Pacific Coast Dream Machines

Returning to the Half Moon Bay Airport for the 24th consecutive year, the Pacific Coast Dream Machines event saw record attendance this year.

By Michael Mainiero

(Michael Mainiero)For those not familiar, the event is a unique grouping of 2,000-plus machines from the 20th and 21st centuries that can fly, drive, putt around or just look cool! Dream Machines is an uncommon event due to the sheer size of the display. The combination of cars, vintage tractors, old military equipment, motorcycles and aircraft provides something for everyone, and there were plenty of attractions for the kids as well! From turbine-powered cars to vintage fighter aircraft, the world’s coolest cars and planes from every era and style drew people from hundreds of miles away. Model-T fire engines, vintage buses, custom motorcycles, tricked out trucks, super sleek streamliners, one-of-a-kind antique engines and tractors were displayed prominently around the airport

(Michael Mainiero)Unique homebuilts, classics from the 40s and 50s, vintage warbirds and Cold War era fighters flew in from near and far to be part of the event as well. Highlights included flyovers by historic military aircraft like the P-51 Mustang, Yak-11, Pitts S-2, and dozens more. The Planes of Fame Museum in Chino brought along their P-38 Lightning 23 Skidoo and their F-4U Corsair. Sanders Aeronautics from Ione, Calif. flew in their Hawker Mk. 20 Sea Fury Dreadnought, which has been a sight at the Reno National Championship Air Races for the last 29 years. Also on display was the B-25 Bomber Old Glory, a C-47 Skytrain from Paso Robles, Eddie Andreini’s fleet (P-51D, Yak-9U and Super Stearman).

This event is one of the West Coast’s largest gatherings of (Michael Mainiero)the world’s coolest cars. Jet cars, a Google Street View Car and dozens of other custom designs were lined up as far as the eye could see. Fanatics could get an up close and personal look at the newest and greatest designs, as well as talk to those who work on and create stunning masterpieces.

Although the morning was plagued with the regular low marine layer, by noon, the airport had cleared out, and pilots were showing up from all over to see the event. The public was treated with flybys as aircraft began to depart in the afternoon, and guests were provided the special opportunity to talk with and ask questions of the pilots flying the vintage aircraft – something not common at larger shows. If you could not make it to the show this year, make sure to attend next year!