The Race of Gentlemen Wildwood New Jersey 2018 A fun weekend

Well, this may take a few days to add photos and describe some of the cool rides that we saw over there on the East Coast of the USA, I had never been to Wildwood and I was not disappointed at all, its so different from Southern California, the weather changed every 5 minutes, the houses were huge, the food was great and the Boardwalk was 2 Miles long.

The Race of Gentlemen is held on the Beach front in Wildwood and with the weather being so Humid, it took a while for my camera to stop fogging up, and when it did, the fog came in anyway. LOL!

 

Here is a video someone else did and I have shared it for you to see of what goes on here once a year in this Coastal town.

Jennifer and I walked up the 2 mile Boardwalk in Wilwood, it had a feeling of Coney Island to me, with the fair ground and Roller coaster full of screaming kids on vacation, halfway up the Boardwalk you could see that there were checkered Posts and markers on the beach, to show the Race lanes for the Race Of Gentlemen.

As we approached the TROG entrance, you could smell the Marvel Mystery oil and sometimes a hint of Race Fuel, as it wafted towards us with the warm humid air that filled the air around the vicinity of the Race Course.

The was a fun atmosphere that you could feel as you walked into the where there were some bleachers located, the unfortunate thing was that now that everybody knows about the Race of gentlemen, Everybody turned out for it, and it was almost impossible to see anything from the side lines of the beach and no chance of getting up into the sand dunes as that was already packed.

But-after standing on Tippy Toes, we decided to acquire some Pit passes and hang out in the area that I always dig anyway.

It may be titled, the Race Of Gentlemen, but quite a few Ladies were in the Mix of racing, something I am super stoked about, My Girl loves Motorcycles and Hot Rods and would be more than eager to race me and probably beat me every time, which will be fine by me, I love watching Women Race.

What a Great little Roadster, this shorty Altered ran fast and hard all weekend and skinny tires was a plus in soft sand tracks and was great fun watching her beat the guys.

Two Orange County friends of mine made the trip, over 2500 Miles to attend this event, and are riding Early Harley’s at the Track, now there’s a couple of people that have a True passion for our industry and lifestyle, it was Hot, and very Humid, so 10 out of 10 being able to sport vintage style race Sweaters.

We chatted for a little while and as the heat started to take an impact, we left for a walk of the rest of the pit area of which was a hive of activity as racers rush to dial their machines in.

Really loved this 28 Roadster, it is my kind of style, has so much cool patina too and ran really well on the sand.

How cool is this, I have splash Aprons left on my Model A and hope to have something cool painted to the side, but the added coolness was the exhaust’s exited out of them.

I liked pretty much everything on this Roadster except the fan, but each to their own and loved the oil filter case and the Aircraft braided Plug wires too.

Lining up on the beach, Hot Rods and Motorcycles all gather to get ready for racing at the Tower and a Flag start gets them off to a flying start, just like back in the day.

Commercialism always catches up, that boat out in the distance had an LED display advertising board and kept cruising by, modern technology meets old I guess.

Little Flatheads and inline four Motorcycles squared off with each other, these were fun to watch and even though some of these machines are 70 years old, they sure started to get fast .

Everybody was really into the racing, be it Motorcycles or Hot Rods and, what an experience as this is how it was invented here in the States and boy was it exciting.

Sushi heads back from another race, unfortunately he took quite a tumble and was sent to the hospital but is on the road to recovery now and God Speed to you Sir!

Motorcycle clubs race each other and great commeraderie was seen.

Lisa English heads back from taking the 29 Roadster for a Hot Race on the beach, so great to see Girls getting into this and beating the guys too.

East Coast style, unchopped but channeled, I never see too many East Coast Hot Rods as I live on the West coast, so this was great to see for me and it ran string all day long.

I had no Idea this was Eli English, couldn’t get to see him in the Pits as he was busy but loved this coupe, Great Hot Rod Family too.

Tidy Three Window sat happily on the fine Sand at Wilwood, really nice looking rig, Chromed 32 grill shell, Dropped headlight Bar, BLC lights, 40 steelies on Firestones

It sure was humid on Saturday, before I went to the race, I looked at a few rides that  were scattered about the Beach, loved it all and many different styles and models to see.

This 30 Model A with what looks like a Dodge Truck grill shell set up seemed to have fun and received plenty of attention in the Pit area as I arrived here.

Really well built Roadster, Loved the Kelseys, the 48 Chevy tail lights and the push bar at the rear, as well as the marvel Mystery Oil catch can like I have on my Roadster.

Plenty of different styles of Hot Rods to look at and get really close too, that was a bonus for me, the day was going to be great.

Very tasty and sits so well on the sand, nothing I don’t like on this Roadster, its bang on the money in my eyes and was glad to be able to look over it as we walked around the Pits.

Great Minds think a like, I have Edelbrock heads where he has Offy but we have same intake and carbs and the same Catch tank too.

Nice to see people chlling and cacthing up, chatting about their machines and what they hope to do with it, this Triple 6  Model T Roadster looked like fun and it sure was.

This A Bone say really high but, was an advantage on the deep sand and he ran all weekend long too.

Love the Barney Navarro 21 stud heads, running triple carbs, not a fan of the Alternator but a great ride none the less.

The Pits were a buzz with activity and the smell of Castrol Oil or Marvel Mystery was definitely in the air when we arrived.

What a wicked Roadster, Love it all and the Flathead sounded so sharp and crisp too, I even loved the Color of the body too.

This old Fella in his Altered Model T rang hard and Long all weekend, showing the younger guys what Racing is all about, wearing a Buco style Crash Helmet this guy was serious about Racing.

Lining up in thePits to get ready to lanes  you Raced at the Wooden Surf Towers and then Flag started right there on the beach.

A couple of Five Window Coupes Pass like ships in the night one with steelies, one with wires, getting ready to do battle as the Races start to get a little closer here at Wilwood.

Awesome Roadster, NJ plates, Quick change and Flatty powered a real cool Period style Hot Rod.

See, what a fun sight, people hanging out and getting ready to take their own contraption for a blast along the sandy beach and go for all its worth at the Race Of Gentlemen.

This got my attention real quick, take a peel at this rail, Killer set up with the rear tank acting as a pressurized Radiator , some neat touches to this Jalopy for sure.

Tri- Carb powered, Alloy 24 stud heads, Crab Distributor and look how cool the tubing was that exited the water pumps and headed back to the tank at the rear of the chassis.

Take a look at the Banger, loved the Headers on this Model A, it was simplistic , functional and reliable too.

This is the fella from Gas Monkey Garage and he drove the rail in a few races and looked like he was having a lot of fun sitting on a bodyless Hot Rod.

Coupes are not just for Chickens and we saw many here at Wilwood, what I liked is that I had never seen these cars as they were mostly East Coast machines.

This Channeled 5 window is so East coast style and for me, great to see, they do say the reason so many were Channeled on the East Coast was many of the floors were rotted from the harsh weather conditions, so it made sense to channel the cars and also cut the rust out, sounds pretty feasible to me. This is Eli English who owns and runs Traditional Speed & Custom.

Early Plate on this Model A, I noticed many liked to use the single stop light in the middle, looks great and makes use of the three holes that are there from factory.

Sat in the Pits before entering the beach staging lanes, a hive of activity was going on but the Humidity was Killer on Saturday, I have never experienced that before but was so glad that we made the 2500 mile trip here to see this event take place in New Jersey.

Lisa in her Roadster, she was having a blast and not afraid of giving this 29 Roadsters Right pedal a hammering as she raced the guys all weekend.

Last puff of hos Cancer Stick before he hits the beach, Smoking is dangerous, racing Vintage Hot Rods is too but thats half the fun, racing Jalopy’s I mean as I dont smoke.

Hot Rods and Motorcycles out on the Beach at Wildwood, the Breeze helped thats for sure and I was surprised how fast the tide came in and, it came right up to where they were racing.

A different set of T&A’s on the Beach to what you lot normally see right?

People came from not only all over the States, but Globally, especially from Japan, so cool to see the Nostalgic culture is World Wide still and seems to be increasing, but any racing is dangerous and poor Sushi crashed his Harley, he rattled his head and went to hospital but I hear he is ok, just a little battered and bruised.

Believe it of not- This is Gene Winfield himself, I spoke to him and said what did he think of this meet, he said he loved it, I asked him if he had raced and he said hell yeah and was excited, he also informs me that This coming Saturday will be his 91st Birthday.

Gene wearing an old Patco style Race helmet drives back from a Run up the Beach, just look at that Blown Ardun Flathead motor, must be $100,000 in that Motor alone easily.

This 5 window looks to be an original Race car of the Jalopy Races era and un chopped too and great to see this racing once more.

Another unchopped 5 window, headlights covered up and hood sides fitted, this was a great traditional car thats daily driven.

Scott Sheehan ran strong all weekend, this Roadster is really dialed in, its not happy in the soft sand, but where it is a little more compacted, the A-Bone comes into its own and he was hard to beat.

Scott’s Ride is bang on the Money, a tough ride and tuned really well, it sounded awesome too.

Traditional Modified look Great in Suede Black and Red Kelsey Hayes, sat on the ground well and was a tough machine, loved the Flathead too.

Killer Roadster, I thought it was a California car as I saw Chino on the Hood, but East coast, and a great job done for sure on this 32 Special, ran hard and straight as well.

How cool is this 29 Roadster? I mean , it is right on the money here, Drilled I-Beam, Juice Brakes,Steelies with Firestones, Flathead mill 32 grill shell and Ox Blood interior, I loved this.

Loved the Patina on this Roadster as it came back from its run up the beach, the old boy was having a blast and probably said to his wife  first thing in the morning

. ” Just shooting up to the Pharmacy to pick up my prescription” LOL!

Making the turn into the pits to get ready for another run at TROG.

Bikes came back from there run, riding on the Beach is not as easy as you may think.

Easy Lad, Easy- the sand sure gives you a work out if you are using handlebars.

Everyone was having fun though at this event and thats the main thing, there was plenty to see thats for sure.

Loved the front springer and the bars on this Harley, sounded great as he went by me.

Wo Boy! This HD was starting to fight the rider all the way through the pits, must of been quite a work out and am sure was aching for a few days after the Races.

I really liked this Harley, it sat so well and was proportioned right on for me, great job number 143 thats a Killer machine right there.

Plenty of Riders and Drivers got stuck or had a few little mechanical issues but- it was all resolved pretty fast to my surprise.

I loved that Belly tank that was on the Beach and it ran all weekend, must of been bumpy as hell.

A fun atmosphere at Wildwood, the people were all friendly and had a blast taking on all the other Hot Rods as they made their start up by the Wooden Tower, to a Flag start.

Keeping the Motorcycle up in Soft sand in the Pit area was a tad difficult at times but, some how they kept it pointing in the right direction and got to their service area.

My mate Jimmy White of Circle City Hot Rods in Orange, California came all the way up with his Machine.

Jimmy White makes the save as the soft sands kills power and steering, but he kept his cool as always and ploughed through this part of the pits as it gets pretty tore up in the area from all the traffic that was moving to and from the staging lanes all weekend.

Back on the Power and no worries as Jimmy heads into the Pit area for some refreshment and a little service work on this Humid day in New Jersey.

The Flat Bastard was running well all weekend too, these are not cheap machines let me tell you, some of these are worth in excess of $20K to get them right.

This old fella in his 30 Roadster ran a tight ship, the 255 ci flatty sounded strong, it sat well and handled the sandy beach pretty well.

Seeing this Model T was great, it was light as hell and rab pretty strong with the 4 Banger and I think surprised a lot of people on the track this weekend.

 

What is not to like about this Roadster, Canadian Heads, Thickston High rise alone made it great, sits well and sounded amazing as it drove by us in Wilwood.

Pulling in from racing on the beach, the pits were getting a little chopped up but that made it good for me to be able to take a few photos as they drove into the area.

I watched this 1928 Model A Run all weekend and loved the whole look of this Period machine, what a great Hot Rod, loved the lines and style, the guy was having a ball with that Jalopy.

28 Roadster sat high but looked great and seemed to handle the sand pretty good, maybe due to the height, still see the Running Board struts showing.

I tried a few different vantage points at the Pits but to be honest, it was so busy, if you moved, someone would jump in your place, so I stood fast for a while and took snaps when I thought it would make a good picture.

Everybody got a run but the wait time was too long to be honest and the humidity was up the Ying Yang.

Cleaner than any cats Arse, this Roadster was bang on, even the doors fitted well, my ones are about as close as I dare and could still stack pennies in the gap below, this machine was just put together meticulously and it showed and good on him for bringing it out for all of us to have a look at.

50’s style 5 window sat really well and had the Roundy Roundy Chicken wire windshield.

Some of the photos I have taken look similar to others but I assure you that these were on different races and times of the day, but hope these do not bore you as they do not me, I love looking at Hot Rods and even though each photo is almost 10 megabytes and takes ages to load onto my website, I believe its worth all the time and energy I have put into it to share with everyone.

