HONOLULU - In an event featuring the latest and greatest automobiles - from trucks, sports utility vehicles and crossovers to glimmering new models of the combustion engine and electric motor varieties - one vehicle stood out among the rest, based on the sheer number of "oohs" and "aahs" it generated from passers-by.
The 2010 Chevy Camaro 2LT Coupe, with its rally yellow body and unmistakable black stripes, immediately captured the attention of car-lovers who entered the Hawaii Convention Center showroom for the 2010 First Hawaiian International Auto Show, here, March 26-28.
Among the throng of fans was one youngster who, upon first sight of the sleekly designed pony car, pointed excitedly at it while squealing in delight, "That's Bumblebee from 'Transformers'!"
Another admirer, Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Bob Brethour, took a more subdued approach to the displayed vehicle.
After coaxing a passer-by into snapping a few photos of him with his camera phone, Brethour opened the driver-side door, slid behind the wheel and smiled - quietly savoring the moment.
"I'm a big fan of Camaros," explained the Naval officer, who also served in the U.S. Army from 1982 to 1985, as a corporal in the 101st Airborne Division, and with the Army National Guard from 1992 to 2000. "I've got a couple of my own."
Although not adding to his Camaro collection anytime soon, Brethour looked at about a dozen automobiles parked below a Chevy banner, and said, "I saw a Chevy Tahoe down there that I liked. Maybe I'll just pick one of those up instead."
While Brethour snuggled up to Chevy's creations, others, like Pete Fagan, took an interest in the auto show's collection of antique cars.
"I'm just here to dream," said Fagan, while admiring a 1931 Packard 840 Dual Cowl Phaeton, one of only about a dozen known models around the world.
When built in 1931, the convertible cost $3,750. Today, the same model can fetch between $250,000 and $300,000 - easily.
A high price indeed, according to Fagan, but worth just about every penny.
"These things are beauties," he said, "and unlike Rolls-Royces that might only be 20 years old and cost a lot more, these Packards retain their value.
"I mean just look at this one," he added. "The restoration on it is just wonderful."
Both Fagan and Brethour were among the thousands of attendees who flocked, here, to the convention center, where, in a non-selling environment, they were allowed to inspect the latest models and learn about cutting-edge fuel-saving automotive technologies.
Aside from the new or redesigned 2010-model vehicles on display - such as the Acura ZDX, BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo, Lexus IS C and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, the car show also featured hybrid models of some of America's most popular vehicles, including the Cadillac Escalade, Ford Fusion and Toyota Camry.
In addition, an exotic vehicle display made up of Ferrari, Maserati, Lamborghini, Lotus and Bentley vehicles flaunted flawless designs while matched with high-horsepower engines - and all for six-figure prices.
Showgoers also took advantage of several free promotions, including "Military Two-fer Day" on Saturday, in which military members with valid Department of Defense IDs who purchased one admission ticket, received a second one for free, as well as the opportunity to take home $100,000 in cash - thanks to a contest sponsored by the Hawaii Automobile Dealers Association and Clear Channel Radio.
Among those who signed up, finalists were selected every two hours during the show and invited to climb inside a stretch limousine and choose among one of the 295 available bags stuffed with prizes valued up to $100,000.
After spending nearly two hours exploring the latest designs of the auto industry, Brethour called it a day. Still, he admitted that he never grows weary of attending car shows.
"I love coming to them," he said. "You get all of this in one convenient location. It's great."
Social Sharing