Tag Archives: Rod and Custom

Car show

Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) Shows Off at SEMA

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The Hot Rod Industry Alliance (HRIA) holds an evening reception during the SEMA Show. And while I enjoy meeting up with old buddies and making new friends, I also enjoy checking out the cars that were handpicked to be displayed at the reception.

A total of six cars and trucks were highlighted this year, so let’s take a look at these beauties.

HRIA – 55 T-Bird

From NASCAR’s” hometown” Mooresville, NC came this 55 Thunderbird in silver hues. A tube chassis mated up to a stock floor pan. It has a Ford Coyote 5.0 L 302 under the hood and Tremec six speed, with Vintage Air Conditioning and nice Halibrand knock off wheels.HRIA 55 Thunderbird

HRIA – 63 Corvette

This convertible Corvette is powered by a Chevy small block 355 with a five speed Tremec. A slick set of Inglese side draft carburetors looked mean and it borrowed some C4 chassis components and a C5’s brake set up. The blue color was an added touch.HRIA 63 Corvette side view

HRIA – 55 Ford

Another Texas build, this one used an Art Morrison chassis and a 528 Boss engine with a TKO 600 transmission. Knock of wheels looked nice with that stance and Gabe’s Interiors did the upholstery.HRIA 55 Ford

HRIA – 59 Rambler

I never get tired looking at this beauty. It was a Great Eight finalist for the Ridler Award in Detroit. The 2 door wagon features a LS small block with Hemi heads and a supercharger. Gabe’s did this interior as well and a Mesa, AZ shop did the work, including over 30 body modifications.HRIA 59 Rambler

HRIA – 70 Challenger

This blue beauty hailed from Mooresville, NC as well and used a 4L60E transmission  with an Edelbrock EFI set up.  Lots of custom work went into shaping those bumpers and changing the rocker panels by lowering them.HRIA 70 Challenger passenger view

HRIA- 69 Chevy C-10

In acknowledgement that trucks can be hot rods and the C-10 is a hot model, out rolled this nice 1969 Chevy. It has a LSX engine (461 ci) with a supercharger and a Tremec six speed. The Roadster Shop supplied the chassis and the owner claims 1000 horsepower with this set up.HRIA 69 Chevy C-10 driver's side

So a nice collection of vehicles helped make for a great evening with the Hot Rodders. They gave out some nice awards and acknowledgements. Can’t wait to meet up with them next year.

So what vehicle struck your heart?

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Car show, Uncategorized

America’s Most Beautiful Roadster 2015

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To win the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster Award (AMBR) at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS) you must meet certain requirements, besides knowing the alphabet. The car must be a roadster (no hardtop), have no windows in the doors, younger than 1937 and not been entered into any previous public show.LA Roadster Banner

Grand National Roadster Show

For the sixtieth year of the Grand National Roadster Show, which bills itself as the longest running indoor car show in the world, the judges selected a 1933 Ford roadster built by Bobby Alloway as the winner of the gargantuan trophy.  Larry Olson from South Dakota owns the car. The Grand National Roadster Show originated in Oakland California, moved to LA and then settled in at Pomona.America's Most Beautiful Roadster Passenger Side

 America’s Most Beautful Roadster

This is the second time a Bobby Alloway built car won the award. To make this beauty low, Alloway touched all the panels and stretched the front end two inches. It was finished in black with a yellow “Ohio-style” flame job,The motor is a Hemi 241 with a set of Stromberg 97’s on top, but hiding an actual fuel injection system. A Tremec five speed is attached and links up to a Halibrand quick change rear end.America's Most Beautiful Roadster Driver's Side

AMBR Contenders

There were eighteen contenders for the award this year and some showed some serious workmanship and were rightful contenders. Along with the contenders, the past year winner was present which we have seen before, as was the Detroit Riddler winner. Made for some impressive bragging rights in the building.America's Most Beautiful Roadster 2014 Winner

GNRS Awards

Besides the AMBR award there are a slew of other awards issued in various categories and on Saturday and Sunday the locals bring out some neat cars for a two-day outdoor car show. One building was dedicated to just the 1940 Ford, celebrating its 75th anniversary. In future blogs we will highlight the other contenders and some other awesome cars we saw. So be sure and subscribe to our blog.America's Most Beautiful Roadster Front View

What do you think of Alloway’s build?