Hurry Up and Wait was the order of the day but- I am sure all the races had something to chin wag about as they waited for the OK from the man in the Tuxedo and the Bird with the flag.

 

The T-Wrecker was pretty cool, bring Broken down Motorcycles back or towing Hot Rods down the beach and ran fine all weekend.

The good thing was there was plenty of people around to help if you got stuck in the boggy sand, but there really were too many people in the pits to be honest.

A cooler Breeze later helped big time and that tide started to move in real fast, then later the fog came in too but was still in the 80’s.

If you look hard enough, you can see Two Motorcycles that are 3/4 of the way up the track, guy on the right is getting down over the tank the best he can for the Win.

Mechanics and drivers all hung out between races to stratagise and come up with some sort of game plan to edge the other racer out, I think just Nail it and go would be my Philosophy.

A Hole Lot of Regerts?

Orange Turtle Deck T- Roadster makes its way up the beach, you can see someones drone trying to chase it.

Come in Number 416 your time is up, this was part of the Beach I could not walk on, but some people came to his rescue once they noticed he was struggling, ever tried to push a Motorcycle in the Sand? It’s bloody hard work.

Heading out, decent tire tread helps a lot and this geezer seems to be alright for the moment, as he makes his way to the staging lane.

Getting to the pits was a bit of a task in the afternoon but, most people got it sorted out. But this young Bloke seems to be well in control to be honest.

How thew hell was this bloke clean? I mean he lined up, raced, and then made the return and not a spec of sand on him.

Another super clean machine makes it back virtually unscathed, quite amazing!

Old Fella’s still having fun and getting a work out too, love seeing this and great job mate.

Getting a little bumpy now but a good area for me to take a few snaps as the bikes came back from their Races and return back to the pits once more.

Now I have no idea what a Scrubby Puffer is and not sure I want to either, as the dude in the super cool Yellow Sedan looks on.

This Blokes Indian wanted to stop for a breather as it was pretty Hot in the afternoon but he got it fired up after a bit of kicking and swearing and on his way.

How cool is this 29 Model A? Period car here and he has a blast in that all day.

Digging the Bars on this, looks like he is 2 up but thats another geezer on a bike right behind him.

Motorcycles and Hot Rods, a Super Combination if you ask me and everybody got along.

I think that is Mr Chin in his Roadster, this is an original built Hot Rod from back in the day, I saw this Race up at the RPM Nationals in Santa Margarita Ranch last year, a consistent machine for sure.

Theres a different angle shot I took of this super Nice 28 Roadster, what a really cool ride, great job mate I loved it.

I wanted the McCullogh Blower and intake oiff of this machine, it sounded wicked and you could tell the power difference right away.

A work out but something that you wont forget when you finally get home and the next day you have more aches than a set of infected teeth.

This Board Track Racer was consistent in running hard and did really well on the Sandy Conditions.

Model A Coupe bouncing its way back, making more noise than the waves crashing in behind him.

This 34 Roadster was really well built, sat well, drove hard and handle awesome, a nice Hot Rod there.

This inline Four Indian did well and he even rode it home, Loved seeing all these old bikes having a go on the Sand.

A Mixture of everything here, Mid engine Roadster Ran pretty Hard all weekend too.

If at first you dont exceed, feck it, leave it there.

Fog was coming in and it was Humid at the same time and, the tide was coming in too.

Gene Winfields Blown Ardun Powered Roadster, with the 90 year Old behind the wheel was just Epic.

Getting ready to line up and GO!!!!!

Gene will be 91 years Young This coming Saturday, how cool is that?

New Jersey Roadster sits patiently and waits for the go ahead to race.

See how sometimes it gets foggy from the humidity? it will then rain, then get even hotter, so weird to me.

Another Rail with a Flathead and clean as can be, this was really well built, so much time and detail in this creation too.

Lisa awaits her start as she sits in the 29 Roadster with everybody else.

Hey, Come on you lot, lets get this race underway, times a wasting and I got stuff to do.

Getting ready for the Big Off, almost ready to go as they all sit on the Beach getting Hot.

Come on lads, give us a push.

I took so many shots, I am trying to keep them as cool as I can, dont want you lot getting bored of the same car but these are pretty cool to look at.

Looks like at some point in time, this 28 Roadster had Schroder steering or a bell set up, as you can see the hole in the side for the pitman arm to exit the steering box.

This Bloke was having fun with his A-Bone all weekend.

This Roadster was just so right, loved everything I saw and it sounded really crisp too.

Evans Heads equipped with a Quad Intake Manifold, check the exhaust out too.

Plenty of activity later on in the day.

Jenn thought the Security Guard looked like The Big Lebowski, I must admit he does look like Jeff Bridges.

Some awesome Motorcycles here, not so sure on the cut front fender but the rest is on the money.

This Young Lady Ran all weekend and the Modified was super clean too.

In the Pits and Boy was it getting crowded in there.

I would love this for my Roadster, this had a unique sound of its own as he hit the Gas pedal.

Even Billy Lane turned up and Raced here.

People braved the Sea to get a free view of the Racing here at Wilwood.

Getting ready to line up against each other and head on up the beach , the geezer with the Penguin Suit on lines em up.

Trying to get as many races in before the Mist gets in, the tide gets in and the storm gets in.

Things seem to be rolling to a start a little faster now and thank god as I was sweating buckets and hoping my camera would not fog up with all this Humidity on the Beach.

The Tuxedo bloke reminded me a little of ED ROTH.

Our guy from the O.C. Grant Peterson jumps of his Checkered Harley and goes for it and wins.

East Coast special, Un-Chopped and Channeled and ready to Rock.

This school teacher had his Pupils build this, for shop class, how cool is that? Ran great too.

Heading on the Return from Racing, I liked this Model A and the lines were clean.

You can see that the tide is now getting closer to the shore.

What a Killer 3 Window Coupe.

I think the guy in the Leathers rode to the event.

Pit crews heading to the cars as the time gets closer to race.

There is that rail again, I wonder if he will be running with a body on it for next years event?

More drivers heading back for their final run.

How fun would this be eh? he must of been grinning all the way up the Beach.

The smell of Burnt Gas and oil, a great Combination.

Running a little Rich there Sir?

I loved this shot, I shoulf of done it in Black n White for a period feel to it.

Gene Winfield getting ready for another run in the Blown Ardun Roadster.

Outta My Way Buddy, I’m in this next Race.

What are these Two Guys up to? Laying bets?

Getting set up to Race each other as the Tide comes in and the Waves start to crash towards them.

Loved this 4 Banger, the headers were Bloody awesome.

Oilers Mid Engine Roadster was way cool to see and watch it run and it ran hard all the way.

Camera men all over the place from all over the world.

Grant gets set up to race an Indian on the beach.

Grant Petersen almost touch the Sea.

The Mist is coming in and rain comes down but, only for a short while, I have never experienced weather like this before, even when I lived in Australia.

Coming in Hot, 13B aptly named Four Bits comes into the pits, keeping his speed on so he does not bog down in this silty, soft silver sand.

The Daytona Flyer heading back out to race again.

Hanging in there on his Henderson.

Marvel Mystery Oil T- Roadster had some Motor issues, the timing jumped a tooth on the gear sprocket, so they rebuilt the motor over night and ran, very cool.

How frigging Tough is this Coupe?

I loved this 5 Window, really mean looking ride with a great stance set up.

It sure turned heads I tell ya.

Pretty cool 5 Window Model A Coupe with Frenched Model A Tail Lights was a great looking set up.

How much fun would this be at El Mirage? Or anywhere for that matter.

 

Getting into it with as least wind resistance as possible.

That Throttle is turned as far as it can go on this blokes Sickle.

Having fun and pushing the boundries of your two wheeled machine,and experiencing something that was done many many years ago.

Both Rails going Hell for Leather and it was a fun race too.

The 34 Roadster takes the Win on this Race and by quite a margin too.

The Young lady was hauling ass and winning by a big gap, but the guy on the Indian did not give up and pushed as hard as he possibly good, never back off on a race at all at anytime.

 

This Girl was leading all the way and as she approached the Checkers, for some reason she backed off, to allow the guy on the Indian to take the win.

Cam snappers 28 Roadster was cool, but as a couple of Motorcycle guys crashed racing, the cops made everyone wear Modern DOT helmets, thats kinda ruined the event to be honest.

What a wicked 29 eh? I watched this all weekend and it sounded great out of them Lakester style headers.

BRAAAAAP!

 

Now thats some Close Racing right there and so enjoyable.

Good to watch these two battle it out and it was who wanted it the most, we all saw Lisa win but the tower gave it to the old fella, you should of heard the Crowd fire up.

Number 24 trying to position himself to get some good traction by laying his body weight over the rear tire.

Some neat racing that I will never forget.

Caught him up but Just missed out by a nose.

This fella looks as relaxed as hell but he was sure having a blast on that Indian Motorcycle.

Enjoying time in the saddle and I loved this machine.

Doesnt look fast but he was hauling balls to be honest, very cool Model A Roadster.

Next up is Scott Sheehan who hails from Bay City in Michigan its a city that in Bay County that is located near the base of the Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. His Roadster is dialled in and on harder packed sand this would haul ass, winning 2 of the 3 races, he lost this race that I took photos of, because the rear end broke out, the sand was soft but, Scott kept the pedal hard to the steel and straightened it out but the other guy had managed to keep his straight to take the win. here are a few shots I took that I thought were pretty cool.

Digging in like a Tick on a Dog, but Scott keeps the Gas ploughed down.

Scotts hands are literally crossed over, fighting the girl all the way but not giving up, and thats the way to go on sand, as if you back off you will lose momentum.

People got a show this day and I was cheering him through my camera lens as I kept snapping pics of this epic race.

Flat out is the only way to go and persistence does pay dividends in the end but great to see to be honest, it just goes to show how unpredictable Sand can be.

You can see the Roadster has straightened out and is now in a perfect squat, getting power to the rear wheels and torqueing the rest of the way.

 

 

That was a Great Race and good entertainment for the Audience as well as onlookers in their Jalopy’s. Nice job there Scotty!

This Roadster has the Perfect stance, everything is great and I enjoyed watching it speed up and down the beach all weekend in Wilwood N.J.

How can you not have fun in partaking in an event such as this? I sure hope we get to do some more in Southern California.

Great times these two had, belting along the beach on their bikes and giving it all that it is worth.

Another Fine Model A and kept it on all four wheels the entire weekend too.

The Great lakes Special returns back down the beach, he had fun all the weekend.

Yet another Model A I liked, this 1929 Model was fun to watch and it sat really well.

Riding back to the start again, I could stop looking at the fella in the Pink lid, Cops made Competitors wear DOT lids on Sunday.

Killer 5 window, these #14 old Jalopy was tough as nails and warrants a couple of photos for sure on here.

There ya go, two different angles, what a cool piece of Hot Rod History right there.

I am glad I managed to grab some photos, I’m not a photographer as such but like to click away and see what I get when I go to shows and events as this is my passion and lifestyle, in that I mean Hot Rods and Motorcycles.

Hands up as he just loses out, but thats racing and he gave it his best shot. The Girly whooped his Arse!

Hot Rods, Sand, Sea and Surf, how cool.

That Model A is so right, could not stop watching it run up the track, just a well put together machine.

Great to see so many Roadsters and not one the same at all, that makes us all unique in this hobby and love what we do.

I wonder how much clean up this took when he got the chassis home? As I am sure it was ready for its new body.

This Young lady should of been named, Mrs Consistent, this ran well and enjoyed watching her take on the guys.

We also enjoyed watching this Tub race, yet another well put together Hot Rod and he had such a Blast racing .

I took this as he had finished the race and was heading back down the track to return to the pits.

Quad Carbed Roadster ran hard and sounded well dialled in, yet another cool machine that got a lot of attention .

How can you not like this Roadster, Epic build mate, well done.

29 Roadster with Kelseys and knock off Caps looked great with the T Wrecker next to him.

Hubba Hubba, just take a look at this 5 window, such a great example of a Hot Rod.

Model A on stock rims sits high but probably good in the soft sand.

Yes mate, sweet as a nut this ride, really is.

Boy did this sit high.

He was having fun and I guess if he broke down, at least you could easily crawl under it.

Was drawn to this Model A Roadster quite a bit, I have 36 Torque Tubes in storage that I want to use as exhausts and needed to see how loud these were by the doors.

But this has a 4 Banger in it so I could not gauge the noise level as a V8 will be way louder thats for sure, but really liked this Roadster.

The Oilers Turtle Deck slammed Roadster sounded great as it belted along the beach and was pretty fast too, but you would feel every bump being that low to the ground.

Tide was starting to come in but they still raced until it was almost at their tires and this was great to see these 2 rides on the Beach together.

These Boat Tail was just plain weird looking to me, not a fan at all to be honest but- Each to their own Right?

The Boat tail ran up to the end of the track after every heat of Races were complete and the drivers and riders would follow them back to the start line once more.

Giving it some Beans, the 34 Roadster Races the 5 window and the Roadster takes the Win.

