The Trucks and SUVs 'The Big SocalEuro Meet 2008'

Over 1400 European cars from across Southern California came together on Sunday August 10, at Qualcomm Stadium deep in San Diego, California, for the biggest Euro enthusiast car meet of the year, "The Big SCE Meet 2008."

Who would have thought that a small group of local car nuts from a local car forum just hanging out one day would turn in to one of the most anticipated Euro-based community meets of the year. Participants from all over Southern California even as far as Las Vegas, Nevada and from the deep south of Tijuana, Mexico, drove out to show off their rides.

This year was bigger and better, as all kinds of Volkswagens, Audis, Minis, BMWs, Volvos, smarts, Fiats, Mercedes-Benzes, Classic VWs, and so much more filled the asphalt lot. From rusted, lowered MK1 Volkswagens to the $80,000 Friaries, every one was equally ogled and admired for their passions. Local car clubs celebrated the day by bringing out portable BBQs for some tailgate action while they checked out the vendors who contribute for this totally free charity event. Yes, no fees to get in. That's what makes this meet so great. It's put together by enthusiasts for enthusiasts and is made possible by all the volunteers who donate a little bit of their time.

Among the sea of compact hatches and midsize sedans, we caught several unique and one-of-a-kind SUVs and off-roaders that fit the Euro-craze. It wasn't hard to spot this 1962 Mercedes-Benz Unimog owned by Ahmet Yarayan of San Diego. This heavy off-road military vehicle was fully loaded to survive and fight in combat. For the safari guys, I found this Austrian built Pinzgauer all-terrain 4x4 military utility vehicle and a smaller version, the British built Mini Moke.

One of the biggest sponsors of the event, Miramar Volkswagen, had on display its newest member of the Volkswagen family, the Tiguan and Jetta TDI for all to admire. But it was the classic VW Buses that stole the show as they made their way down the never ending rows of water-cooled dubs to park their bit of history amongst all the young VW's.

The biggest attraction this year was the cars and people behind them. But the biggest buzz was waiting for the Gumball 3000 Rally to make a pit-stop at the stadium late in the afternoon. Rumors of the arrival stirred up the crowd all day long. It wasn't until late afternoon that the stream of supercars with superstars was escorted by motor brigade into the show. The heavily sticker Lambos, Bentleys, Range Rovers, Lifted Trucks, and musclecars roared through the SCE crowd on their way to the Rally check point. MTV's Rob Dyrdek ("Rob & Big") and the cast of "Jackass" were just a few of the big names who stopped by.

SCE collected over $3000 for the American Chinese Culture and Education Foundation to help with the Sichuan Earthquake victims and recovery. They would like to thank all the participants and vendors who came out to make this year's meet a great success.

ClickHERE to see Motor Trend's full coverage of the 'BIG SocalEuro Meet 2008'!