Meet Christine Van Eyck | Founder and Director of Whiskey and Wheels Los Angeles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Van Eyck and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, how does your business help the community?
When I came up with the idea of Whiskey and Wheels I really wasn’t planning on turning it into a business. I dove headfirst into the classic car community after buying my 1968 Mustang, “Honey”. I started going to car shows and cars and coffee type things, but there was nothing in the evening which was my preferred time to go out cruising. I enjoyed being on the road when the sun went down and so I went to Bob’s Bog Boy on Fridays, but I wanted something different. So I figured I would just start my own thing and that’s what happened at the end of 2023.

My initial desire was to create an event where I could bring the community together. I wanted to have a place where people of all ages, and families could go – slide into a comfy booth, enjoy a nice meal, perhaps a burger and a beer, and see some cool cars cruise in. Maybe even arrive in their own classic or cool car. Since then Whiskey and Wheels Los Angeles has found a home in Burbank at the Hill Street Cafe, and it’s become a hub for people to meet up with their friends once a month. It’s mostly a classic car show, but any cool or unique vehicle is welcome. I just prefer to keep the vibe vintage, eclectic, warm and most of all – INVITING.

One of the unique things about my show is that everyone is kind and laid back. There is no stress in parking. Oftentimes the lot is so full that it’s hard to even turn around while walking, but there is never a complaint. It’s just a vibe of kindness which I love.

The show is about the people, and the cars are just an added bonus!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As far as the business end is concerned – I am still in the beginning stages. I created an event/show that has grown in popularity and I want to eventually have the event on land that I plan to own. I am also a very creative person and I’ve had the good fortune of creating some apparel designs that people have grown fond of and the sales of my heritage hats and “OG” tee-shirt designs allows me to continue Whiskey and Wheels. I’m soon launching my website for Whiskey and Wheels LA. It might be ready by the time this interview goes live. I’m looking to grow my brand so that I can reach out to the community of people who aren’t just vintage car owners, but people who long to be a part of this nostalgic lifestyle. That’s what it’s all about, right?

We drive these older cars because we have a sense of nostalgia for the “vibes” of that era. We often imagine better days, cool cars, loud engines, and a way of life for people who wanted enjoyment and the freedom of an open road. This doesn’t just apply to cars either, by the way. This totally applies to motorcycles. Why do we love to drive/ride? For most it’s a sense of freedom. For many, it’s the freedom and the short time in your day when you can pretend that you’re living another life. Problems aren’t chasing you, and if they are– well, they certainly won’t catch up!

The brand I’ve created is geared toward people who want to commune with like minds and share stories about a time that felt different, and we imagine that time to be better than the modern demands of today. As cliche as it sounds, the open road is an invitation to anonymity and the potential for a better life.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Since this is very focused on my business and personal interests – you know we’re going to be in a car, right?
If my best friend was visiting the area – I would rent a car – probably something a touch more modern for the conveniences of long mileage drives, but still, a well maintained classic is just as capable. We would drive two cars. Me in my 1968 Mustang, and my friend in a brand new Ford Mustang. The look of two different generations of the same car would grab the attention of anyone slightly into cars. First we would start at my favorite breakfast spot in Santa Barbara. Our drive would begin in Los Angeles and we would cruise our way along the coast to SB where we would eat at the Cajun Kitchen. After multiple pots of coffee and the best spicy sausage with eggs, we would get back into our cars and make our way up the coast to Hurst Castle. A perfect viewing spot and also location for photographs. After that, possibly a night to relax and decompress from the voyage of the day, we would find a nostalgic era motel where we could sleep for the night. At sunrise we would hit the road again and make our way to Carmel-By-The-Sea during Monterey Car Week. Did I say “week”? Yes, I did. That week would be spent taking in all the sights and sounds of one of the most prestigious car events. We would see a range of high end luxury cars, super cars, and enjoy the community around us. I can’t imagine a better time with a friend.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Regarding Whiskey and Wheels LA, and just my overall experience in the classic car community – I would most definitely say that Dave Kunz, ABC 7 Automotive Reporter is a HUGE influence and mentor to me. My 9-5 is as the Service Manager for Mustangs, Etc. in Van Nuys, California, which is the oldest classic Mustang and Ford Restoration shop on the west coast. My extensive knowledge of Mustangs is due in large part to Dave and everything I’ve learned from him over the years. I wouldn’t have the knowledge of cars that I do now if it wasn’t due to him, and even if I did, it certainly wouldn’t be as expansive as it is now. He’s been a great friend and incredible mentor.

Website: https://whiskeyandwheelsla.com

Instagram: whiskeyandwheels_la

Facebook: Whiskey and Wheels LA

Youtube: Whiskey and Wheels

Image Credits
From the “Additional Photos”
Photo 2-5 credit: Luis Sanchez @smile___no
Photo 5 credit: Christine van Eyck @christine_vaneyck