Local collectors of vintage Buicks begin preparations for Fallbrook's 49th annual Vintage Car Show on May 25

FALLBROOK – Wayne and Ann Yonce, otherwise known as “Mr. & Mrs. Buick” to vintage car aficionados, are the second oldest active members of the Fallbrook Vintage Car Club, having joined it in 1980. They first learned of Fallbrook when, in 1976, their newly-restored 1938 Buick Special convertible won its national first place award at the only AACA National meet ever to be held in this town.

Impressed with the area, they purchased a four-acre parcel of raw, brush land on Red Mountain. Three years later, they built their hillside home over a five-car garage and planted an avocado grove on the remaining acreage.

Wayne and Ann recognize that they’re getting on in years so for this year’s show they have begun preparations early. By getting one of their four Buick’s ready each month, they figure they’ll be able to enter their entire collection in this year’s Fallbrook Vintage Car Show to be held May 25 at Potter Jr. High School.

The car restorations have all been done by Wayne (including the paint jobs inside his garage) with consulting, guidance, and a little elbow grease provided by Ann at times. Today, they own a 1938 Buick Special convertible, a 1962 Buick Wildcat, a 1979 Buick Riviera-S Type, and a big, long yellow 1968 Buick Electra 225 convertible.

They have entered literally hundreds of car shows over the years, which wouldn’t be so unusual for a car collector, but what is so unique about the Yonce’s entries is that they have never transported their show cars on a trailer.

Instead, without concern for possible damage or breakdowns, they’ve driven them from their home in Fallbrook to enter in shows and tours as far as Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Iowa, and Arizona.

Wayne and Ann said they have had a lot of fun meeting fellow vintage car hobbyists and other people they’ve encountered while touring to and from the shows. Although each of their Buick’s has won many awards, including the Antique Automobile Club’s Grand National Senior award and the equally-coveted Buick Club senior award, the memories of their “on the road” adventures have meant much more to them, they said, than any trophy ever received.

The 49th annual Fallbrook Vintage Car Show will be held, as always, over Memorial Day weekend on Sun., May 25 at Potter Junior High School, 1743 Reche Rd. On display will be over 300 superb vintage vehicles, food concessions, swap meet, and other vendor booths.

The show is free to the public. For more information, visit http://www.fallbrookvintagecarclub.org.