Kingsmen Car Club of Santa Cruz, CA

Kingsmen Car Club of Santa Cruz, CA Originally established in 1959 for about 5 years,
it returned to Twin Lakes Church in 2007... They found a number of ways to be of service to the church.

The original King’s Men was started in 1959 by Mike Wittman and Dave Lindemann, when a few Santa Cruz High School boys started visiting Mike's shop on a regular basis wanting to learn to work on their cars. Soon the few grew to a rather large group of young men, so they talked about forming a club. Because all of the boys were involved in Twin Lakes Church, it was suggested that they become an out

reach of Twin Lakes Church. Ray Opie and Dave Lindemann, who was a friend of Mike’s and had recently become a Christian, offered to join with them as well so they went ahead. They talked about ways the group could be of service to the church and they agreed to start the club. Small cards were printed and the members all carried them. The cards stated that the person it was given to had been assisted by a member of the club. At club meetings everyone enjoyed hearing from the different members who had performed a service. It made everyone feel useful and proud to offer assistance. Eventually the idea came about of acquiring a bus and became a regular topic. They thought it could be used in church service in a number of ways and that they could use it for some of their own outings, but they had no money and it looked hopeless. One day Mike noticed a White National Park Tour bus on Dave Hart’s used car lot in Freedom and they thought all of their dreams had come true. Not quite that easy though, they still did not have the money to buy anything. Mike had a small history at a local finance company and with his connection there they were able to make the deal. When they gave Dave Hart the payment he gave them back a hundred dollars to be used to chrome plate some of the trim parts. As the club members grew up and went in different directions there were not really any younger boys to fill the ranks, so in about 1964 the club came to an end. Some of the original members were Dan Kraft (of Kraft's Body Shop), Dave Meyer (first President), Jim Kraft, Ken Ritter, Jim Thomas, Mike Hughes, Ward Pitman, Steve Bertch, Jim Stevens, Bob Stevens and quite a few more. In 2006, Twin Lakes Church member John Galli heard that there had once been a car club connected with the church. He had a vision to reform the club, to mentor High School youth who were interested in cars, and to see club chapters spread through churches across the United States and beyond. With the work of John Galli, Jim Josselyn, and a handful of others, the new Kingsmen Car Club was born. After running our Apprenticeship Program for a decade, helping a variety of high school students (both boys & girls) learn about car maintenance as well as them helping assist in the restoration of a 1931 Ford Model A coupe, the Kingsmen Car Club has transitioned to a scholarship program; the Kingsmen Car Club Industrial Arts Scholarship. Since 2017, the Kingsmen Car Club has awarded up to 2 scholarships each year worth $1,500/each, to students graduating from a high school in Santa Cruz County. To date, the Kingsmen Car Club has awarded over $10,000 to students continuing their education in Machining, Welding, Automotive Mechanics, Aeronautical Mechanics, Car Restoration, and Mechanical Engineering.

It’s that time of year! Save the date and see you there!
10/10/2025

It’s that time of year! Save the date and see you there!

Be sure to come out for this inaugural event and show your support for a great cause and to help build our community of ...
09/24/2025

Be sure to come out for this inaugural event and show your support for a great cause and to help build our community of local hotrodding!

1968 Jeep Willys Bob and I finally finished after year working on it.Customer picks it up tomorrow.
05/05/2025

1968 Jeep Willys
Bob and I finally finished after year working on it.
Customer picks it up tomorrow.

Our very own John Galli (Founder of the reformed Kingsmen Car Club and the club's first President) was showing off the 1...
03/30/2025

Our very own John Galli (Founder of the reformed Kingsmen Car Club and the club's first President) was showing off the 1955 Chevy Bel Air he built over the last couple years, in Pavilion A, at Goodguys Rod & Custom Association 41st All American Get-Together in Pleasanton, CA.

No small feat for a car built in his garage! His '55 Chevy is yellow and pearl white and has a small block Chevy engine, with dual-quads on top of a supercharger. Truly an amazing and beautiful car! Way to go, Johnny G!

Hear ye! Hear ye!
02/16/2025

Hear ye! Hear ye!

12/16/2024
The Kingsmen Car Club is frequently blessed by the generosity of many people throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond. So...
10/21/2024

The Kingsmen Car Club is frequently blessed by the generosity of many people throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond. So much so that it allows us to give financial support to other charities in our area from time to time.

For the Children, Central Coast runs the Royal Family Kids Camp and the monthly Royal Family Mentor Club, for children 7-11 years old in the foster care system, for Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties.

So it was great to meet with Paula Morgan and some of the leadership with For The Children at their silent auction and car show fundraiser, to hand over a nice little check in person. We look forward to supporting For The Children for as long as possible!

Thanks Cars in the Park Car Show for a great show! We loved attending as spectators and hope to bring a few cars next ye...
10/13/2024

Thanks Cars in the Park Car Show for a great show! We loved attending as spectators and hope to bring a few cars next year!

Spotted in Carver, Oregon. 1951 Ford Woodie Wagon, with a ‘50 Ford hood and grill. Tell the owner and builder, Tim, what...
10/04/2024

Spotted in Carver, Oregon. 1951 Ford Woodie Wagon, with a ‘50 Ford hood and grill. Tell the owner and builder, Tim, what you think!

19th Annual For The Children Silent Auction FundraiserThis fundraiser benefits the Royal Family Kids Camp (a week long r...
10/01/2024

19th Annual For The Children Silent Auction Fundraiser

This fundraiser benefits the Royal Family Kids Camp (a week long residential camp) and the monthly Royal Family Mentor Club, that serves children 7-11 years old in the foster care system from Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Santa Clara counties.

Classic Car Show, Apple Picking, Silent Auction, Wine Baskets, Vacation Home, Gift Certificates, Handmade Goods, and so Much MORE!

To donate items for the silent auction, please contact Paula Morgan at [email protected].

We welcome any collector cars that folks would like to bring. Please contact Dana at [email protected] to reserve a space.

Financial donations can be sent to:
RFKC
1009 Mission St.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
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Address

2701 Cabrillo College Drive
Aptos, CA
95003

Telephone

(831) 465-3300

Website

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