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Car show, Uncategorized

Cruisin’ Grand Car Show in Escondido

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Escondido’s weekly car show, “Cruisin Grand“, wrapped up their summer of events this past Friday with one last show.  It started back in April and we covered the start as well.  There are just some awesome cars and trucks at this weekly show that you won’t see anywhere else.Escondido Lead Sled Driver's Side

Escondido

Escondido, California may be best known for being home to the San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park and is a short inland drive from San Diego’s cool tropical climate.  But every Friday night, downtown Escondido heats up with a neat car show-cruise.Escondido Chevrolet

The main drive is reserved for classic cars and trucks.  A few side streets are blocked off as well.  bands play on various corners and an emcee/DJ plays some oldies and keeps the crowd entertained.  But the real draw has to be the cars.Escondido Rod

15 Year Anniversary

This is the 15th anniversary year for the free show that pulls in cars from across the SoCal car scene with their theme nights and club sponsorships.  The final week is Nitro Night which is a huge draw and even picks up some national magazine coverage.Escondido Chevy

Escondido Downtown Merchants

Many restaurants stay open specifically for the Friday night cruise and there is a terrific kettle corn lady along with other food and drink vendors.  It takes a large group of volunteers and some cash to keep this event safe and fun and they all do a good job!

It is worth the drive, if you are there on a Friday night next summer!Escondido Drag Car

Here are some additional cars to feats your eyes on.  Which is your favorite?

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Car show, Manufacturer news, Uncategorized

Scion Coming to SEMA

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SEMA Signage
SEMA Show in Las Vegas

Toyota’s Scion brand is prepping for the upcoming SEMA Show in a big way by teasing out two sketches of some customized, tricked out Scion’s. Scion will showcase in Las Vegas at least two models; a Slayer Mobile Amp tC themed after trash metal band Slayer and a Riley Hawk Skate Tour xB named for the pro skateboarder.

Scion

Scion’s have always branded and positioned themselves as an entry market for coming of age drivers and buyers and offer many ways to customize the cars right off the dealer’s lot.
Last year Toyota had some neat racer inspired cars plus a “Tanked” Highlander which we showcased here. Now we’ll have to be sure and check out the Scion cars this year!

Scion SlayerSlayer

You’d expect a Slayer dedicated show car to focus on the music and you wouldn’t be wrong.

The music is going to be pumping out of this tC for sure. Slayer is a California formed heavy metal band and has won two Grammy awards. It will be interesting to see if any of the four band members make it out for the debut of this Scion.

Riley Hawk

Riley Hawk’s ride, an xB, will present a flashback to the 70’s van craze. His ride will have shag carpet, bubble windows and wood paneling on the interior. Can’t wait to see it in person at the SEMA show in Las Vegas. There is bound to be enough room for his skateboard in this tricked out Scion!Scion Hawk

Riley Hawk is the son of Tony Hawk, who revolutionized skateboarding on the West Coast. Riley is only 21 years of age and is already an award winning skater, but suspect Dad had to explain what shag carpeting was about!

SEMA

The sketches are a bit limited in presenting what the final version will look like, but can’t wait to see the outcomes in a month at the SEMA Show. We’ll keep our eye peeled for more progress updates.

 

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Artwork courtesy of Toyota ©

 

Car show, Uncategorized

Encinitas Classic Car and Truck Cruise In and Show

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Encinitas, California is located just a short hop up the San Diego coast and offers a laid back surfer vibe.  It is known not only for the surfing action and fish tacos, but also local one of a kind shops and furniture showrooms.  But twice a month during the summer months the downtown streets come alive with  a classic car show.

