BACK IN THE DAY
Carson's classic car dealership

Story and pictures by Roy Nakano Once a month, we get together to chew the fat at Back Home in Lahaina—that’s the name of a Hawaiian restaurant in Carson, California. This month, the story talk turned to car shows, when someone mentioned that there’s a dealership around the corner that displays and sells nothing but classic cars from the 1950s, 60s and beyond. The next thing I know, we’re over at the dealership, which flanks Avalon Boulevard, just south of the 405 freeway. There’s a showroom, but instead of a roomful of new vehicles, there’s a baby blue 1956 Bel-Air and a white 1955 Ford pick-up with flames, slammed to the ground. Outside, it's a silver 1965 Riviera and a red 1967 Camaro SS flanking the right. On the left is a red convertible GTO. It’s called Back in the Day Classics (what is about Carson enterprises starting with the word “back”?), and it’s like no other car dealership we’ve seen.

BITDC’s Tony Martinez says the dealership takes in trades, offers financing and will takes consignments, as well as sell cars. In addition, they have rooms full of memorabilia, which they rent out or loan out to car clubs looking for an appropriate venue. In addition, every third Sunday of the month, Back in the Day holds a “Coffee and Donuts Cruise-in”, 7-10 am (weather permitting). Get there early if you’re picky your donuts.

Every now and then, Back in the Day Classics puts on a show of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars, customs and sports cars. The next one will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2013. The setup will be 8-10 a.m., with the public show at 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. If you want to pre-register, contact Tony at 818-201-6573.

BACK IN THE DAY CLASSICS 21126 South Avalon Boulevard Carson, California 90745 Telephone: 310-684-4900 For Back in the Day Classic's Facebook page, click here You can also check out LA Car’s “Back in the Day Classics” photo gallery on Facebook here.