California Thunderbirds Drive to Dr. George Car Show in Coachella Valley

Several Thunderbird members made the 2.5 hour trek out to the desert to attend the largest car show in the Coachella Valley.

More than 30 Thunderbirds of all years were spotted at the 2024 Dr. George Charity Car Show in Indian Wells, about a half hour outside of Palm Springs, CA. Three Thunderbirds (and two modern Jaguars) from the Classic Thunderbirds of San Diego club joined the Palm Springs and Southern California Early Bird Clubs in what we called “Thunderbird Row,” on the grass at the Tennis Club.

The air was brisk and windy, but skies were clear for miles and everyone appreciated the sunshine after so many days of rain.

The car show attracted more than 1000 cars and 6000 spectators, according to the Desert Cancer Foundation, and all proceeds were donated to the cause. Indian Wells is about a 2.5 hour drive from San Diego, but it was well worth it, especially for our own members Mitch and Elaine, whose 1957 gunmetal gray Thunderbird won a handsome trophy! Well deserved!

The day before the event, CTSD members gathered in a midcentury modern neighborhood for pizza and cookies. Most of the houses have the same birthday as the Tbirds!