EncinitasThursdays are for Cruising

On the  third Thursdays in the summer, from May through September, the Encinitas downtown group sponsors this car show along historic Pacific Coast Highway 101.

Woodie for the SurfAlong with the cars, bands can be heard performing and of course cars are always cruising the main drag. Plus many adjacent bars and restaurants are open with specials offered for the onlookers.

Classic Cars and Trucks

Now being a surfer city you just know Encinitas will dust off a few woodies for the show.  But all varieties of classic cars and trucks come out for this once a month laid back car show.Cadillac at Encinitas

Pacific Coast Highway

The car show spans the 101 Highway, from D to J Streets, along with some adjacent parking lots from cooperative shops.  Portions of the Ppacific Coast Highway 101 hug the coastline of California.Pacific Coast Highway 101

Unlike other local events there is no signage reserving the on street parking for the classics so you often get a mix of classic Detroit Iron next to a plastic swoopy car!  Awards are given out but there is more interest in the cars presented than the picks and awards.Corvette at Encinitas

Cruisers

Now parking for the public is a bit intense so if you go, plan on your own “cruising event” looking for a parking spot, but you’ll be rewarded with a sweet show.  The season, alas, has ended for the Encinitas show, but you can relive the fun times with our pictures.  Enjoy the snapshots and let us know your favorite.

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Car show, Uncategorized

El Cajon Classic Car Cruise

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El Cajon Cruise Night Street SignEl Cajon

During the summer, downtown El Cajon, CA sponsors a free car cruise-show each Wednesday night. There is a theme each week spotlighting select cars or car clubs. The main street through downtown is reserved for classic cars and trucks. A DJ spin some classic rock and folks have a chance to see some great looking cars.

You get all variety of cars and trucks and best of all some will cruise the streets so you can see them in action.

This tricked out rod was done with a sense of humor and style.El Cajon Cruise Night Salt Driverand it obviously is not a trailer queen as evidenced by these deals on the rear window.

El Cajon Cruise Night Decals

Cruisers

Did we mention cars cruise down the streets?

El Cajon Cruise Night CruisersEl Cajon Cruise Night Cruising

Where else can you see a CamaroEl Cajon Cruise Night 68 Camaroand a Rolls Royce at the same event?El Cajon Cruise Night Rolls Royce

Enjoy the pictures and it is not too late to take in this show if you are in the San Diego area on a Wednesday night!  It runs through October 29, 2014. Many restaurants stay open and there are usually some sidewalk vendors as well.Cajon Cruise 2014

Here are some selected pictures of some classics? Which is your favorite?

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Auctions, Car show

Boyd Coddington Cars from Ron Pratte Collection

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Boyd Coddington built a great variety of award winning cars.  This Southern California icon left us way too soon.  But fortunately his cars remain to showcase his vision and talent.

Ron Pratte Collection

Ron Pratte collected plenty of cars over the years and will be selling them at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Arizona in January.  While specifics haven’t been finalized, it is thought that all his cars will be sold.  Here’s a link to our first article about Ron Pratte selling off his cars.

Pratte never has opened his car collection to the public but we got an exclusive peek a few years ago.

Boyd Coddington

Amongst his collection, Pratte owns the largest collection of Boyd Coddington built cars.  Coddington earned fame after winning an AMBR award but many first heard of him on a reality TV show, American Hot Rod – that set the theme for car building TV series.

In Pratte’s collection are a stylistic version of the classic 57 Chevy – Chezoom,  a homage to a 32 Delahaye called the Whatthehaye and the AlumaTub.

All three cars reflect Coddington’s iconic style, long sweeping lines and smooth bodysides.

Here’s a link to an article we contributed to eBay Motors on these Boyd Coddington cars.