This little Belly Tank was nuts, but loved it, how the fella hung on in there I do not know as the Torque of this motor would pull you out of the seat.

How wild is this? That’s the smallest drop tank I have seen, I had a P-38 version but way longer than that, albeit mine had a V8-60 motor, but this 4 Banger was Hopped Up!

Looks more like a Straight 6 Motor than a 4 Banger, the Tiny Drop tank must of been a small feat of Engineering genius to be able to get this to all piece together and a good job too.

I would drive it for sure but I am sure its a Bone Shaker, but, just like they would of built it back in the 40’s for sure.

Quick way of stopping the H2O from getting in as we got a few Sporadic rain flurries and the Humid Air didnt help all day for sure, look how clean this is and Loved the finned Intake.

How cool is this, 1936 5 Window Coupe was the Tow vehicle for the Belly tank, thats Priceless.

Check out the bigger Brother Drop Tank, this is one serious Piece of Kit too and ran well all weekend.

This was a greast piece of Nostalgia and loved watching it throughout the weekend, by the time I noticed it, I kept missing a photo opportunity, but not this time.

Check the 5 window and another Belly tank, complete with Cool Cockpit cowl, what a killer Duo.

The Tornados Club had some great machines Racing at TROG and glad I was able to see them.

Three More great Tornados club Hot Rods Park in the Pit Area.

The Pits was busy all day, it got too busy and the next day the Pit area was closed off to the public as people were getting in the way of the lane that goes out to the track.

People came up in their Hot Rods to watch the races and parked on the beach as there was a little Classic car show on.

Another Clean 28/29 Roadster cruises about and looked pretty sweet.

This Roadster was show quality and the Young Lady had a great heavy Right foot and was into it all weekend and beat many people, awesome job 533.

What a Blast this must be to Throttle this Mid Engine dry lake racer down the Beach for all its worth, a Real cool Lakester for sure.

This Roadster sits well, ran hard and is worth a pretty penny for sure, loved it.

Narrowed with Suicide front end, Schroder Steering and on Kelseys with Dirt tracker tires, this Japanese Special was so cool.

This geezer must of won something as he looks as happy as Larry! Maybe it is LARRY?

There is that Daytona Flyer once More, he sure enjoyed himself here at Wilwood.

Above, Gene Winfield in the Blown Ardun Roadster, this Motor sounded every $100,000 that was put into it, a phenomenal machine and guy.

Heading out to head to his Hotel, Gene Revved the Motor and it was music, purse Music.

Loved seeing the Rides heading on out of the Beach.

Hot Rain started to get a little thicker as a Storm was approaching, so it was a good time for us to make a move to our Bed & Breakfast where we can get changed and go eat.

These 5 windows were parked at the Car show on the beach, they couldnt race even if they wanted to, as they didnt have Flat heads or 4 Bangers, but looked cool in my eyes.

Dig the Nerf Bar and Vintage Hot Rod Trophy Topper on the Spreader Bar, two buddies having fun on the Beach.

There goes the Jalopy Racer, Great piece of American Hot Rod History right there and still running, and Racing today.

The little Silver Bullet heading back for some food and rest after a day of Sand and Sea.

Now that really is a well built 5 window on Deuce Rails and the Flatty sounded Gnarly, Great job #52.

This Old Fella had a smile all weekend and I know why in that machine, it ran really well too.

Handle Bars and flat caps were the order of the day, the Roadster ran well at Wilwood and is a good looking Hot Rod, always loved this Dark Blue Color.

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This 4 Banger 5 Window was another Hot Rod that was right on the money, getting some of the cooler Breeze that was coming in from the storm approaching helped keep them happy.

Lisa brings home the Roadster after spending the day, teaching the Lads how to Race on the beach, loved this girl and she really has a passion for the Hot Rods, great to see this, well done Lisa.

The Toughest looking Coupe out there, this was a real head turner, the right stance and look, and great to see a coupe that has had a full chop and keeps the insert, not often you see this.

Another Ride that ran well through out the Race Of gentlemen was this 34 Roadster, so much more room than a Model A too.

As you can see, it was a little ride to be able to get off the Beach at Wilwood, but cool to  watch as the Hot Rods and Motorcycles headed out in line like Geese going to a Bread crumb Outlet, these ran all the way then under a tunnel that was beneath the Boardwalk.

The Girls also made them selves known, especially in this T- Roadster Modified, it was a great looking machine and was really consistent on the track, they sure had fun all weekend.

Mile High Model A Club was well represented here, no way could this get stuck in the mud.

This ole Fella ran all weekend but never lit that Cigar, but I saw him make quite a few runs in this Roadster and the Flathead sounded really healthy.

This East Coast Unchopped and Channeled Coupe is reminisent of all the old small format Hot Rod magazines I read Decades ago and was great for me to see for myself.

Service Car was another cool sight as you really never see these and to take it out on the beach and open it up was a real treat and glad he bought this along, great job Sir.

Having fun in the 28 with his Girl as they head out from the track to get some food for the night after spending time Racing, I am surprised how this has no Sand all over the body.

This 1928 Black Roadster was right in every-way, from Motor to Interior, I loved this look and have always Like Henry Fords Black lacquer Paint scheme.

This Bloke was having fun all weekend too, a great Vintage Harley that pulled pretty well and got up to a fair amount of speed in a short distance, sits well too.

Scott had a Blast all weekend in his Roadster, him and His Girly had such fun I am sure, this Roadster is dialed in and gave it all when he was under the flag.

This FORD 1936 Five Window with Ribbed Bumpers, Hollywood Flippers looked really cool.

Many people loved this Yellow 29 and I sure did too, a Timely piece that catches the spirit of Years of Drag Racing gone by to the present, a super example of Drag Racing.

Looking like this was a barn Find, this 28 got lotsa of great looks from spectators, I loved this A-Bone and he am sure enjoyed this weekend driving it.

Heading home with the Mrs and nice to see some Brit stuff Blapping around the Beach at Wilwood New Jersey.

Outta my way I’m coming through, this Rail was put together right and am looking forward to see this with a Body on top of the frame next time.

Hoping that we all get the chance to do this back in California again as we have as many Vintage Rides down here and so many more Beaches too, lets do it California!!!

Meaner than a scolded Cat, this 5 Window would look great anywhere, If Elmer did anything to this ride, then it would of been done right and, it looks right to me.

Another period Coupe and this time East Coast TY RODS 5 Window, amazing Historical HOT ROD and was stoked to be able to see this for myself.

Indian heading home after thrashing about in the sand.

Check this Harley out, looks the parts and rides really well, they sure love their Motorcycles out here on the East Side of the Country too.

Another fella on his Hawg and sitting well on the sand as he heads home to have a few Brewskis to get that sand taste from out of his mouth.

Trying to get back to their Hotel before the heavy Rain arrives as a Storm was indeed approaching.

Du’Vall and Hallock Windshield look great, but not so when they have a top up, just looks a little weird, but thats just me, each to their own, with out the top they look Killer.

The Rain was just starting and we knew it would down pour later so many people made sure they were on their way back before the storm took full effect here in New Jersey.

OH OH! Here comes the Rain- Take Cover !!!

Old School AV8 heading home as we were about to leave too.

This Lady Loved her Harley and had many Runs on the beach and seemed to enjoy it all, thats a cool Girl right there.

Unusual rear tail lights on the 29 as it sped passed me on its way home.

This Flathead sounded so mean, I listened to it idle and wished I had chatted to him as it was really a dialled in Flathead, Great job mate that made my day listening to it.

I have Always liked Indians and we were spoiled at the Race Of Gentlemen with plenty of them Racing the Harleys at Wildwood.

How bad ass is this Flathead Roadster, Super Bell axle, Roll bar and long Radius Rods made this a Nostalgic step back in time for me.

Louvered deck lid, Classic Push Bar, Moon caps and Firestones with a Roll bar, just a great HOT ROD that looked fast even when it was parked up.

Mom and Dad heading home, bet they never told the kids what they were up to this weekend.

Yellow Peril heading home after having the day driving up and down the Beach, so much room when they are not chopped eh?

Now thats a super Happy Face, the Double deuce heading South Bound.

Scott Sheehan heading back to the Hotel with his girl after a day of spraying Sand over everybody that watched him today.

Scott had a full day of get squirly and loved it, this is a great Roadster with a strong Flathead Motor for sure.

This 5 Window didnt race as it isnt a Flathead or 4 Banger but, sure a neat HOT ROD none the less and sits well on the sand.

So glad that Jennifer and I made the 2500 mile trip to the East side of the country to check out TROG, it sure was fun for us and enjoyed the whole 4 days away, I wasn’t sure what to expect and was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was for us.  Thanks for reading the Blog, I didnt type much as I figured the photos would really speak for them selves, I know there is a lot of photos but- If you are like me and dig the Nostalgia Hot Rods and Motorcycles, then I am sure that you smiled at a few of the snaps I managed to take.

Thank you for reading and hope you follow me on here.  Hope to see you at an event, come up and say hello as it is always great meeting like minded people such as Me and Jennifer.

Race Of Gentlemen Tomorrow

Well, tomorrow we load our bags up and head to New Jersey, stopping of in Philadelphia to pick the car up, we head to Wilwood to watch TROG the Race Of Gentlemen, on the beach, just like they did in the 30-thru 60’s, this is a great event and looking forward to it.

Been a long time since I have been to the New Jersey, I think it was way back in 1990 when I met Lance Sorchik of jersey Suede fame and have been itching to head back out to the East side of the states ever since, I have never been to Wildwood and this will be an adventure for Jennifer and me, be great if we could both get early Hand shift Bikes later, we have the Post War model A Roadster but to have the 2 Old racers will be fun too, albeit we both have a Triumph each already. A fun weekend about to start for us and hope we get to meet some of you folk too.

Hope to see some of you there?

Jennifer and I are really looking forward to spectating this year, people come from all over the US to race their Hot Rods and Motorcycles, Flag Start, just like back in the day, what great fun.

I live for Hot Rods and Motorcycles and many like minded folk will be attending, it will be an epic meet and hope to take as many cool photos to share with you lot as I can.

See if you can make it to NEW JERSEY, head to Wilwood, you will smell the Gasoline right away.

Many people will be attending, there will be a party atmosphere and great evening entertainment too.

The weather will be warm, the surf will be crashing in the back ground and watching Hot Rods racing Hot Rods and Motorcycles will be so eventful this weekend.

So, hope you can make it out there, if you can, look out for us and say hi, be great to meet like minded people who share the Nostalgic lifestyle that we live.

Hopefully we can do this on our side of the country one day again as it is such a blast.
Watch these cool 3 stage videos of how Pro BMXer Heath Pinter builds his 8/29 Model A Flathead Powered Roadster and takes to Trog 2017.

How cool watching Girls race their machines and whooping the guys.

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All sorts of great looking rides, all different and, thats what I love about Hot Rods.

Three Windows, 5 Windows, Roadsters, Tudors, sedans, Modifieds, Belly tankers lake styles, they will have it all, Flatheads, Bangers you name it.

Just healthy fun taking your ride along the sand in 1/8th mile sprint and see how you do.

So, stay tuned on my website as when I get back I shall Blog all about it, you can also see what I am up to on my Facebook, Carpys Cafe Racers or Carpys Garage and on instagram Carpys garage and will try and live stream a little if I have a signal.

All the fun of the fair in NJ, beach and surf one side and fairgrounds on the other.

Even the Choppers came up from Burbank to make this event.

So, stay tuned and when I get back I will add photos that I took and let you know how it went on the East Side of the Country.

 

Santa Margarita Ranch Hot Rods at RPM NATIONALS Part 3

Here we are with the last lot of photos that I took whilst at the RPM Nationals on the weekend, with my Girlfriend Jennifer.

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Fantastic ambiance and just the commeraderie of the people that attended this event was something I wont forget in a hurry, what I liked about it was that there was no attitude, no Look at me, just fun people having a fun time.

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Sure hope that this becomes an annual event as I really did like this and wanted to take my own Model A, but its a little ways off of running correctly, but at least we got to ride our Motorcycles here and check out what was going on.

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Located in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, it is one of the most rural communities in San Luis Obispo Counties, this makes for such a grand event as the RPM NATIONALS and with an 1/8th mile of drag strip at the ready as its actually a runway, well, just makes sense to have this event really eh?

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I wanted to try and take some cool shots, I’m not one of those Professional chaps, I just hit the button on the camera and hope I get the shot I was after.

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I loved the Belly Tanks as they are so Post World War 2 Hot Rodding, and I had a P-38 Drop tank myself with a V8-60 Motor, so I was stoked to see 2 of these racing here.

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Amazing place and the weather was already warm and people were smiling as we could see all sorts of great Hot Rods enter onto the Tarmac to Battle it out between each other.

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Just breath taking countryside for as far as the eye can see, little has changed since the late 1940’s, so it felt like back in the day for me.

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Oh yeah, there was of course some Classic steeds there, sat right by the drag strip and loved seeing these, all part of that era, when the drags were on Bikes would turn up to, the need for speed is for all machines back then.

