Get your motors running

“Little GTO, you’re really lookin’ fine/

Three deuces and a four-speed and a 389”

Ronnie and the Daytonas

“GTO,” 1964

Although the economy has been rough, the 24th annual H.B. Concours automobile and motorcycle show will go on as planned this weekend in Huntington Beach’s Central Park — including a planned Pontiac showcase that now will pay tribute to the recently discontinued brand.

“I’ve never worked as hard for free as I have the last few months,” founder Bart McGrath said. “Things have been tough, but we’ve got a great show in spite of it.”

McGrath credits all the volunteers who have worked with him over the years, as well as a generous group of vehicle enthusiasts that has come through even in times of recession to benefit a local cause that is dear to their hearts through admission and entry fees.

“In the last six years, non-paid volunteers have raised $202,000 for the children’s library,” McGrath said. “Over 24 years, we’ve raised hundreds of thousands more than that.”

On Saturday, the show will host a Hot Rods in the Park display; a salute to orphan cars (makes that are no longer in business) and Hemi engines; and custom motorcycles. The grand marshal will be Fireball Tim Lawrence, a movie car designer whose work has been seen on television and film.

The line up includes a salute to Pontiac and Aston Martin, as well as Nimbus and Big Dog motorcycles. Sunday Grand Marshall Jim Wangers is known as the godfather of the GTO; Master of Ceremonies Dave Kunz is a televised automotive specialist.

Sunday also will feature the annual Orange County Student Talent in the Park art show, “Imagination takes to the Road.”

Along with food stands and vendors, Concours attendees also will be able to see the Mai Tais surf band, as well as the Island Inspirations dancers; blues and jazz singer Pamela G; a color guard; singer Autumn Williams; and the Golden State Dixieland Ramblers. Kids will enjoy crafts, Hot Wheels racing and free ice cream.

Concours volunteers showed a motorcycle, Pontiac and a red 1962 Thunderbird Sport Roadster at Tuesday’s Surf City Nights festival downtown to drum up support and promote the event. The owners of the Thunderbird, Tom and Roselle Bailey, said they first became involved with the Concours because of its philanthropic endeavors.

The Thunderbird Club of Southern California also will be conducting a “Concours within the Concours,” Bailey added, in which classic T-birds will be on display.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: HB Concours

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

WHERE: Huntington Beach Central Park, 7111 Talbert Ave.

COST: General admission $10 for one day or $15 for two days; $8 for seniors ages 62 and up; children younger than 12 get in free with adult admission

INFO: (714) 375-8414, hbconcours.org