Which is your favorite?

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Auctions, Car show, Uncategorized

Pratte Car Collection Selling Soon

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Classic cars from the Ron Pratte Collection
Collector automobilia from Ron Pratte’s display
Classic cars from the Ron Pratte Collection

Ron Pratte has been a prolific classic car collector and is known for the size of his private collection and his generosity in buying “charity” cars, with the  proceeds going to specific charities.

Arizona Auction

Recently Barrett-Jackson confirmed the swirling rumors that Ron Pratte was selling his entire collection next January at their Scottsdale, AZ auction at Westworld.

Ron Pratte Collection

Ron Pratte stored his cars behind closed doors in Chandler, Arizona and only rarely allowed outsiders to see these cars.  These pictures are rare glimpses of some expensive and profound historical cars.

Here is a link to an eBay Motors article we recently wrote highlighting three vehicles from Ron Pratte’s collection that presumably are selling.  What do you think they’ll sell for?  Subscribe to this blog for a future update on another part of his collection.

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Car show, Uncategorized

Studebaker and Suburban Featured in Hot Rod Magazine

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Studebaker rearHot Rod magazine’s August 2014 highlighted two cars that we first saw at the SEMA Show.  Funny how some cars just stand out and end up being touted by all?  Out of the thousands of cars at SEMA, some just naturally are just dang drop dead perfect and deserve detailed views and attention.

66 Suburban

Our friends at Hot Rod Magazine For August, 2014 devoted three pages (page 108-110) on Mr. Gasket’s Lime Crush – a 66 Suburban.  We gave you our view of this awesome build here.  Great attention to detail and just about every body panel was massaged to some degree.Lime Crush Low Shot

51 Studebaker

In the same issue, they take a look at a 51 Studebaker owned by Dennis Varni.  It too was at the SEMA show and drew plenty of admiring glances in its prime aisle spot.  Eight pages don’t do it justice, so we had to add our pictures too.

The Studebaker actually passed through three sets of hands before completion.  It sits on an Art Morrison frame.  A Ford 427 engine has fuel injection and uses a GM 700R4 transmission.  The wood work is spot on beautiful.  Lots of onlookers took double takes trying to figure out if Studebaker ever made a woodie!

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Car show, Uncategorized

Hot Rod Sells for Under a Buck

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Hot Rods for Sale Cheap

hot rod stamps

Would you be interested in buying a 1932 Ford Deuce for only 49¢? Even more incredible, you can buy two different 1932 Ford Deuce’s for under a buck! No, you don’t have to send the money by Western Union; and no the buyer isn’t moving to Nigeria next week. In fact this sale is supported and approved by the United States government.

Unfortunately these hot rods are only on paper and sold by the US Postal Service. Bummer.

USPS

The Postal Service is offering two different hot rod Ford deuces for sale for the “forever” price of 49¢ each. The two choices are a black ’32 Ford roadster with flames on the sides or a red ’32 Ford roadster. The black deuce is a view from the right rear, while the red 32 Ford is coming dead on at yet. Both feature a stylistic black on yellow license plate featuring “USA”.

Hot Rod Artwork

Hot Rods

Both illustrations were created digitally. These rods were originally designed by Derry Noyes and then illustrated digitally by John Mattos. Mattos is an acclaimed illustrator based out of San Francisco, California. You may recall that the USPS has released two previous sets of classic muscle car stamps in their collectible series.

32 Ford Hot Rod

The 32 Ford “deuce” is an iconic vehicle and is a popular vehicle to wrench on both “back in the day” and now. The distinctive grill is an iconic look for the deuce hot rods, and is gracefully highlighted on the red 32 Ford stamp.
The hot rod stamps will be released on June 6, 2014 in conjunction with the 41st “East Plus” National Street Rod Association meet in at York, Pennsylvania

Hot Rod Art Frame
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Illustrations courtesy USPS