The Arc: 2nd Annual Fred Robinson
Classic Car Show to benefit agency

August 19, 2015
Santa Paula News

With his longtime devotion to an organization that serves the developmentally disabled and a vehicle he purchased for less than $300 45 years ago, Fred Robinson of Santa Paula is the perfect subject of the upcoming car show named in his honor.

The Arc of Ventura County’s 2nd Annual Fred Robinson Classic Car Show will be held Saturday, August 29, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Freedom Park, 480 Skyway Drive near the Camarillo Airport.

This fun-filled family event to promote and support The Arc’s mission will feature a variety of gourmet food and dessert trucks, kids’ play zone, raffle prizes, vendors, and beautiful classic cars eligible for awards in several categories. 

Four of Ventura County’s most popular bands—Big Tweed, Fish Fry, The Vonettes, and House Arrest—will play all day. General admission is free. Classic Car Show entry is $35.

Julie Duran, The Arc’s executive administrator-fund development and the coordinator of the second annual event, said last year the inaugural car show drew more than 75 cars and 1,000 visitors.

Robinson, the former mayor of Santa Paula who retired as The Arc’s executive director after decades of service in 2012, is the proud owner of the 1958 Ford Fairlane 500 convertible, a vehicle he paid less than $300 for and now worth an estimated $40,000.

“I’ve had it since about 1970,” said Robinson, who at the time was working at a state hospital in Pomona and attending graduate school.

“Sharon and I were newlyweds, had one car and knew we needed a second car,” and Robinson saw the Fairlane in a gas station with a for sale sign.

Cost? “$275…I said I’ll give you $225,” and the deal was struck.

Robinson started restoring the car a few years later and now “I have it where I want it…old cars like that are worth what someone would pay for it,” but the Fairlane is insured for $40,000.

“It’s pretty rare actually,” said Robinson who noted the 1957, 1958 and 1959 Fairlane convertibles had “A hard top, called rack tops, they didn’t make very many,” which adds to the value of the car.

The Fred Robinson Classic Car Show was the brainchild of The Arc board of directors and staff although Robinson “always mentioned when I worked there I would be happy,” to work on such an event.

Last year’s show was to celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Arc of Ventura County, which was founded in Santa Paula in 1954, and also to pay homage to Robinson, who for decades had led the agency that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout the county. 

“It was a nice honor,” said Robinson.

Although the car show was thought to be a one-time event when planned its success caused The Arc to decide to make it an annual celebration.

Robinson said the appeal of car shows especially those featuring earlier models is easy to see.

“Old cars are just fun, they don’t make cars that are distinct anymore,” when it was easy to spot a Chevrolet, Ford or Buick and the different models by body shape and design touches.

“They did more with less,” manufacturers in the days before competition from foreign models flooded America’s showrooms. 

Classic cars, said Robinson, are “A part of Americana, a way to hold on to a reminder of our childhood and the way things were in a quieter time…I’m really looking forward to the car show, it will be fun.”

There is still time to enter vehicles in the car show to benefit The Arc, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serving over 700 people throughout Ventura County. 

For more information, contact (805) 650-8611 or go online at www.arcvc.org.





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