Tag Archives: car show

Rides for a Reason

It seems everybody has resorted to hosting virtual car shows as COVID-19 hampers efforts to get out and about. The SEMA Show went to the virtual SEMA360 and plenty of places including the Petersen Museum have held “virtual” drive-ins.  Recently the National Auto Body Council held their version “Rides for a Reason”.

The Rides for a Reason featured cars, trucks, and motorcycles judged through submitted photographs by some impressive judges, including the Ring Brothers, Dave Kindig, and Ray Everham.

The show featured nine categories and had some impressive rides to pick from. The entry fee proceeds went to the impressive charity works of the National Auto Body Council; assisting the needy, first responders, and efforts to eliminate distracted driving.

Let’s get to the picks- Check out the gallery below for more photos

Antiques/Vintage

A 1930 five window Ford coupe took the honors.Rides for a Reason Vintage 2

Hot Rods/Rat Rods and Customs

1941 Willys fits the bill to win in this categoryRides for a Reason Hot Rod

Classics – 50′, 60’s and 70’s

Yes, that was the classic car time as proven by this 1973 Karmann Ghia.Rides for a Reason Classic

Old School Muscle cars- 60’s and 70’s

This 1966 Oldsmobile Cutlass looks perfect for this category. Ring Brothers must have had a hard choice to make.Rides for a Reason Old School Muscle 2

Modern Muscle 80’s to current

A teacher from a tech college took the honors with his 2015 Mustang GTRides for a Reason Modern Muscle

Trucks

How about a 2005 Avalanche for an unconventional decision.Rides for a Reason Truck 2

Motorcycles

Hard to argue with the 2007 Suzuki 450, Ricky Carmichael edition that is still mint and has never been ridden.Rides for a Reason Motorcycle 2

Wild Card

Well in a COVID-19 world why not have a wild card category, especially if this 2006 Charger took the honors?Rides for a Reason Wildcard 2

Best paint

This 2015 Mustang was a double winner with the black and candy apple red hues.Rides for a Reason Modern Muscle 2

 

The nine finalists now vie for the Best of Show. Which one would you pick?

Photos courtesy NABC

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River City Rods’ 1972 Chevrolet C30 Franklin Camper

River City Rods and Fabrication have been making waves with their custom builds at the SEMA Shows for the past few years. Every Chevy gear head loved “Brown Sugar” that rolled out for the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada and was recently up for sale on eBay. But they also built a 1972 Chevrolet C30 RV Truck for the 2017 SEMA Show that had some interesting post-SEMA experiences.

River City Rods 1972 Chevrolet C30Driver's SideRiver City Rods 1972 Chevrolet C30

The 1972 Chevrolet C30 was based on an original Franklin Coach camper that was treated to a custom suspension and new internals.  The crew at River City threw in a LS3 GM Performance engine and a Bowler five speed automatic transmission.  Arizona based GSI did the chassis work and used an AccuAir air ride system.

Of course the interior had to be eye popping and that included a 50 inch television and barn wood motif. There was a bar in the back as well. The blue paint was eye-catching and plenty of lookers enjoyed the retro look at the SEMA Show.River City Rods 1972 Chevrolet C30 Interior

After the SEMA Show

Well sometimes the show cars from SEMA disappear after the show and you wonder what happened to them. In this case it didn’t take long to see the Chevrolet C30 back in the public’s eye.

Barrett-Jackson had it offered at their Scottsdale, Arizona show in January of 2019. It drew plenty of interest and was hammered sold for $126,500. But not so fast partner.

In September of this year it was offered up by a dealer through Bring A Trailer. The seller claimed that the buyer at Barrett-Jackson backed out of the deal and while Barrett-Jackson offered to make the deal stand, the dealer took the truck back.

So it ran on the Bring A Trailer auction but only was bid up to $56,555. Quite a drop from a heady Barrett-Jackson hammered price.  So the dealer took it off the auction site and went to eBay.

River city Rods -1972 Chevrolet C30 on eBay

On eBay the dealer had it listed with a buy It Now price of $89,900.  The seller claimed over $200,000 was invested in the build.  After being on the site for a few days it was ended by the seller.  Many car sellers on eBay will often state they are offering the car for sale elsewhere, like on their own website, and might remove the vehicle from the auction early.  My guess is the dealer received an offer outside of eBay and hence ended the auction without an official sale from that auction site.

