The 2025 Barons Car Winners reflected the full spectrum of car culture, from American classics to rare internationals. John and Dawn Hagensen’s 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible earned President’s Choice, while Cheri and Donald Griffin’s 1959 Bianchina Transformable captured People’s Choice. Bonni and Al Hilderman’s 1980 Kellison Racing Stallion took the Beach Barons’ Choice, and Joe and Sonja Natoli’s 1939 La Salle received the Host Car Award. Together, these winners showcased elegance, rarity, and the enduring spirit of automotive history. Read about each cars history below.
President’s Choice
John and Dawn Hagensen – 1955 Oldsmobile Super 88 Convertible
The Oldsmobile Super 88 was a postwar icon of American automotive design, bridging luxury and performance with a bold, sweeping chrome grille and Rocket V8 power. The Hagensens’ 1955 convertible carried the spirit of mid-century optimism, representing the era when Detroit was setting the world standard for style and horsepower. Its combination of elegance and muscle made it a natural choice for the President’s top honor.
Link to winners
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People’s Choice
Cheri and Donald Griffin – 1959 Cianchina Transformable
This rare Italian-built Bianchina Transformable charmed the crowds with its compact design and playful European flair. Produced by Autobianchi, a Fiat subsidiary, the model epitomized the postwar boom in small, stylish city cars. The 1959 edition, with its fold-back convertible roof, was both practical and chic, making it an unusual standout among American muscle and chrome. Its popularity with spectators reflected the growing appreciation for microcars and international classics.
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Beach Barons’ Choice
Bonni and Al Hilderman – 1980 Kellison Racing Stallion
The Kellison Stallion is one of the most daring and unusual vehicles to appear at the Rod Run. Built by Jim Kellison, an aircraft designer turned car builder, the Stallion was produced in limited numbers and combined Ford Mustang underpinnings with futuristic styling. By 1980, only a handful existed, making the Hildermans’ example a rare survivor. Its racing lines and independent spirit captured the ethos of the Beach Barons themselves—bold, unconventional, and performance-driven.
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Host Car Award
Joe and Sonja Natoli – 1939 La Salle
The La Salle brand, created by General Motors under Harley Earl’s design leadership, was Cadillac’s stylish companion line. By 1939, La Salle models embodied the streamlined art-deco look of the late ’30s, with long, flowing fenders and a powerful V8. The Natolis’ car represented not only a prewar design treasure but also the endurance of automotive history through war and industrial transformation. Awarding it as the Host Car was a nod to craftsmanship, heritage, and preservation.
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The 2025 Rod Run winners reflected the breadth of car culture—from mid-century American powerhouses and rare European city cars to obscure racing machines and elegant prewar classics. Each winning vehicle stood as more than just a restored automobile—it was a piece of living history, connecting generations of enthusiasts on the Long Beach Peninsula.
Surfside Washington News 