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Old Crow Speed Shop had their Flat Head powered 5 window Coupe attend and boy did that sound great, it was quick off the line, this Coupe sits so well, a very Period piece indeed.

 

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Lighting the Tires up as he leaves the line, Flathead V8  Motors sound unique as they Braaap on through the gears and I was so glad I was there to be able to share the moment, I took a few photos and this will be a long blog, but mostly all photos.

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Our friend from the Pasadena area Diane Branch  takes her 1929 Roadster out on the strip and does really well, I am all for Girl power and she put the steel to the floor and had a blast.

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Old Crow’s 32 Coupe lines up with Steve Caballero’s 36 Three window, both very cool Period rides and both gave it all they had on the 1/8th mile, it was awesome to watch these go.

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Miles of smiles is what could be seen all day, a great event at the RPM Nationals, Jennifer and I really loved the whole set up and you could not of asked for a better day to be honest.

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Come in number 59, your times up, this 5 window Model A gets set as he approaches the starting line.

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Grinning from ear to ear, that just shows how this event was received, a really fun event, even with no front brakes.

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The T & the A line up and await the Flag start, the old school way of racing and one I prefer as I would be terrible on a Tree.

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He we are with some more Classic Tin, this time a 1934 5 Window, against a Model T Roadster, Dont let Mr Bunny ears fool you, this was fast all day long.

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I loved this Roadster, the Flatty just sounded so torquey, sits well and is really a time capsul of coolness from back in the day.

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These 2 Roadsters were Bloody awesome, check out the windshield on 142 now thats unique and two great Vintage machines have a go down the Tarmac.

Above, Jay Dean of Nostalgia Ranch Calif- Gets all set in his Hop Up T Modified, Another mate of ours having fun and builds some serious machines too.

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This 1934 Roadster sits high and dry with No windshield and ready to lay some rubber down as he sits and awaits the Flag man for the off.

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Mr Chin in this Period T- Roadster, this was built back in the 1950’s and ran strong all day long without a pop or backfire, this was a dialed in Hot Rod and loved seeing this run.

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Friendly rivalry is the best and what a day, just look at the scenery and it is just a timeless feeling sat out there in the countryside.

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I took this to show the area, this is the return lane from the Drag strip, perfect scenery.

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Great to see these two Model A’s. one stock and the Other Chopped, both very cool and rare to see these days.

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I would love any of these rides, the 36 was great and ran with old Hollywood flippers too, a hard item to locate these days.

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Diane Branch’s 29 Roadster is pulling out to enter the track against a 5 Window Coupe of the same year.

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Getting ready to run the Gaunlet, Diane Branch in her trusty 1929 Model A Roadster, a great Hot Rod and so great to see Girls racing and there were a few too.

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Old Crow up against the 36 Coupe and 2 very rare cars to locate anywhere in the world these days, so it made it even more fun to be able to watch these compete with each other.

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Bunny Ears gets set, this was a fast machine and ran really consistently too.

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All day long these Hot Rods ran and they turned many heads, these were quickly getting through the staging lanes, no hanging about like you get at other shows, so this was super cool for the spectators as there was always some action going on for them.

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Another cool 28-29 Roadster, fully fendered of the El Vinos car Club, getting sorted out to run with a 34 Ford.

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At the line and ready to hit the loud pedal as the 34 Sedan sits patiently too.

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OLD CROW SPEED SHOP got a Ton of Runs in, never tire of looking at this period Piece, very cool and envious in a good way, have had a soft spot on that model, I had a Three window but the 5 Window Coupe was always more appealing to me but, we all have our favorites right?

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I loved this 5 window 1930 Model A, complete with Cowl lights and ran well, he must of had a ball driving this Coupe on the Track.

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The PF Flyers Roadster put down some quick times and this is another great ride, well they all are in their own way, I loved every Hot Rod out here and was so cool to see people wearing Old Coveralls and Helmets too, just to get the theme of the event bang on.

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Diane Branch of the Immortal car club is from Pasadena and she loves to race, Fabian of Vintage Hammer Garage is a great friend of mine too and helped build this ride, super people.

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Winner Winner Chicken Dinner, so stoked for Diane to grab the win against the very fast and consistent Roadster she ran against here on the 1/8th mile track.

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Jenn and I taking it all in and hopefully Next year can run my Model A, Jennifer is Itching to drive it too, will be so stoked seeing her behind the wheel of our Roadster.

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Mr Chin does it again, this originally built Hot Rod just Banged out run after Run and the 24 stud Motor sounded so sweet.

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How freaking cool is it to see a So-Cal Speed Shop Roadster Hitting the Track and No spring Chicken at the wheel.

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Love this, this is Hot Rodding of all years and this fella was here when it all began and to watch him go down the Tarmac was really something else.

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Such a sweet A-Bone too, Dago front end and Cleaner than a cats Arse too.

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Just love all the Nostalgia that was at this show, sure hope that this will continue to be an annual event as I really think that it was received very well indeed.

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Five window Model A is cruising in the countryside on the return road from the end of the Drag Strip, just looks so cool with this Rustic contrast.

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More Rustic Scenery that i thought I would share that were parked out in the sticks, what a cool line up too.

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This is another really cool Coupes that was parked up, loved the whole set up, those E&J headlights aint cheap no more.

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The other end of the old Runway was the pits as well as the vendors and people parked to watch the races in their Nostalgic machines.

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here is the other side of the Runway, with 4 Roadsters in a Row, awaiting their turn to race as others return from the track in the distance.

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Such a well built Roadster and she sounded just right with straight through pipes.

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Above is the Best shot I took, such great lines, and the background is so timeless, just blow the pic up and have a long hard stare, its a wicked Model A Roadster for sure.

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This time a cool Old School 30/31 Roadster sits on the side of the track, just waiting its turn to stretch its 4 Banger legs out, these were remarkably fast, some quicker than the V8’s too!

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The quincicential Hot Rod right there, Reminds me of my buddy Steve Dennish’s Roadster over our way, sits right and well Is right, wicked Hot Rod full stop!

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28/29 Parked up, on Deuce Rails, Tri power and 32 grill shell looks epic, loved the shot gun exhaust position.

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This 5 Window Coupe sits so well, 36 Torque tube headers, check out the Front brakes too.

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Looks like an Old coupe with the roof cut off and I love it, no rules in Hot Rodding and look how the swage lines still line up, this is a tight body and check out the v-Grooved headlight bar with Commercial BLC’s, Wickedly cool.

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There is something really appealing the way this 5 Window A-Bone is sat almost Majestically on the side of the race track, maybe it was enjoying the Vitamin D as the Sun shined on.

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Jenn and I loved this as the kids playing in Mom or dads 4 Banger Roadster, thats what it is all about right there, the next generation of Hot Rodders who hopefully will keep this flame alight.

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This 1940 Panel was an awesome speed shop Parts Getter, hard to find anywhere these days and loved the whole ride, nice one my friend.

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Taking in the Pits as these 2 cruise around in this Roadster, a very Period looking ride that I am sure could tell a few stories. yeah the youngster is on his cell phone but most probably saying “Mom!- This is so cool, I love this style of event, sell my hatch back I want a HOT ROD”!

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What is NOT to like on this fully fendered Roadster, even the stance is bang on the money.

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How about this, Young and Old meet in the middle, Brilliant stuff.

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Here is a nice Black 5 window, complete with Rumble seat, sat in the Pits, is that a Blower I see perched on that Flathead.?

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Sweet lines on the T-Roadster from the Rear to the front- it is a really well thought out Hot Rod and with E&J headlights, 32 Grille shell, this really looks like a time capsule, nice job.

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Edelbrock 24 stud aluminum heads, Dropped headlight bar, Deuce rails, Juice brakes on Vintage style Firestones, made this a real head turner, me included.

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How sweet is this 4 Banger Model A Coupe, a timeless Hot Rod that looks great anywhere but so glad I got to see so many in one place.

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I watched this 32 cruise past me, the rumble of the flathead, the 50’s stance, and as it approached Steve Cabellero’s 36 Coupe I just stood there gobsmacked, in total awe!

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Raked windshield, cool flathead motor with Lakester Headers on Black steelies with Bias ply Firestones, 39 tear drop tail lights and 40 ford steering wheel was bang on the money for me, loved it.

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H&H were showing their very sweet Turtle Deck Model T Roadster off in fine fashion and a very period looking machine it was too, loved the Kelseys on front and steelies out back.

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Check out this 32, Milk Truck steelies, No windshield and flatty powered, this Hot Rod was built very well indeed.

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This Model T looked superb in its mostly stock guise , loves the 40 Ford steelies and wide Blackwalls, the Spare wheel kit and stock bumpers make this a neat Resto Ride.

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Talk about stepping back in time, even Doctor Who would have trouble locating something as cool as this, look at the patina, even has a Culver City Q/C in the rear end.

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I took a photo of the H&H Special from the front, a real Jalopy and I bet its a real Blast to drive?

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OOH, that Coupe again, standing with my gob open isn’t a good thing but you just could not help it, Loved everything about this fender-less Thirty Four Ford, how could you not?

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I saw this sat in the corner of the Pit area and had to walk over and take a snap, as the Old Tree behind gave this a Back in the day feel to it, the scenery here is just so nice.

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This guys Coupe was Killer, he didn’t mind me chirping in asking where he got this and that, nice to chat too and boy just look at this, complete with Schroeder steering too.

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One of the best Hot Rods in the 4 Banger class there, I loved them all but this was artwork, look how clean this Model A is, it ran well and steamed up the track with no problems.

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A lot of time and effort went into the build, this 1931 Model A Roadster is great from any angle, from the 32 grill up front, to the Quick change rear end, loved the Banjo steering wheel too.

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How low can you go, this 5 window ran very well on the Saturday, very well built and sits nice and stout, nice job there matey!

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This Geezer had a real blast All day, the Four Cylinder Powered Model T just ran and ran and a well put together Hot Rod too, it was fun watching you race my friend, well done.

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I wanted to take this in Black & White as with the old 1940’s Westcraft travel trailer behind, it just looked like it was 1949 and knew it would make a great Nostalgic Photograph.

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This is how I have my Splash Aprons on my Hot Rod, looks pretty cool, and this is unusual to see a chopped model A like this, nice job and glad to see this at the RPM Nationals.

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Diane and Tom Branch are a Hot Rodding Family, I have known them for many years and they continue to have fun and build cool Hot Rods, love these people and this Roadster ran all day, of which she fought off tough opposition on the drag strip, great Job Diane, it was a pleasure to watch you and we rooted for you too!

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One of the Oldest Hot Rod Clubs in existence, The Bean Bandits, had their Rail at the event, I didn’t see it run but there was so much going on it would be easy to miss.

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Blown Flatty Looked great, wasn’t liking the fan and shroud but guess it was the only way to keep it cool, but a well built Hot Rod none the less and unchopped too.

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Yes, that will make you stop and look, how sweet is this Roadster, a Gleaming example of pure love and attention to detail, I wonder how many hours were spent wrenching on this ride?

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Love seeing when Girls have their Hot Rods, we need more for sure and it was so nice to see this as the Girl was just Blapping about in the Pits, thats one tough A-Bone, great job.

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Where did this Gem of a Roadster come from? Looks like it was a barn find, other than a painted firewall and New Chopped Windshield, this Hot Rod was amazing to me.

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As straight as the Proverbial Arrow, this 1930  A-Bone sat so right and rode around all day, in the Pits and on the track.

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This 29 has had some Major work on its 4 banger mill and didnt hang about either, a lot of time and dedication went into this fantastic machine, Kudos my friend.

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Coupes and Roadster a plenty, it was great to be able to take this all in and have a superb setting to watch these machines against each other on the Drag Strip.

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How is this for a super shot? I loved all the countryside almost engulfing these Vintage Hot Rods, a taste of Yester Year and something that is warm to look at.

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This is a Local Hot Rod to us and what a peach of a ride, this is set back in the Rustic Area of Santa margarita Ranch, the Roadster belongs to Joe Leroux of Hillco Fastener Company.

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I am looking forward to taking a Photo of My Roadster in this setting next year, a fantastic part of California Gold and hopefully the weather will be as nice as this weekend was.

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Need parts anyone? There was a lot of cool second hand parts and speed equipment for your Hot Rod here, I wanted to buy a couple of things but held off, kicking my self now.

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This was a great Cruiser, couldnt fit it onto the back of my Triumph Motorcycle though.

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Thats some nice sign writing right there.

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Billy of the Shifters had a couple of his buddies over from his Home country, they too are Hot Rodders and they loved this unique event as much as I did.

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This sweet 5 window had a few teething problems with the front end, that Hot Rod is so nice too, am sure he got it sorted out in the end, but did see it there all day though.

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A tasty Coupe that screams back to the day of this type of event, pull the fenders off and go racing.

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Chopped 50 Coupe was Sat so right, nice lines and Loved the fender skirts, lakes pipes and shaved appearance, nice job mate.