So if the dealer was able to get it sold this time, maybe it will surface soon again for the public to view?River City Rods 1972 Chevrolet C30 Rear view

Would you use this ride for an RV in the post-COVID 19 days?

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Great Subscription Offer from Round-Up Publications

The good folks at Round-Up Publications know a thing or two about good deals. Their magazines are packed with deals tighter than five teenagers in a trunk sneaking into a drive-in movie. Remember those?

For a limited time the publisher is offering an exclusive offer.  Get a year’s subscription to not one, not TWO but all THREE of their award winning magazines.  Yes folks, you’d get a year of Classic Car Round-Up and Truck Round-Up. These are monthly issues so that translates to twenty four sets of great deals and car articles.

But WAIT there’s more. You also get a year’s subscription to Auto Round-Up magazine, the star ship of the fleet from the publisher. This comes out every two weeks so you’ll get 26 issues delivered to your door.

Round-Up Magazines

With that many magazines, your mailman will need a back brace. Plus you’re bound to find at least one amazing deal on one amazing car or truck or …

Besides the great ads for cars and trucks, there is always a mass of parts and supplies offered for sale.  So don’t delay and get your order in. Operators might not be standing by, but the electrons of the WWW – world wide web are. So hop to it!

Here is the link for ordering this awesome set of magazines.

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Got Flames – NHRA’s Arizona Nationals

NHRA AZ Nationals Jet CarThe action was red hot at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park, near Phoenix, AZ when the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) showed up on Friday February 21 through Sunday, February 23, 2020. The Wild Horse Pass Motorsport Park is south of Phoenix and a short hop down the freeway from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport. Technically it is on the Gila River Indian Community. Despite rain on Saturday, it did not dampen the spirits of racers or fans and NHRA squeezed in a round of pro qualifications for the Arizona Nationals between the rain storms.

Rain Shortened Qualification

So with two rounds of qualifications on Friday to lead the race ladder, the full field was set for a sold out crew of race fans on Sunday. By now you probably know that Erica Enders, Tommy Johnson Junior and Steve Torrance won in the pro ranks. Plus there were plenty of winners in the sportsmen classes as well.NHRA AZ Nationals Funny Car

Flames

One of my favorite times at a drag strip is when the skies get dark and the exhaust flames shooting out from the headers are more visible. While the Arizona Nationals are generally run in the day light, the lighting gets dark enough to see some flames. We always enjoy hanging around taking some shots as sunset approaches and checking out the flames. Hope you do too!NHRA AZ Nationals Dragster 2

Jet cars

Plus of course if you are a race track promoter you have to have jet cars! At the end of the day’s races, what better way to close out the night but to have not just one or two jet cars but THREE jet cars zoom down the track? The heat these engines throw off is actually felt in the stands as the jet cars belch white smoke and streak down the track.NHRA AZ Nationals Approaching Jet Car

The races ran smoothly and how many racetracks can claim a sold out show? So NHRA must be doing something right, huh.

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Leg Show T-Bucket

The Grand National Roadster Show wrapped up the three day show, announcing the winner of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) on Sunday January 26, 2020. The winning entry is certainly an awesome Arizona build and I admire the craftsmanship.
But (and you knew there would be a but right?)

Leg Show T-BucketLeg Show T-Bucket Side Shot

I could not take my eye off a T-bucket that seemed to be a tribute to the original Leg Show T-Bucket. This roadster was as outrageous as the original and just screamed at you. I had commented to others that this bucket was the hit in my youth but was too far out there to be the final AMBR winner this year.Leg Show T-Bucket Passenger Side

Craftsmanship of Leg Show T-Bucket

But hats off to the owners, Walter and Thenia Sigsby. This T-Bucket had some great workmanship and the paint and shiny pieces glowed under the lights in Pomona, CA. The Jaguar rearend was easy to see in this design and the Dan Fink grill was top notch. Due to the stanchions, I couldn’t see much of the Ron Mangus interior but what we could see was awesome. Turns out the gas tank was done by Jim Babbs who had also worked on the original Leg Show T in 1970.Leg Show T-Bucket Engine

Leg Show T-Bucket Legacy

The original Leg Show T-Bucket made the cover of Rod and Custom in 1971 and was an instant hit. Here’s hoping this one does the same.

