumping, high-flying freestyle motocross demos.

• Military aviation wonders like “Heavenly Body,” a historic B-25 bomber from World War II; P-51 Mustangs, America’s premier World War II fighters; Russian Yak fighters; and an impressive array of other military fighters and trainers.

• The world’s coolest cars representing every style and era.

• The world’s only M551 Sheridan Tank from Operation Desert Storm.

• A special “Green Machines” display of advanced technology and alternative fuel vehicles.

• Mad scientist Jack Schroll’s “El Diablo,” a spectacularly menacing jet-powered flame effects device designed for the Burning Man Festival.

• The Blastolene Brothers extreme, mega-modified machines.

• Ace aerobatics pilot Eddie Andreini doing flyovers in his Stearman biplane and his Russian fighter.

• The Kiss Tribute Harley, paying homage to one of the icons of rock ’n’ roll.

• “World Record Wonderland” featuring several current world land-speed record-holders including the lightning fast, super-sleek “Ack Attack” and “BuddFab” motorcycle streamliners.

• Live music with Shana Morrison & The Claddagh Band, the Andy Santana Band and special guest Terry Hanck.

Cars

Proud owners show up in cars that come in all shapes, colors and sizes. Spectators will get a rare up-close look at antique horseless carriages and Ford Model T’s, fanciful touring and luxury cars, powerful sports cars, custom cars and street rods, muscle cars, vintage and modern-era high-performance race cars, quirky art and pedal cars, modified street machines with cutting-edge styles, exotic high-performance cars, stylish European cars, ultra cool low-riders, sporty compacts, modified imports with flashy graphics, fashionable hip-hop urban show cars, homebuilt kit cars, super-charged turbo cars and trucks, “green” technology and alternative fuel vehicles, streamliners, dragsters, funny cars, gassers and jet cars.

Aircraft

Hundreds of aviation wonders are expected to be on display: stylish homebuilts, classics from the 40s and 50s, exceptional vintage warbirds, and sport and ultralight aircraft. Many will be doing spine-tingling flyovers during the show. Thrilling rides will be offered in everything from helicopters and vintage biplanes to a T-6 military trainer. Rides range from $40-$300.

Engines

The most curious and fascinating displays are the large and small engines collected and refurbished by members of the Early Days Gas Engine & Tractor Association. Their amazing array of flywheel engines is enough to power antique washing machines, lawn mowers and an entire a Lilliputian factory. On the larger side are several pieces from Roots of Motive Power’s collection of restored logging equipment like spool donkeys and Buffalo Springfield steamrollers.

Other Attractions

Rounding out the activities will be radical unicycle dirt drag racing, amusements for kids, food and live music. Spectator admission is $20 for adults, $10 for ages 11-17 and 65+, and free for kids age 10 and under. Tickets are available at the gate only. Half Moon Bay Airport is located on Highway 1, about 20 miles south of San Francisco and 5 miles north of Highway 92. For information, call 650-726-2328.

Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show Schedule of Events

10 a.m. — Show opens

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Shana Morrison & The Claddagh Band on Music Stage

11 a.m. — Freestyle motocross demo

11:30 a.m. — Unicycle dirt drag racing

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. — The Andy Santana Band and special guest Terry Hanck on Music Stage

1 p.m. — Freestyle motocross demo

1:30 p.m. — Unicycle dirt drag racing

3 p.m. — Freestyle motocross demo

3:30 p.m. — Unicycle dirt drag racing

4 p.m. — Show closes