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Plenty of things going on by the staging lanes, you can see the Bean Bandits getting a few things organised etc.

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How nice is this to watch, cruising the strip in hos Roadster and taking it all in, you can see the Oak Tree’s line some of this great Countryside.

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There is the finish line and what a feeling that must be as you cross that section.

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Now that was a close finish and a superb Drag race, I am sure they had a few happy words after to egg each other on.

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I took a few shots of this Model A, I really liked the windshield, reminded me of the Elvis Roadster and the little 4 banger was quite Happy gunning it at the line and held strong all the way.

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The paint work was so clean, the Model A sat so right and enjoyed watching this Bloke race all day long.

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Two Model A’s having a go, this was a close race and always fantastic to watch, unless you are here, it is hard to explain but I was rotting for them both.

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Just look at the stance of this Model A, this was at Mid track so he is in 2nd gear and on his way.

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Hope to race this chap next year at the RPM NATIONALS.

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Coupe and Roadster go at it on the 1/8th, loved hearing the Flathead V8 Motors chirp along.

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Chilling at the strip, people get their machines ready for the big off.

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This was stunning, how cool would this be to drive home?

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This Coupe ran all day long with out a hic cup and sure looks like a period ride, I am so surprised how fast some of these 4 Cylinder machines were.

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At the start line and awaiting the flag to drop so they can go toe to toe up the 1/8 th mile.

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Out of state Turtle Deck was sure consistent and fun as he gets ready to launch once more.

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It was so much fun watching all these machines and when you see something pretty much stock, it raises your eyebrows for a second but, they ran them out and Hard too, great stuff.

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As these 2 set off into the sunset, I wandered around the place just taking this all in, a real eye opener for me as this is something I have always wanted to see in California.

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Check out the Headers on this 4 banger, thats Passion right there, a seriously cool Ride and lush Deep rolled seats too.

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Wow is all I can say, I wasnt sure if this Bloke was going to race his Roadster as it was so nice, but he proved me wrong and I am so stoked that he did, look at this awesome ride.

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Staging lanes was a buzz of activity and the commeraderie was unsurpassed.

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Another Period machine takes to the drag strip and this is right out of one of Don Montgomery’s books, the essence of Hot Rodding right there on the tarmac.

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I love belly Tanks, I had one like this and with a V8-60 like this Drop tank, so cool to see it race another one and against other rides, true Hot Rodding inspired after WW2.

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Great photo of two Iconic Hot Rods and I am glad that we were able to watch these 2 race each other.

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Checking to see if his competitor is still hard on the pedal as this 29 Roadster Pick Up cruises home.

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Look at this Mobil oil Racer, loved it, complete with Dirt track Firestone’s and Tube Axle, as well as a Bell Auto parts Fuel pump.

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Loved seeing this 1929 Model A Push Truck, just as they were back in the day,and running a 32 grill shell and Radiator, really makes it a sweet set up.

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Look how clean this Roadster is, Kelseys, Drilled I Beam, Juice Brakes, 32 grill,Pete and Jake shocks, Firestone tires, king Bee headlights and Removed Windshield, Lakester style header,love it.

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I can not get enough of this Roadster at all and will post a few more below that I took as this 4 Banger machine trotted by me, a super cool build that cries out Hot Rod at its finest.

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I loved every part about the Roadster, I would like a Tonneau Cover for mine one of these days.

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Culver City Quick Change rear end would not be cheap, but that is indeed one fine Model A Roadster.

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Two Model A’s both with 4 bangers and both with Quick Change rear ends head off down the strip to the start line, these were 2 very Nostalgic looking rides that must of taken ages to piece together, I am sure glad I got to see these two run.

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On his way to the Win, a High boy of awesome Proportion.

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Shifters had their Lincoln Powered Roadster there and that Mill sounded bloody great, good job. Track Nose, nerf bar, Steelies, Hand made hood with scoop, timeless.

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And off he goes, as you watch the 39 tail lights disappear down the track. Loved the rear Nerf bar too.

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Mr Chin, awaiting another call, his Roadster ran very strong, right up to the semi Finals and only just lost out on that one.

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I am sure by next year there will be many more Hot Rods as cool as this entering, hope it doesnt get too big as that can take a little away from this unique atmosphere.

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Goggles on and set for Business, a reliable Hot Rod and a piece of Hot Rod History too.

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One of our Mates Jay Dean of Nostalgia Ranch racing his Quick Change T Roadster and what a neat machine too.

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Lighting the rears up as Jay makes for the off and heads on down the 1/8th mile, he had a real blast today and really enjoyed it.

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It is so nice to see the Big Coupes come out and complete, I also love the friendliness that these people have even when racing, its fun and should be, no ego’s just smiles.

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Staging lanes were busy getting their machines tweaked whilst one guy is expecting rain!

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Hang onto your hat, this chap in his converted Coupe gets all set, I have to laugh at the guy behind dressed as a bunny.

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The air was filled with fumes of Hot Rodding, nothing like it.

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The Big guns are out and both have the Pedal to the floor, how cool is it to see a sight like this these days?

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Seeing this 3 window was simply breathtaking, a rare car, this has old Hollywood Flippers on and skirted, bet the restorer’s are gasping right now. LOL.

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Getting towards the end of the day as the last of the races are almost completed.

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Too big a motor for this meet but down the 1/4 this Model A would almost fly I should think.

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Joe from Hillco Fasteners in his Road Devil’s Roadster had a Blast here and is from Just down the road from where we live.

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Getting ready for the last few races, it was fast and furious pace and thats what made this event so exciting.

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Quick get us to the line.!!!!!

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This Young lady whooped some Butt today, good on her, looking forward to watch my girl race ours next time.

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Model A has his last effort at having a go on the Drag Strip, this looks like a Barn find for sure.

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These 2 give it their all as they let the clutches go at the RPM NATIONALS.

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Look at the concentration on Diane Branches face as she gives it her all in the race.

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Didnt quite make it this time but she sure had fun trying and a gallant effort, Great Job Diane.

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Here is a great race and a Blown Flatty edges out to the lead.

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Well he gave it all and won but a close second was the other Roadster with no Blower, so cool to hear them engines wind up, great race guys.

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So there you go, a fantastic weekend, Loved it all, the weather, the event, the people, the Vendors, the RPM team, Hop Up magazine, PF Flyers, loved everything, and sure hope this will continue to carry on next year. I will of course keep you informed as to ANY cool event anyway but I would love to take my Roadster there next year. Until then, I hope you enjoyed my Blog over the last few days.  Plenty to look and hear on there eh?

 

 

 

 

 

 

RPM NATIONALS SANTA MARGARITA RANCH WAS A BLAST

Well, what can I say, I had no idea what this place looked like, other than a few internet pics, but Jenn and I loaded up our Van and headed off to Pismo Beach, as that is where we would hook up our Van in the RV park, pull out our Triumphs and ride to Santa Margarita ranch, where they are holding the RPM Nationals.

Now this was going to be a place I had hoped to drive my 1928 Model A Roadster to, but it has so many teething issues, it just would not of made the trip, so this year I wanted to at least attend and support this great Nostalgic Drag race event.

Originally used for the Four Banger Fords, they thought they would extend this out to the flatheads and boy am I glad that they did, as what a joyous sound.

So, after 3 and half hours, we pulled up to Pismo Beach and plugged the Coffee Maker in and had a Brew, unloaded bikes and whilst I was amazed how foggy it was, it did not deter us in the least.

To be honest, it reminded me of home and I wanted Jennifer to experience some colder riding conditions and we got some big time, the Fog was indeed Pea soup, Thicker than Anderson’s Soup thats just down the road from Pismo.

But I had a Fog light and we were all set to go first thing in the morning, sure enough, the Mist rolled in and stayed longer than a relative you dont like.

We jumped onto our steeds and rode to the Madonna Inn and had brekky, great place and so much history, if you get a chance, pop in as they have so many cool things to see, from hand carved doors and ceilings in wood, to Themed rooms from a Stage Coach room to a Rock room, all very cool not cheap but what an experience.

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So after having breakfast, blocking their crapper, we hastily headed North to Rancho Santa Margarita Ranch, we rode though the fog and then after a few miles the Sun was out, the roads were smooth and a smile on both our faces as we cruised around 75 MPH with open faced skid lids, what a great day already I muttered to myself.

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Before too long we had gotten off the main road and into a few country roads, with Trees changing color as Autumn took an abrupt hold over this way, we cruised into the start of this Great Big Ranch, that was out of some Bonanza Episode, well it looked like it to me.

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Cattle grids, Bridges, Old rail Road Lines were all over this place, we slowed right down along the road on the Ranch as there was a herd of Cows just sat by a tree and across the old rail Road lines, fearing we would get stampeded on, we rode past as quiet as could be, hard to do on 2 Triumphs though but we got passed and to our surprise, they just stayed their grazing, as if we were not even there.

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We pulled up at the Parking area and I could smell that wonderful internal Combustion engine aroma, then I could hear some Flatheads revving then letting go of the clutch and banging on down the Drag strip that was laid out.

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There were vendors along one side of the track and on the other was the swap meet, what cool stuff to see.

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Here are a few pictures I took with my Iphone, I did take more with my SLR but will blog that another day.

Some very cool stuff to look at, what an awesome event and was stoked that I attended the RPM Nationals, looks like it will be the start of bigger things to come.

I sure wanted to bring My 28 Roadster- but it was not running right and its a 4 hour drive but next year I hope to make it.

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An assortment of cool rides to look at whilst in between rounds, this was up at the end of the strip where the Pits were.

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Above, I loved this 3 window just bloody gorgeous in its Drab attire, killer machine for me right there.

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Above- How tough is that, what is not to like about it and so many great vehicles here and everybody was brilliant to talk to and had time for you.

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Flatty Powered 29 Roadster with Q/C and Zoomies, it was quick too.

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Simular to my 28 but a way cooler built version, high Boy with its 4 Banger and this was quick, the Bangers were faster than the flatheads, it was a solid built Hot Rod for sure.

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Everything was so cool on the A-Bone, loved the louvered panel, the Q/C and the Tonneau cover too .

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Our Mate Jay Dean from Nostalgia Ranch with his Flattie powered Modified, was a fun and period built machine.Hop Up Magazine Special.

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Jenn met up with Skateboard Pro, Steve Caballero, he has a passion for Hot Rods, Art as well as Skateboarding, super cool bloke.

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Me and the Girl I love to Bits, Jennifer Sun, an amazing Woman

 

 

Below are the Videos that I took with my Iphone, what a blast it was to see.

Below Diane Branch in her Roadster having a go and doing well.

Loved it all and so many cool people to chat to as we are all into the same stuff, no attitudes just miles of Smiles.

How can you not like all this and away from the main stream too.

Loved these 2 Roadsters, The Guy tried to sneak his kid in the car too, I think we all wanted to see that, but still A FUN race none the less.

OOH- A tasty 5 window against a Roadster, just like back in the day.

Diane Branch taking on a chopped and channeled Coupe on the strip.

Model A’s a plenty, these were so fun to watch and no change since back in the day, sure wished I had mine here but next year we shall attempt to drive it there.

How about this, 2 Drop Belly Tank Racers, Both running V8-60 flatheads, I had one of these I love them but great to see 2 running and racing.

Loved watching this 34 Coupe and Flatty Powered Fully Fendered A Bone.

How about this, two Roadsters, One 4 Banger and One flathead, man such a great sight and sound, period looking rides too, awesome.

Our Buddy Jay Dean in his hop Up T Modified goes up against a Roadster, jay had a blast, what a Neat rig too.

Chin in his Original Model T Roadster, running against an A Bone, Chin ran well all weekend right up to the semi’s, consistent Ride, loved this Hot Rod.

Wow- How about this 36 Coupe, what a sweet ride and glad to see a couple of these on the strip today.

I shall Blog over the next few days as these take ages to load, but I thought you would get a kick out of this one today and I sure hope to see some of you next year as I loved this so much, all fun, No attitude and all period machines, very cool indeed. BRAAAAAP!

15th Ventura Nationals 2017

Well, here we are once again, where did the year go? So this morning, Jennifer and I jumped in the car and we headed out to this great event that I have been attending for so many years now.

I took a ton of photos whilst i was at this show, people ask me about the shows I attend and what is featured there, so, here is a Looooong blog but wanted to show you all the great stuff that was at this years 2017 Ventura Nationals show and Boy was it a great one.

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Jennifer got us there pretty quick and thats good as it will be about 105 here in La Mirada so as Ventura is right on the water it should be in the high 80’s and a refreshing change for the heatwave we have right now back home.

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So, we pull into the parking lot and walk into the show, always a good mixture of Kustom, Hot Rod and low rider material to drool over and we were not disappointed at all really is a great show.

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There are always New rides to check out and as this is on a big area, you can still get to take a photo of them with loads of people around, it was Hot Here but not like back home and enjoyed the whole time there as you could see the cars, hear the bands and look at what the vendors were offering.

