Hidden on the northern end of Escondido, California is a gem. Amongst the rolling hills lies the Deer Park Winery and Museum. Driving through the large front gates, up a tree lined drive, you will find an unassuming stucco structure so typically Southern California.
My family and I walk in to find the building much deeper than it appeared from outside. On the right is a late ‘50s early 60’s Studebaker Pick-up. I finish paying the $9.00 admission fee (what I would later find was a gift) and see a beautiful black ’59 El Dorado Convertible.
You tend to forget how large they are, how extravagant, so American. Directly behind it sits a Kaiser Darrin, as usual in white, great looking and unique. In the left corner are a couple of extremely nice Packards. One, I notice is a ’41 120 Convertible Coupe. This one immediately grabs my attention due to the fact my dad and my uncle pooled their funds to buy one new in 1941. There are quite a few other beauties here along with 3 Indian motorcycles and 2 Harleys. But, as I was told there are 3 buildings and we were still in the first, we exit the side door.
We move past a vineyard, arriving at what appears to be a ‘30s or ‘40s Texaco Station. Behind this Station is a large shop, Building 2. In front of and below Building 2 are lean-tos covering a good number of convertibles. A ’59 DeSoto, a Cad Limo, among others appear to be awaiting restoration.
Upon entering the large shop area is a center walk with convertibles on either side. All convertibles, 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s Lincolns, Fords, Chrysler 300s, Imperials, Buicks, even a Crosley and a Corvair. Quite a display. All appear to be older restorations or great originals. The cars all show well and even though tightly spaced, look great.
Leaving Building 2 we make our way up through the vineyard to Building 3 or the “50s New Car Showroom” as it is called. The best was saved for last. All cars in this building are excellent originals or excellent restorations. Again, another El Dorado Convertible. This one, a ’53 also in black, greets you upon entry. Looking regal with wire wheels and wide whites, it is a joy to view. Opposite the Caddy is a well-done Nash Healy, unique car, in white with wires. Everything from a Studebaker Champion, a Packard Caribbean to the Buick Skylark above the wine bar are great pieces. You will need a while to view these diamonds and appreciate these mid-20th Century icons.
Behind the ‘50s New Car Showroom is as small display area, oddly enough, with a group of European entries. An Amphicar, a BMW Isetta and a couple more amidst all this Americana? There are a few more cars under lean-tos, from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s along with a pair of Jeepsters. They too appear to be awaiting restoration.
We make the trip back to our starting point, Building 1. There, you may order a glass of wine, sit in the shade, and think of a time when all automakers had distinctive ideas on how to build an automobile.
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