Theodoras’ Thunderbird chosen June Car of the Month

Sam and Joyce Theodora‘s 1962 Thunderbird holds a special place in the community. Not only was it featured on the artwork and t-shirts for the 2022 Canyon Lake Car Show, but it has also been selected as the Car of the Month for June by the Canyon Lake Car Club.

With its original drivetrain and 390 V8 engine, this classic vehicle proudly displays its 84,000 miles on the odometer. Sam and Joyce have cherished their ownership of the car for the past 18 years, and it has brought them countless moments of joy.

Furthermore, the Thunderbird has gained public attention during the Fiesta Hopper Parade, where Sam dedicates his time as a volunteer driver for a dignitary each year. In an interesting turn of events, this year‘s grand marshal was the Tuesday Work Group, and coincidentally, Sam himself holds the prestigious position of the group’s president. Therefore, he had the unique opportunity to drive himself during the parade, accompanied by his iconic 1962 Thunderbird.

Other members of the Canyon Lake Car Club also have similar stories.

Kathy and Doug Ray moved to Canyon Lake in 2014 and purchased their 1930 Model A in 2022 from a dealer in Long Island, NY. The car, now 92 years old, had undergone restoration and modernization, resulting in a restomod. In August 2022, they joined the Canyon Lake Car Club, finding joy in spending time with others who shared their passion for classic and muscle cars.

Doug Ray shows off his 1930 Model A classic car at the Canyon Lake Car Club Coffee and Donuts Saturday. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Alongside their involvement in the car club, Kathy and Doug became Patron Sponsors for the Canyon Lake Fine Arts Guild and they both served on the board of the Canyon Lake Travel Club. Kathy also served on the board of the Canyon Lake Woman‘s Club and currently holds the position of President of the Mermaids of Canyon Lake.

Before settling into Canyon Lake, Kathy and Doug resided in San Diego and Escondido. Doug had completed a 20-year career in the United State Navy and subsequently worked as a Navy contractor, while Kathy was employed at their local church. It was during a camping trip in their motorhome at Lake Elsinore that they stumbled upon Canyon Lake and decided to make it their new home.

The Canyon Lake Car Club hosts many exciting events throughout the year. The event that every Canyon Laker looks forward to each year is the Canyon Lake Car Show. The car show takes place in October. For more information on being a part of the club or its events contact club president Perry Beggs at perrybeggs@outlook.com.