See car ‘masterpieces’

The Donut Derelicts’ trophy will pass to the hands of another classic car owner this weekend at the 26th annual HB Concours.

And when it does, it will carry the memory of a man who helped make Surf City a haven for vintage models.

For the last four years, the annual charity car show has bestowed a Best of Show trophy in honor of Rick Finn, a longtime member of the Donut Derelicts car enthusiasts group that meets every Saturday in the parking lot of Adams Avenue Donuts in Huntington Beach.

Finn, whose T-shirt designs helped grow the group’s reputation, died of a heart attack in 2006 at the age of 52. The following year, the Concours committee created a wood-and-glass trophy that changes hands with each new winner and sports plaques on the side bearing past recipients’ names.

“There are some people in the world who pass on and no one takes any notice,” said event co-chairman Bart McGrath. “But Rick Finn was a really nice guy, and I thought we should do something to honor just a regular guy.”

The Best of Show trophy will be among many given out at the Concours, which raises funds for the Children’s Resource Center of the Huntington Beach Central Library. Over the last 25 years, the event has raised more than $800,000, McGrath said.

The library’s needs change every year, with 2010’s proceeds going to new computers. Barbara Richardson, the senior librarian of programming and youth services, said the funds this year would likely go to computers and the book budget.

Saturday’s show, “Hot Rods in the Park,” invites owners to bring in street rods and custom cars or motorcycles and vote on their favorites, with awards given for best paint, interior, wheels and more. In the traditional Concours on Sunday, a panel of judges rate cars in dozens of categories; Chevrolet, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is one of the featured brands.

The event also includes vendor booths, children’s activities and appearances by a pair of grand marshals: movie car designer Tim Lawrence on Saturday and KABC-TV automotive specialist Dave Kunz on Sunday.

Another special guest plans to attend the Concours: Finn’s brother, Mike, who teams with McGrath to choose the Best of Show winner and will personally present the trophy.

The award, he said, goes to the owner who has done the most eye-catching custom design, even if it isn’t the most technically sound model in the competition.

“When you see the cars there, they create masterpieces,” Finn said. “It’s just unbelievable what people can do with a car.”

If You Go

What: 26th annual HB Concours

Where: Huntington Central Park, 7111 Talbert Ave.

When: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday

Cost: $10 per day or $15 for both days; seniors $8 per day or $12 both days; children younger than 12 free with an adult. $2 discount tickets available at the library and at https://www.hbconcours.org

Information: (714) 375-8414