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Above, just look at that Caddy, that thing has been slammed harder than a weak opponent on the WWE Cage fight, loved it and a cool color that I usually see on Jeeps, worked so well, loved all the over riders as teeth in the grill sections, shaved door handles, Skirted and in the weeds, this was a righteous machine.

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OMG, just check out this 5 window from Henry F- I mean thats the F word right there, Cleaner than Mr Sheen’s bathroom and just pure class this Hot Rod almost took my breath away as it is so bang on, wickedly cool, just take a look at the body, straighter than a Roman Road.

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Above, this Flathead is such a work of art, I have a Flatty but not to this standard, if I had a hat on mate, I would take it off to you and bow very humbly. Barney Navarro heads and a Thickston high Rode with Two 97’s perched on top and the longest velocity Stacks I have ever clapped my eyes upon.

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I really loved the Color of this GMC Stepside, complete with vintage Beach cruiser in the back , this truck was well put together loved the paint color too, a hard one to pull off at times.

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Like I said, this is a great event and something for everybody in the Kustom and Hot Rod fraternity, it was a really nice day, Hot yes but it always is this time of year and having a couple of indoor buildings was good too so you could cool off and still check out cars and vendors etc.

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Blown away with this, Westergard would be proud of this Custom Coupe, More work than you would even apprehend and it sure was a head turner, Brilliant job mate, well done.

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Ford and Chevy hanging out under the Sun, there is so much to see here and if you have never been before, its worth the drive up along the 101 by the Surf to get to this venue by the Sea.

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1958 Ranchero was sitting nice and low, dont see too many of these around any more and was stoked to happen upon this as we walked around at the show grounds.

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Then a few feet over from that 58 is this awesome 1957 Ranchero, jeez it was nice pure Kustom with Tube Grille, Tuck n Roll inner fenders, Lakes Pipes, Fender skirts and Appletons, very cool indeed.

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This 1954 Ford Lincoln 2 door Coupe has all the Markings of a great Kustom, look at that front Bumper set up, Sombrero’s and fender skirts and shaved handles is just a nice clean style, cant wait to see what color scheme he goes for next time I see it at a show.

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Check out this Leopard print interior on the 58 Impala, thats Old School for sure, I have always liked the 58 impala and this was no exception, even as a 4 door it was wickedly cool.

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I would of loved to have driven this Pontiac Safari home, Chevy stole the rear of the rood ribbed design for their Nomad and this is a rare find these days, what a cruiser and so much room with all them bench seats it has as stock.

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How can you not stop and look at a Gasser, these are so tough and a Fairlaine too, Straight axle, 10 degree rake on the motor, 5 spokes and plexi with dump tubes, Groooowlll!!!

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As long and heavy as a battleship, this Caddy was slammed and not because it had 2 Vintage push bikes on the roof, such a huge car and always love seeing these Detroit Rectangles.

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I have never been a fan of Studebaker Automobiles, but 1948-1955 Pick ups, Hell yes, they have a Custom look right out of the factory with their soft curves and this is a great example for a parts getter.

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Hudsons never get a good wrap but I like them, a poor mans mercury they say but I would take one any day of the week, just look at that, they drive so smoothly too.

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Loved this 29 on deuce rails, has all the stance right and this is a quick Mill too, I never tire of looking at Hot Rods ever!!! 16 inch steelies on Blackwalls and a deuce Grill, Killer.

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This little 30 Model A was Neat, simple and I am sure they have such a Ball in this Roadster, as I know i would do too. Yeah i would change a few things like tires and stuff but each to their own and have fun my friend.

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How can you not have a tri Five in here, I had one even in the UK and have always loved the Bow ties and this one os such a superb Platform for somebody to turn into what ever they wish .

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How can you not show a Big Tin Lincoln anyway, I mean, these were Custom right out of the factory, one of my dream cars as a kid as they were so huge and low.

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See what I mean, how cool is this? I would drive this until the Pontiac hub caps fell off, love all of its 22 feet.

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Now this is one Long bed for sure, diggin the fake patina and that seemed to be a common look this year to be honest but its a good trend and a great truck, next photo is the Aluminum work.

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That’s some cool work there, I think Fast Eddie from orange did this set up and it really is a nice touch with all the aircraft styled riveting. What do you lot think?

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Forgive me for adding a lot of Hot Rods but I love seeing them and especially Roadsters as I have one myself and this was a clean machine and wanted to share it on this page too.

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Paint work was bloody awesome, so much work with masking up etc, must of taken many hours to get all these colors and detail in and when the Sun caught it right it was quite mesmerizing.

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This 51 Rag Top had so many Custom tricks, a real nice, clean and great example of American ingenuity for making something stock look so cool and stylish, I wonder what the Ford  design team thought when he saw one of these when people like Hiroherta came out driving these as a daily car back then.

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This 28/29 Roadster was really nicely finished, sat ontop of 1932 Rails and running Black Steelies on Firestone 16 inch Tires, this was a tight build, even has a nice Hallock/ Duvall windshield to add to the flow of this great Hot Rod, Hair pins looked pretty good in Black and SBC with tri power must of made this buzz along the freeway with ease.

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I would love this Step-side as a Parts Getter too, so many cool cars either as an everyday beater or a show winning ride was featured here at Ventura and you have to try and make a show as there is not many like this with a fun atmosphere too anywhere these days, loved it all.

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How about this parked right next to the other pick up, I would love either of them, cool patina and when you think back, All the farmers had these in California and all over the states, they worked them hard and so nice to still see them around especially with the quarter windows too.

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Jeez, almost get a nose bleed from sitting this high, this Plymouth Savoy is a rare sight as a Full on Gasser, spindle mount Magnesium rims, straight axle and Mickey T rear tires gibes this machine a total look of 60’s Nostalgia drags.

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I am certain that I saw this on the Salt flats a couple of weeks ago, now sitting proudly amongst the other rides but this was a hard core drive as i saw this all over Bonneville at Speed week and loved this roadster, not many that can be around with twin intakes in the hood like that right?

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This was the ride I saw on the Lake bed in Utah as it has the 40 Ford dash, wicked machine that I will never tire of looking at and wouldnt change anything on it just enjoy the ride in a real Nostalgic machine.

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Now there is a traditional Hot rod, check out the Aircraft syle shocks, the Early headlights of a Truck, Fireball caps on 16 inch steelies with tractor Firestome tires, looks like he got all the salt off it.

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Now this is taking shape and great to see a slightly different twist to a Custom, Caddy thin tail lights blend in quite well, sits really well and look forward to seeing this ride completed at some point.

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Gearheads Roadster Pick up was in the weeds too, dago front axle is a nice touch and Juice brakes all around. Baby Blue seems a popular color this year as well.

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Way cool, low and love that Ford Burgandy Factory Paint color, Tube grill and nice roof chop with big rear fender skirts makes this Nosed and decked Kustom stand out.

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Nosed, decked, shaved, frenched, lake pipes, Starburst caps, Floating grille, Foxcraft Skirts made this a head turner as well, so much detail, loved it all the way to the rear end.

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It’s like Kustoms of America show, so many Nostalgic builds on show this year and really cool to see, like I said, something for everyone at Ventura show and glad we attended thats for sure.

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Flatty Powered Closed Cab pick up was neat, not sure how it stayed cool with them radiator pipes but it was a neat touch none the less, section deuce grill was a nice touch as well.

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A little bit of work gone on here on this 21 stud, early offenhauser, even has a Dizzy on it, complete with two 97’s and finned alloy Air filter covers.

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Super neat little Modified was sat in the parking area, enjoying the Sea breeze as it wafted across from the beach a few hundred yards away. This was a nicely built rig, loved seeing it here.

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How about this, the big guns were out, chopped Olds 4 door looked really tough as it sat on the concrete, whilst above a Falcon Panel sat on an early flatbed, that looked great as well.

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Yup, even some love from the Low Riders were there and all as clean as their Grand ma’s Kitchen too, so many hours go into these machines and a good turn out too here at the show.

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The paint on these are faultless, so many hours of color sanding and buffing alone, but so cool to see the Low Riders represented here and a few more photos coming up for you to look at.

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As we wondered around the show grounds, I took photos of what I personally liked and hope that you enjoy these too as the quality was so good, its hard to show and appreciate sometimes in a photo but you can see how tidy the paint and Bright Work is on these jumping Machines.

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Out side one of the Halls were these 2 Roadsters, very cool concepts and I am sure these are a real blast to drive around this weekend, its Roadster weather and by the beach, what could be better?

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Just past them trees is the beach and a pleasant Breeze wafted in from time to time and a lot cooler than back here in Orange county, we found that out when we got back.

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Look how clean this Rivera is, cleaner than it was from the Factory and many people enjoyed the Low riders here and I was one of them, these are all big wide machines too, love it all.

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Loved this Galaxie 500, low and sleek with chrome 5 spokes and subtle scalloping, this Candy Aztec Cold paint really popped when the sun hit it, custom interior was Tuck n Roll and of course, what cruiser is not complete without a set of Bellflower tips?

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Nose to tail, many different styles and Models make this show a hit for everybody, there is so much to see and there is no way you cannot enjoy yourself at this fantastic event in Ventura.

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1929 Banger here very 60’s style with drilled and chromed front I Beam, reverse steelies deuce grill shell, TJ tuck N Roll and a Naugahyde white top with chrome Hairpins was sitting pretty.

Below: This little Boat tailed Modified looked fun to drive, running a 4 carbs set up, this was no slow poke thats for certain, schroder steering and Dago front end on Red steelies was way cool.

 

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So much work went into this and I am sure nobody noticed half of the cool work and engineering that was finished to complete this Low Channeled Roadster. I really dug it and would drive that.

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Reminds me of the old Mana – Free intakes of the day, frog mouth velocity stakes suck in more air than a breaching whale, Boat style windshield sets the styling of low and sleek but not meek.

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Sometimes thinking out of the box pays off, this Roadster certainly did and Id would of loved to have taken this on the dry lakes to see what it would do as it screams SCTA back in the day.

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Hard to imagine how many masking hours and rubbing down on this Buick Low Rider, painstakingly crafted over many a night in the garage I am sure, so many vibrant colors too.

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Look how tight the Bumper is, a very straight ride with more colors than some of the Hawaiian shirts I saw people wearing this weekend.

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Nostalgia all the way with this car club, and driving up or down the freeway to get to the show must of turned many a head when the public clapped eyes on these Low Riders, awesome job.

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Loved this 48 Stepside Chevy Pick up, sat in the weeks, Chrome reverse steelies and big wide whites, the chrome was impeccable and would enjoy driving this truck around every day.

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This impala was another fine example of hard work and pleasure, the lines are so sleek and the paint was as smooth as butter milk, such a clean 2 door that needed more recognition to be honest. All the trim was clean and straight, I didn’t see any blemishes at all, well done mate.

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I will never ever tire of Caddys, I mean they are the quintessential American Automobile and this 58 2 door D Cup special was a machine I always wanted to have and drive, Darn straight too.

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I really do love Kustom built rides, as every creation is unique, never do you see exactly the same ride and the body mods are off the hook, love the gradient roof chop, the rear arches really flow as does the fender skirt and them Cadillac Bumpers really look tight, love to see the Custom grill when its done, Sombreros too, just a wicked ride that looks so right.

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Always something different to look at every show and this was, Candy plum and right in the weeds too, this mercury is probably the only one like this and deserves recognition of all that work.

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Check this Bow Tie pick up out, the Aztec Candy Gold really pops in the California Sun, just very cool and many people loved this truck and you can see why, everything was so nice on it.

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Brit mates Bev and Jay dean from Nostalgia ranch were representing in the building with 3 very cool rides, in the back ground a fully fendered Model A with a 4 banger, sat so right.

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Then this awesome AV8 that was built back in the day and in a few B movies too was locally found and now sits proudly on the Nostalgia Ranch’s display area, I loved this Roadster.

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Jay dean built this for a customer and it is a flawless machine, the paint was flawless and Camel Hump finned covers dress out the Gold Motor well, stunning job Jay. Really well built.

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Hubba Hubba, loved this Teal 3 window, the whole color scheme just worked so right, sat well and with that Hemi I am sure it wouldn’t hang about on the freeway.

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Stock A Bone sitting in somewhat cooler climate inside the show building but it was pretty humid in there, soon forgot about it when you see all the Hot Rods parked up on display though.

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So nice, So Nostalgic, So Cool, I would love this, its one of those period perfect machines that you simply just keep looking and looking at, loved everything about this Roadster.

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Looks great from any angle, the chopped and raked windshield gives it that late 1940’s look and Black on black makes this so stealthy steelies and dropped headlight bar really does set the scene. Looks like it stepped right out of HOP UP magazine.

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What a treat for me to see such period style Hot Rods, I have loved these as a teenager in England and I loved the style, color, and the stance of this Roadster really nice job, well done indeed.

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How can you not stop and look at this 53? I mean look how it sits, the chop? the Bumper? the paint, the rear end and Deep dish Sombrero’s, loved it all and so much work put into this ride.

