Oxnard, CA – Oxnard is quickly gaining traction as one of California’s top destinations for gearheads. With its classic car museums, car shows and cruise nights, automotive enthusiasts can rev up their motors and get their fix!
Next door, The Port of Hueneme is a West Coast gateway for the import and export of automobiles, making Oxnard a prime car destination. The Oxnard Harbor District welcomes BMW of North America, Wallenius Wilhelmen Logistics (WWL) and Glovis, Inc., for the handling of vehicles transiting The Port. Car makes coming into the Port include BMW, Mini Cooper, Rolls Royce, Volvo, Land Rover, Jaguar, Maserai, Ford, Hyndai, Kia, Aston Martin, Mitsubishi, General Motors, Honda, Acura, Toyota, Nissan, Tesla and Subaru.
Car Clubs
Oxnard has a long history of cultural ties with automobiles, dating back to the 1970s. Oxnard car clubs are known for their passion for lowrider and classic cars in addition to their strong ties to family, community and local fundraising.
One of the first car clubs on the scene was the Stylistics, founded in the early 70s. Many active car club members can trace their existence back to the Stylistics, which was the first organized car club in Ventura County holding special events and fundraisers. Still in existence, City Life Oxnard was co-founded in 1977 by Ramon Lopez and uses its public platform to raise awareness about domestic violence.
With its members ranging in age from 25 to 75, Pachuco Car Club Ventura County boasts the motto, “Peace, Unity and Respect” and believes it’s all about the person behind the wheel versus the car itself. Additional car clubs include Viejitos Car Club Oxnard, Latin Bombas Oxnard, Ventura Classic Car Club, just to name a few.
Car Museums
Oxnard is home to not only one, but two stunning car museums, both with their own unique style and offerings. The Mullin Automotive Museum houses one of the finest collections of French cars in the world and is a tribute to French automotive styling and the decorative arts that influenced the genre. With more than 90 beautiful vintage automobiles, the Murphy Auto Museum showcases a collection that spans from 1903 to present day. In addition, the museum also features one of the largest H/O scale model train layouts between San Diego and San Francisco.
Car Shows & Events
- Muscles & Mojo Morning Car Shows – The Murphy Automotive Museum – First Sunday of the Month
Vintage and classic cars are welcome on the first Sunday of the month at the Murphy Automotive Museum. The monthly event includes free coffee, free Hot Wheels and free admission to the museum during the Muscles & Mojo Car Show taking place from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Downtown Oxnard Cruise Night – Second Friday of the month – Summer Schedule – June 14; July 12
Classic and specialty car fans cruise into Downtown Oxnard in the summer during Oxnard Cruise Night. Merchants, located on historic B & 5th Streets, keep their doors open after hours for both locals and visitors alike to share their mutual admiration of flashy autos on display. Cruise night takes place from 4 to 8 p.m. and is free.
- Classics by the Sea: Father’s Day Wooden Boat Show & Classic Car Show - Father's Day
The Channel Islands Maritime Museum, located in Channel Islands Harbor is hosting a family-friendly event featuring a wonderful display of boats, woodies, and vintage classic cars.
- Father’s Day Car Show & Fundraiser, Channel Islands Harbor – June 16
More cars are on display on June 16 during the Father’s Day Car Show & Fundraiser in Channel Islands. The annual event features 150 cars of all makes and models, including motorcycles. The proceeds benefit two non-profit organizations – Reel Guppy Outdoors and Mission FISH. Free admission, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Under the Hood Introductory Presentation by Larry Crane – June 18 – Mullin Automotive Museum
Learn the ins and out of automotive industry by attending a presentation with Larry Crane highlighting French engine design at The Mullin Automotive Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Larry Crane has a long history in the automotive industry working with numerous trade magazines including Road and Track, Vintage Racer, Automobile Magazine, and Auto Aficionado. He also teaches Car Design History at ArtCenter College of Design and is a contributor to ClassicCars.com. General admission is $40, seniors 65+ are $36.
- 7th Annual Vintage Trailer Show – Murphy Auto Museum – June 29
Tour 50 plus vintage trailers and campers from private collectors decorated with period correct old-school camping memorabilia to boot. Visitors can also enjoy more than 90 vintage cars, the newly opened Fireball Gallery, Americana, period clothing and one of the largest H/O scale train layouts around. Other highlights include food and music. Admission is $10; Kids 12 & younger and active military are free.
- Central Coast British Car Club Show – July 14
More than 140 British cars from the 1930s up convene upon Channel Islands Harbor during the Central Coast British Car Club Show. The free event includes an auto part swap meet, food booths and entertainment. 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Vintage VW Car Show – Channel Islands Harbor – July 27
See a variety of VW cars displayed along the water’s edge in Channel Islands Harbor. The free event includes music, food trucks and a parts swap meet. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- 3rd Annual Oxnard Police Department Downtown Car Show – August 25
Held in conjunction with the Murphy Auto Museum, the 3rd Annual Oxnard Police Department Car Show features vendors, raffles, trophies and music. Proceeds benefit the DRAGG program, an afterschool program in the City of Oxnard where Police officers and those within the automotive industry mentor local high school students in skillsets ranging from basic automotive repair to creative car customization.
- 4th Annual Electric Car Show – Channel Islands Harbor – September 22
Sparks will be flying at the 4th Annual Electric Car Show, held in conjunction with National Drive Electric Week, Plug in America. The Sierra Club and the Electric Auto Association join with the Sustainability Council of Ventura County to present this electric car show. A variety of makes and models will be on display, all of which contribute to low cost commuting and lower levels of air pollution. Free admission held 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Ponies by the Sea – Channel Islands Harbor – October 13
Watch the Tri-County Mustang Club flex their muscle at the Ponies by the Sea Car Show featuring mustangs from all eras. The free event an awards ceremony with winners recognized in several categories. Proceeds from registration fees will benefit Guide Dogs of America. Held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For more information on Oxnard’s car museums, attractions, and special events, visit www.visitoxnard.com.
About Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau
Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) is a non-profit organization designed to increase visitor expenditures through transient occupancy tax, and tourism revenue opportunities through the promotion of Oxnard as a premier travel destination. Oxnard is an easy drive up the coast from Los Angeles or from the northern portions of California. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy Oxnard’s uncrowded beaches, explore the many diverse attractions and outdoor adventures that are unique to the area. A wide variety of hotel accommodations are available ranging from mid-priced rooms to oceanfront and seaside settings. For more information, call the Oxnard Convention & Visitors Bureau at 805-385-7545 or visit the website at www.visitoxnard.com.