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Worldwide Auctioneers Ready for Arizona Auction Week

Arizona Auction week is in full swing and next up is Worldwide Auctioneers with their Wednesday night show in Tempe, AZ. They are setting up shop on a grassy plain and stressing quality over quantity with a nice collection placed inside one spacious tent.

The new site is near two freeways and offers some calm and relaxing vibes. So while they may not have the volume of cars that others will offer, they offer distinctive cars with volumes of documentation.

Worldwide Auctioneers and American Muscle

For this article we’ll focus on some classic American icons that caught our eye.

We’ll bend the rules by including the 2009 Bertone Mantide, since it was based on the Corvette platform. Hard to believe that all this effort was made with only one unit being produced.Bartone Mantide Worldwide Auctioneers

1971 ‘Cuda at Worldwide Auctioneers

A big star will be the 1971 Plymouth ‘Cuda. Not only is it a restored convertible but has the ownership provenance of owner/hockey star Ed Belfour. It should prove interesting to see where the market prices a ‘Cuda these days.'Cuda Worldwide Auctioneers

Close behind in popularity (at least with MOPAR guys and gals) will be the 1970 Plymouth Superbird. We love the NASCAR background on these winners and this one has been verified by Galen Govier – the master. Nice color and great looker.Superbird Worldwide Auctioneers

I’m guessing there are more 1969 Camaros flying the Indy pace car colors than were ever actually produced and it seems that every auction has to have one. So check out this RS/SS convertible with all the authentics.Camaro Worldwide Auctioneers

C-10 Chevy Truck Selling at Worldwide Auctioneers

Hey I even love the 1965 Chevy C-10 they brought out. Nicely restored “work” truck with newer internals that can show or go.C-10 Truck Worldwide Auctioneers

There are plenty of others in the slideshow and in person at the auction so check them out.

Care to name a favorite or guess a final price point?

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Cars and Coffee Perks Up for the New Decade

The weather was better than for three fourths of the country as the first Cars and Coffee car show for the decade in Phoenix, Arizona fires up. Scudderia Southwest runs a pretty cool show the first Saturday of each month in north Phoenix (though some mistakenly call it Scottsdale).Cars and Coffee Red Corvette

Cars and Coffee

Cars and Coffee refers to a casual group meet up of cars early on a weekend morning. Get a chance to see some cars and show off without too many rules or issues. Then tear out of the parking lot as the merchants open up for the day and continue on to YOUR chores or perhaps another car show?  We have covered this show before and enjoyed the displays.  Okay we have been covering this event for years like this entry on a hybrid Porsche.Cars and Coffee

They changed up the format last fall a bit for this version of Cars and Coffee and reserve their spaces for their desired nameplates/entries but even the general public parking lot ends up with some interesting iron to review. They had outgrown the last spot (actually in Scottsdale) and the size of the “entries” mushroomed last year until the group changed up the rules.Cars and Coffee Ford GT40

McLaren Dealership

At times the reserved parking spots looked like a McLaren dealership on steroids but the star of the moment was a new Senna McLaren. Hard not to notice it or part the crowds standing around looking at it. Plenty of other McLarens and Porsches were on display as could be expected. Today was a chance for the boys (and girls) to show off their new toys. Cars and Coffee Senna McLaren

Arizona Classic Car Auctions

And with the Arizona auctions right around the corner it was the perfect excuse to bring out the horsepower and let ’em rip. Even Drew Alcazar from Russo and Steele was out checking things out and promoting his auction. Cars and Coffee Drew

 

So which was your favorite at Cars and Coffee?

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Barrett-Jackson Auction is Gearing up for Gearheads

It may not yet be Christmas but the auction houses are already gearing up to bestow upon us some gifts. Besides site prep and advertising, the houses are still accepting consignments and promoting specific cars. Barrett-Jackson will have the most cars and most days of auctions naturally, but plenty of action will be available in January.