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Quality work here on this 5 window Model A, very clean and 50’s styling hits the target by a bulls-eye, great look and color too. A lot of detail in this Coupe.

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How much fun would you have in this Flathead powered 1929 Roadster? I know I would, a great shop truck for sure, some awesome machines on display and so glad that we made the trip.

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I saw no information on this car but looks like a concept or Custom design from back in the day when features in HONK, Hop Up, Hot Rod and Rod & restyling were the dominant magazines.

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A lot of work, I think it may of been a 40 Convertable and then they went from there, so much work, would of liked some information on this build, if I find out I shall let everyone know on here.

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Another traditional Coupe, Unfendered and unchopped with Original Cal plates too, flatty powered with dual 97’s is a bit of California History for sure, wonder where this has been over the years?

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This looked to be a cut down coupe but sure had great lines to it and looks like the 24 stud Mill is dialed in, love to know a bit more about this ride too if any body knows, drop me a line.

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Who wouldn’t drive this Roadster around? My god it was so clean, fresh and just proportioned so well, fantastic creation that shows passion and creativity to its fullest Nice build you lot.

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Sorry for the blurry shot, too excited im afraid, but you would under stand if you came out to Ventura for this show as there is so much cool stuff to clap your eyes on here, Roll on 2018.

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The Color scheme worked out well on this, sits well and has a great rake to it, digging the lake style pipes and the long Stainless spear gives the body a really long flow, skirts were awesome.

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Yeah I have seen many Yellow coupes in the past but this really sat well on 16 inch Blackwalls and the Black 32 Grill set up was a great choice, Id love it and am sure you would too?

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So many great rides here, I would love to take ANY one of these back home to my place, I really did like the proportions of this 5 window and the Motor detailing really dig set this off from many.

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Right here, this was the Killer machine for me, look how sweet this Roadster is, I have always liked Blue, I built a flat Blue 29 roadster about 12 years ago, but this is right all over the place.

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Look at that, lovely eh? Belond headers, Canadian heads, Thickston high rise intake Manifold, Dual Carbs with whispering velocity stacks and check out that over flow tank too.

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Such a great Hot Rod, Crestliner steering wheel, 39 box with swan neck, Early Race gauges, Deco control switch panel was just something I could not stop looking at, so much was right on the money here.

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Sorry for the blurry photo, too excited I guess, what a wicked ride and would of loved to have seen this on the road as I bet it is a real fun jalopy to bimble about on the roads with.

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Another quality Channeled machine, right out of Rodders journal for me, awesome job on detail and loved the louvers in the hood and that dropped headlight bar sure is wicked, brilliant. I then realized it was a buddy of mines Roadster, Tom Branch from Pasadena, love the whole family and true Hot Rodders they go the whole 9 yards.

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Keith Weesner’s Roadster Many years ago, I was always amazed by this ride and loved seeing it at all the shows many years ago, it just had everything right about it and sat so well.

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Then unfortuantly a buddy of his was driving this to a show when someone hit him, hard- Sending Aaron into the air breaking his ribs and other injuries, the Roadster was in bad shape and so was aaron, but, pleased to say both repaired and to see this Roadster again after all this years, was almost a tear up moment.

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Well done Keith a brilliant machine and so stoked to see her back up and running again and looking a little more completed too, will always love this Hot Rod and this made my whole weekend seeing this Roadster.

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A superb job putting this all straight and getting this all back together, took time, patience, hard earned money and many many hours of labor but boy did it come out stunning, just real sweet.

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I looked out for Keith but he was busy running around being congratulated for sure to seeing his original Roadster now resurrected and back to be a driven Burbank Choppers Hot Rod.

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So, here it is all fixed and boy does it look a million dollars, I am truly stoked for your Keith and know that you smile every time you turn that key and hear that Flathead V8 fire back into life again.

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Saw this little 5 window Baking in the Sun in its Flat Black coat of paint, wasn’t until I looked at the photos I noticed it had a Cam shaft as a spreader bar, its all in the details eh?

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I didnt get as cool as a shot as I was hoping but this sure had a lot of work done and I had not seen this car before so had to take a shot, albeit it came out a little dark but nice to see.

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So many cars had flaked tops this year, great to see and people really have no idea on how hard it is to sand, mask and paint roofs, but loved looking at these on a sunny day here.

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From one flake ride to another that had the whole body sprayed with so much flake, I think it may of even reflected to the Sun and blinded it, this must of taken month to paint to this level.

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the devils in the Details and look how detailed and perfect this is, the lines across the hood to the fender line up just right, kudos to the painter and I hope a well deserved tip and crate of beer.

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More Low riders but this time in one of the halls that were located inside the fair grounds, a little more cooler but hell, the humidity was off the bloody hook in there.

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This Banana Painted 58 Impala was tricked out and had all the cool accessories of the day in it as well, you would not lose this in a parking lot thats for certain.

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How tough was this Merc? My mate Kevan Sledge builds wicked sleds like this and it reminded of my days hanging with the Shifters, this had a great look to it and I bet it looks great going down the highway as it just sat so nice on the ground.

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I have always loved Burgundy, mostly because the Fords had this color but it sure looks so fitting on this Bow tie, nice ride and has the old school accents of Appleton’s and Skirts to finish it off.

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I dig this Apache, I would just drive the 5 spokes off it as it right now, and still enough room for parts to throw in the bed, big strong Chevy Pick ups look great like this and the owner nailed it.

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What a colorful and cool line up of Rides here in one spot, so many great machines were parked all over the fair grounds and it was sweet to be able to get up so close and personal.

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Been a while since I have been to a show , where I have falling in love with so many rides, but there were so many cool builds this year and it was a thrill to be able to walk around and check them out this weekend, I really did have a great time checking everything out at Ventura.

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Blue skies, Palm trees, Great rides, cold beverages, and great music was the order of the day here and so much of it, this is no small show by any means and one of the friendliest too.

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Loved the work on this Pontiac, flows so well and the subtle antenna tunnel came out so well on the hood, I was very impressed with this car and was glad I took a photo to share with you lot.

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Little Flatty Powered Model T Roadster was sat here, Sun bathing in the Saturday sun, dont see too many T’s around these days and this look like a fun ride to Blap about in on weekends.

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Dont see too many wagons either, loved the pun on the Mothers name too. Probably the last time I clap my eyes on one of these as you really don’t seem them about on the roads any more.

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At least some of you lot found some shade to relax and kick back, we saw quite a few friends and was a great meeting place to just catch up on times gone by.

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So many great Pick Ups this year too, I loved this stepside with the little Monkey bike in the back, perfect set up for going to swap meets, this sat so well and was pretty darn straight too.

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Chevys and Palm tree’s, yup, we sure are in California and not a cloud in the sky, with a nice breeze from the Sea, made this show a big hit yet again, so many great Machines made the trip.

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There was also a few Barber shops on hand to give you a trim or a shave, and this 58 F150 looked really good sat in front of its Polished Airstream trailer that is turned into a Barber shop.

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There was plenty of customers and this was not the only barber shop here, such a fun place and a good Vibe by all, this made for a Brilliant event and hope you lot may make it next year?

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Check out this Little Bambi trailer, all decked out, get your hair cut or buy your Pomade, it was all good and friendly atmosphere, loved it all as I used to restore travel trailers in 2000.

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This one was another full on barber shop and business was good, I wish I had thought of this years ago when I restored these but great to see this being popular and thumbs up to everyone.

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That is one Happy Customer there sending love to me for taking the shot, These Airstreams are becoming quite popular and I hope to get one for the roadster one of these days.

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Support your barbers, its a great trade to have and what better way to get your Noggin freshened up than in one of these shiny time capsules, your head or beard will love you for it.

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Yep, this is the Ventura Nationals alright, cool Customs in California Sunshine by the beach.

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Wow, I took more photos than I thought, I have to stop for a while and rest my poor fingers from all this typing, but hope you have enjoyed at least some of the snaps I managed to take for you.

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Mind Blown, what a sweet ride, on the floor and is as smooth as a babies bum, loved the Gold Pearl and I am sure it was smooth to drive to Ventura as well, Love seeing all this in one place.

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Back side shot and so impressive to see, these really are true works of art, love the way they have laid the rear windshield back like Anthony Castaneda used to build, reminded me of that great guy.

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I see this truck a lot up by my warehouse in Norwalk, I think the fella is called danny and this must of been built 15-20 years ago and still going strong today, such a killer looking ride.

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The amount of cool rides this year was outstanding, the body work on these rides are so smooth, just many hours of sanding, filling, painting and of course sweating, trying to get the lines to flow.

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There were too many to have a favorite but I personally would of loved to have ANY one of these rides, look at this 53, I mean its so sweet, love the Stainless Trim and the tight bumper guard.

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Palm trees line the road into the show and Blue skies with a slight Sea Breeze was really welcomed, so much to see and a really cool Vibe with the Music going, food Cooking and people laughing, that stood out to me, as everyone was having a great time and enjoying this passion we have with old tin.

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Easy ups all over the place, people were all happy, and more than willing to chat about their ride etc, if you can get to this show out here in Ventura, you will really enjoy yourselves .

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You will be surprised as to how many vehicles are at this show, it winds itself around the 2 main Halls and spreads over the entire fairgrounds in all corners too, so much stuff to check out.

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The Big Guns sitting in the Grass look somewhat content to bask in the Sun, to the left was where Vendors were selling their wares and plenty to choose from and great to support them too.

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We spent quite some time walking about and taking in everything, met quite a few friends that I had not seen in a long time, thats another great thing about these shows, its an awesome place to chinwag with buddies from afar and see what they have been up too etc.

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Super nice Step Side that would make for one very cool Shop Truck- Parts Getter etc, I saw a lot of step sides this year, always great to see these work horses still on the tarmac.

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This Thunderbird reminded me of a Gene Winfield-Larry Watson styled Kustom, these cars are so comfortable to drive and it must of been such a nice Cruise on the way to the show in this.

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This was another head turner for me as so much work involved to get this ride to look as cool as it does now, I cant wait to see the Color scheme when all completed, thats a wowza!!!

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So many great Colors and wheel combinations, took this photo as we walked to the back part of the show, more tarmac there and even more vehicles to have a good look at and enjoy.

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Walked by Chevy Corner, Nice rides spread out all over the place and seemed like everybody was having a blast hanging out and meeting new friends in this part of the show grounds.

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Also a good thing about this event is some of these vehicles are for sale, and what better way to check a ride out to purchase than here, I saw many great machines available to buy.

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This was looking good and, by the color of the Dash , it could be painted a really deep Candy Purple and I am digging that,Love the tail lights, the rear trunck and Bumper set up on this.

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Come in Number 9, your time is up, this 5 window sits well and dorns an early 21 stud flatty for its mill, cool 50’s style Hot Rod thats was nice to see hanging out with everyone.

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Plenty of cool Fords to take a gander at as well, this hot day was getting hotter, but we nipped into the Hall to cool off and then came back out, the trick is to make sure you Hydrate here.

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Here is the Raffle Car, money goes towards the Children’s Project and a very worthy cause, I wonder who won this as it was stunning to see in its deep Blue paint, sweet ride for sure.

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To get this to have Suicide doors takes a lot of time and patience and this paid off big time, just look at the detail in this machine, although them Velocity stacks on that coupe is grabbing your eye too I am sure?

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Look from this side and even more great Custom Body work was achieved, so many hours in this car, I just had to stop for a bit and take it all in, Machete is a great title for the car.

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Take a look at this Roadster, thats sure is a sweet ride, sits well, awesome finish, show standard, but is that the owner? He is HUUGE!

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if you have a Dictionary by you, look up Bitching Kustom Coupe and I bet this ride pops up, what a wicked Kustom,whats not to like about this 5 window, even the color is right on the money.

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Just something about an Early Cadillac that turns my dial, the color also enhances its appeal too, how great would this be to cruise Route 66 and ride in pure style and comfort.

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This warrants another look but from the Arse end, look at those lines, the long swooping rear fenders to a small shark fin, the wrap around bumpers and huge trunk lid its just perfect for me.

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I love Blue Suede more than Carl Perkins and Elvis, and this owner does too, what a wicked low and sleek machine, this 2 door post looks like its a mile long, perfect roof chop too.

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More Teeth than Liberace, this Bow tie was Clean as a new washing machine, Desoto grills are a hard item to locate these days, nice to see a lot of traditional styling on the rides out there.

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Guys heading home and I am sure they had a really cool time at the Ventura Nationals, this is a fun place to come and visit, see if you lot can make it out here next year and say hello.

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Not too many Motorcycle this year but thats probably as Born Free was only on a few weeks earlier, but, what was on show here were really cool, check out the finned gas tank.

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This was the show stopper for me, what a wicked Trumpy, loved everything about this machine, reversed head is a nice touch and the dump tube exhaust is Killer.

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Another great Bobber, Triumphs really do make great Custom machines and this has a ton of work too, great to see these here and they got a lot of attention parked up here.

