The setting was the New York streets of the Paramount Pictures back lot, but with nary a taxi in sight, the look was all L.A. for General Motors’ third annual “All-Car Showdown” event, where celebrity owners paraded their new and vintage souped-up cars down a runway to compete for the title of “King of Bling.” Shaquille O’Neal hosted the event, NFLers Matt Leinart and Reggie Bush were among those who showed their cars, and Serena Williams was a judge; the high concentration of athletes was an intentional tie-in with the ESPY awards, also in town the same week. (A portion of the event showed up on ESPN, too.) GM donated $2,500 in the name of participants and judges to the charities of their choice, and the winner, Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade, got $10,000 for his chosen charity.GM project specialist Carolyn Landrum oversaw the event, with production by Jeffrey Best’s Best Events. Best designed the runway that showcased the cars—the company also works on a lot of runways of a more traditional sort for fashion shows—with a Lazy Susan-style turnabout at the end so judges and guests could get a good look. In-N-Out catered burgers for a casual dinner, and guests ate and drank while lounging on modern-looking furniture that dotted the outdoor space.
—Alesandra Dubin
Posted 07.25.06
Photos: Alexandra Wyman/WireImage (car, O'Neal)
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—Alesandra Dubin
Posted 07.25.06
Photos: Alexandra Wyman/WireImage (car, O'Neal)
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