Last month at the Fall Nationals car show in Scottsdale, AZ sponsored by Goodguys Rod and Custom Association, the Barrett-Jackson folks rolled out a few cars to review. We are big fans of the winged supercars and Barrett-Jackson didn’t disappoint by bring out two of these beasts.

1970 Plymouth Superbird Limelight Green

This restoration included a matching numbers engine and transmission duo. It packs a 440 six-barrel carburetor along with a Hurst 4 speed manual transmission. Plus it includes an eight track stereo. The Limelight Green color can be spotted a mile away and this car has less than 50,000 miles clocked on the odometer.Barrett Jackson 1970 Plymouth

1970 Plymouth Superbird Lemon Twist Yellow

If you looked quick you might not recognize the differences in this model, other than the color. The power train is a twin with a 440 CI six barrel engine and Hurst four speed. But besides the color difference this version has slightly more miles at 55,000+, but the white interior still looked flawless.Barrett Jackson Side View Superbird

We’ll be curious if these two rockets hit it out of the ballpark next month.

If that was not enough they also rolled out a customized 1963 Black Split Window Corvette. It features a new LS3 engine with a 4 speed automatic. The ride is smooth thanks to an Art Morrison chassis and includes creature comforts like air conditioning and power steering, brakes, windows and even a power hood opener. Plus they have those thin red line tires for a period correct look.

Or how about a red 1967 Corvette convertible? It has similar components as the 1963 but is topless.

For a change of pace they also brought out a Factory Five 35 truck that is a Barrett-Jackson “limited edition”. You still build it the way you want but the kit truck will bear the BJ name. But if you want a classic truck you should check out this 1951 Chevy 3100 pickup. The five window truck was customized with a C6 Corvette suspension and power train. The bed is extended and everything was smoothed over.

So hopefully these will stoke the fire until the auction rolls around. Can’t wait, can you?

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Art Cars Are Part of Houston’s Day of the Dead

Art Cars Come AliveSugar Skull

Day of the Dead, or Dia de Muertos, has been a long standing Hispanic tradition. It comes the day after Halloween, which in the Catholic faith is All Saints Day. Generally it extends for the two days after Halloween, concluding on November 2nd. In Mexico it is an actual official government holiday. It became a day for remembering loved ones that had passed away. Often it included the opportunity to clean the gravesite of family members.

Houston’s Art CarsArt Car

In recent years it has morphed into more of a festive celebration but still focused on remembering those who have passed away. This year Houston, Texas held a celebration at night at Discovery Green in downtown, not far from Minute Maid Park. Yep that place where the Astro’s lost game seven of the World Series.

Art Cars

Beyond a wide variety of music and vendor booths were several touted “art cars”. One even had been painted with chalk paint so that people could use the provided paint to “write” on the car. Pretty cool use of chalk and the art cars were always attracting crowds of folks. Always nice seeing how the love of automobiles extends into other events.Art Car Skulls

How did you celebrate the Day of the Dead?

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Lowrider Guadalupe Style Down and Low

A while back the Intimidators Car Club sponsored the Guadalupe Car Show. The dusty streets of Guadalupe, AZ were shut down for this event filled with lowriders of all dimensions and plenty of fun activities.Guadalupe Car Show

Lowrider

We’ve always been enchanted of the craftsmanship involved in these rides. Whether it is old school or a newer vintage car and truck the workmanship is spot on. Of course you expect some awesome, vivid paint jobs and terrific stances from these lowriders. But best of all is the camaraderie and friendship that the owners exhibit amongst themselves and the various car clubs.Guadalupe Car Show

Guadalupe

It is an interesting venue as Guadalupe may be one of the poorest and most disadvantaged towns in the Phoenix metro area, but for this one day that doesn’t matter.Guadalupe Car Show

Low Rider Old SchoolGuadalupe Car Show

Personally we favor the old school Impalas, but this show proves that any car is a contender for the lowrider lifestyle. Mix in some paint, a killer suspension, maybe some engraving and plenty of compressors and battery power and you are set to jet! It may seem that we hit a number of lowrider shows but hey, we have eclectic tastes and always enjoy the rides and friendships.Guadalupe Lowrider Car Show

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