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Always dig these machines and hard to find these days, I wanted one of these as a kid but out of my price range back then and sweet to see here in Ventura with the other cool Motorcycles.

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This years show was superb, Jennifer even found some very cool Tropical flower head pieces at one booth.

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Check out some of the cool hand made flower accessories that this Booth makes and sells and all from California as well.  I took a few snaps just to show how very detailed these accessories were and worth the money, these are not easy to make.

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Below is some photos I took as this show is for everyone, so only fair that the Girls get a look at some of the stuff available at the Ventura nationals event.

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See how detailed they are, very Tropical and as Jennifer is Hawaiian, this really suits her and love to see ANY Polynesian art or crafts that has that 50’s styling and this was certainly it.

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The One above is the style Jennifer liked, so she bought that and I like the fact that these are hand made and really exotic, none of that cheap paper stuff from Taiwan.

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So next year, bring ya Girlie out as there were all sorts of things from clothes to bags to Sun Glasses, something for everyone and I know you would all enjoy the shows Vendors here.

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One of my best buddies and one of the first guys I met when I moved to these great shores in 2000, Patrick has always been cool and loves everyone, he was running the Splinter Nationals and a fun thing to get into, Love ya Pat.

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Cant go without seeing this Original Roadster thats been in a few movies back in the day, so cool to see this, what a wicked find this must of been to get it as the original Hot Rod.

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Would of loved to have heard this Roadster fire up, I have seen the movies and even had a few lobby cards of this Roadster back in the Uk in the early 1980’s, who’d of thought I would be seeing this in the flesh, such a bitchin machine and so glad we attended the show.

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So, we left the building and headed for home, what a great Saturday we had, saw so many great cars and Motorcycles, awesome vendors and met super cool people, so until next time.

We head home on the freeway and look forward to the next show in a years time, hope that you can make it as well. Thanks for reading my Blog, hope that you enjoyed it?

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MOONEYES ANNUAL OPEN DAY WAS A BLAST

Well, going to Norwalk Blvd and stopping outside the famous Open Eyes, has always been a cool thrill for me, so much Hot Rod History in that little Yellow building and here we are again for the huge show that generates so much excitement and popularity, that I hope one day Shige can buy next door and make this an even bigger event.

I have been attending these shows since I moved here from other shores back in 2000 and to go to this show is a superb social event for me, some people I have not seen in years but also some people I have seen the day before, this is a fun family atmosphere with Genuine interest in our “Hobby”- ” Lifestyle”

The sun seemed to be up early today and as I kicked the Royal Enfield into Life, I could feel the beads of sweat running down my face like I was about to be shot out of a Circus cannon into an awaiting Net, that was made of wet paper .  But the Royal Enfield jumped into life, ticking over like a well oiled sewing machine, I clunked the gear shufter into first and it ubruply Grinded into the gear and then it was go time, Revs up, Clutch out, arse down, elbows up and I am now off to Norwalk , with Blues skies and a full gas tank, life seemed to smile at me, as to say. ” Go on son, have a brilliant day.

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Well, as I took the back streets, it took maybe 10 minutes for me to pull into Norwalk Blvd, and slowly but surely I could see Hot Rods, Customs and every kind of style of machine on either side of the road, as I pulled up to Mooneyes, I was ushered into the driveway, where upon I was blasted by the sounds of the 50’s, some fella playing a stack of platters and I was digging the vibe Daddy’O!

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I took my Brain Box off and was Greeted right away By the Manager, Chico, such a genuine bloke that I have known for over 17 years now, he welcomed me and thanked me for attending, how nice is that? Don’t hear that much these days and it goes a long way in my book. ” What book is that I hear you ask?”  The book of Pleasantries!

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Man! Was it hot, not even 10:15 it was Hotter than the inside of a Pizza oven on a Saturday evening.  But I was here and there were a ton of like minded souls there, soaking up the Sun, the Sounds and all the cool vendors and machines that adorned this infamous place for a Custom Couture that I dearly love.

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I left my Brain Bucket sat on my bike, another cool thing with Mooneyes is its a safe place and I love that trust ethic at a show, very rare indeed.

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The next person to take time out of their day was the owner of Mooneyes and a super friend of mine.

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SHIGE SUGANUMA:  What a fantastic Bloke, flys over from Japan to meet all his Customers and genuinely take time to see how you are and ask about how things in the business and life is going, a rare find these days.

With more and more people pouring in, I wanted to get around and try and take a few snaps with my phone, not an easy task as so many people darting about but, I wanted to try and share with you lot what I did today, as many like my Blogs etc.

I walked along to the Vendors and wanted to say hello to my mate Keith Weesner, such a superb artist, always has time to say hello and another bloke I have known over 17 years now and as crazy as I into Hot Rods and Art, maybe even more so.

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So many rides parked all over the place, it was fun walking around, talking to people and checking the latest machines out.

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I bumped into my mate Big Dan from the Dynotones, these guys are the best 60’s Surf, Instrumental band anywhere, they rock it 24/7, try and ctah them at one of their gigs.

http://www.dynotones.com/

I saw so many rides there today, everything from Nostalgic Hot Rods, to Metal-flake Kustoms, it was great to see other rides that I have never laid my eyes upon and everybody seemed to be having fun.

 

If you are ever in Sunny So Cal, check Mooneyes out, they have all you need for your ride and what a historic trip down memory Lane you will have.

http://www.mooneyesusa.com/

 

As the day got hotter, it was time for me to do another quick walk about and say high to friends and cross the road to see vehicles that hugged the kerbside and boy was there some neat rides there.

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So, here is to the next event, this show is on until about 3-4 pm so go check it out, so easy to get to off the 5 freeway for Cars and Bikes, this has it all.

Check out the workshop too.

Hope to bump into you at this event next year, have a great weekend all of you.

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ANTIQUE NATIONALS FONTANA May 2017

Well, it was that time of year already, I almost forgot it to be honest and as Jennifer was washing her Motorcycle, I loaded up my Camera and jumped onto my Triumph and headed off to see the cool Drag Racing that will be going on at Fontana drag Way .

The Sun was out and so was I, I flew up the 57 freeway, then the 60 and then the 15 and then headed to Fontana, took me about 50 minutes and was great to see many Hot Rods and Customs lined up at the staging Lanes as I pulled into the event.

I have been going to this for 17 years, this was the 47th Annual Meet and a perfect day for racing.

Once I unloaded my back pack, I had my trusty camera in my hand and walked the Pits to see what we had this year, plenty of great Nostalgia vehicles all over the place, its like a candy shop for the eye, seeing peoples rides that they chose to drive up to this part of Southern California and have a go at hitting the loud pedal on the 1/4 mile drag strip.

People from all over had turned up, I spoke to a fella from Western Australia, and then saw a bunch of guys wearing Flying Norwegian’s tee Shirts, had a chin wag to them and they wanted to come and check the place out, as they had flown in to race at El Mirage Dry lake next week with their Belly Tank racer, which was stuck at Customs, awaiting clearance, so a Great Experience for them for the first time.

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I never tire of this event and the reason is the weather is usually always good, the cars and bikes are fantastic to see, and also everybody is happy and wiling to talk to you about what they are up to and what their vehicle is etc. A totally cool event with a great vibe, fun for everybody in the family too.

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The other thing I like about the Fontana track is that you get close to all the action of racing, you can sit in the grand stand or stand by the fire lane and watch along the fence, you can see, smell and hear the Vintage Flatheads or the Hilborn injected Hemi’s as they hit the Loud button when the lights change from double Orange to green.

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The Pits are a great area to see people working on their cars etc, Heck you could even help sometimes, be it pass a wrench, push a car or jump right in and help on the Motor etc.

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I did not do a car count this year as i was so immersed into the event of trying to at least capture some of the rides that were attending this great show, but a nice turn out none the less and am glad that i managed to make it out here to Fontana raceway, this is right next to the NASCAR track as whilst cars was were racing up the Drag strip, you could also hear the roar of a few V8’s on the Oval track getting some lap times in.

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They also have a Go Kart track too that had a race on as well as drifting saloon cars too, so something for everyone and worth the trip up to these parts for sure.

If you are going to visit, I would make sure you take plenty of liquids, some good walking shoes and a hat, as the Sun can really bely down here, plus if you want to walk the whole track side, well you can as the pit area is huge and fun to take your time and have a look at all the vehicles that are there and, to the sound of screaming motors running beside you up the 1/4 mile is something to experience.

 

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I saw my Fellow Compatriot ” Tony Thacker ” Walking about taking photos with Ryan of Hop Up magazine, always a great social event too, best place to catch up with friends and of course make new ones.

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No attitudes, just all enthusiasts and a healthy fun vibe was felt all day. I have always dug the California lifestyle and even though I have been here 17 years, still feels like just a couple.

Below is a few sets of snaps that i took and you can look at your own time, many cool styles of cars and genre’s and I am sure at least something there to make you smile, you may not be able to smell the leaking 97’s, or feel the heat of the Fontana sun burning the back of your neck but, you can sit back with a can of your favorite suds and take in some of the cars that was at this super cool show.

 

 

Plenty to see whilst you are here and I loved it all, it is a relaxed atmosphere for racing and I have been to many race tracks over the years, if you want to just hang out and check things out at your own pace, what better than to come to this event, try and make it next year if you can and spread the word, the more, the merrier.

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A Little bit of everything for everyone here in SoCal and I love the coupes, Roadsters, Sedans, Tudors and of course then theres the Gassers and Rails too.

I loved them all to be honest and already looking forward to next years event and hopefully can drive up in my Flathead powered 28 Roadster. Check out these rides below, just take a look at that Tri-Powered 4 banger Three Window Coupe. Really a rare machine these days and thats what I like about the Antique Nationals as there are so many Nostalgic rides here to look at close up.

So much cool Nostalgia to see, I was sure glad I had ridden up today to check this event out. I should of taken a few more but after a while, I simply forgot what car I had taken a pic of.

I am certain that you have a favorite amongst the snaps that I took on this Saturday and, if you can make it for next years event, I know you will be smiling all weekend. There is a constant running of motors, the sound of laughter and the announcer is pretty cool, letting you know who the driver is and what car he has brought to race etc. So look below as I have quite a few photos, but I wanted to share all I saw with you.

I took as many shots as I could until my battery ran low on the camera and hope that at least some of them grabbed your attention.   The Branch Family  ( Above )had a Blast too.

I know a lot to look at, so you can imaging how I felt walking around taking this all in again for another year, this seems to get bigger and better at every event and next year I hope to be driving up to the Drags in my 1928 Model A Roadster and join in with everyone.

 

I wish this was a two day event to be honest, then I could take my time and take it all in, time flies faster than some of the 1/4 milers when you are here but a full weekend would be a blast.

I am partial to Model A’s and loved this as it sat in the pits, great look to it.

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Cool 28/29 Roadster with the 4 banger, how Nostalgic is that with 16 inch skinny Bias Ply Firestones and an angled windshield, gives this a Period look.

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Body work is great, hope mine looks half as good when I remove my fenders this month and get a few miles under its belt.

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39 Tear drops, louvered Rumble seat deck lid and Moon discs, set this apart for sure.

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Now theres some money sat in a row, not often you see that right?

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So, until Next year, Many thanks for taking your time to see what I got up to on Saturday at Fontana in Sunny Southern California.

 

Hot Rodding even appears in Video Games

Hey Gang

 

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Well, I am not a video gamer but was blown away to see this guys take on a 31 Model A 5 window coupe, the detail on the Hot Rod is remarkable and he must either own a Coupe or has been schooled well as these are bang on the money, with the exception of the engine sound as a flathead V8 does not sound like that at all.
But check this video out and you can see all the detail really is right there and wanted to share with you today.

This gamer who designs for Grand theft auto by the loom of it also did a 5 window but this time with a hemi motor and lake style headers, unreal.

Below is another gamer and another Model A Coupe, not as good as above but great to see Hot rodding in the mainstream.

Maybe you have already seen these? I am not a gamer, I was always crap at it as the controls just wouldn’t correspond with what i wanted to do as i wanted a real steering wheel and gear shifter and red and blue buttons just felt odd, but great graphics though.

So – great stuff designers as you have kept all the right look for a Hot Rod, just wanted to share as a Blog today.

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MY Hot Rod Heroes

There is so many Iconic Builders, designers and owners or creators of Vintage Hot Rodding, it would take so many volumes to fill, but I am going to do a few of my own personal favourites of Hot Rod Royalty that inspired me when I was a kid and, 9000 miles away on a little Island you call Great Britain.

I was lucky enough to get my hands on Hot Rodding magazines in the UK in the late 1970’s and, living nearby all the old ww2 Bomber and Fighter Airfields, I felt a strange Euphora over WW2 American planes, Post war Belly tanks and of course Hot Rods.

I had my own 1932 Three window coupe in England and lived the American lifestyle and yearned to make that crossing to the United States and actually live my Dream, and here I am and live it every day.

So, one of my Early influences to this crazy Hot Rod fraternity was this Bloke- Dick Scritchfield.

 

 

THE DICK SCRITCHFIELD ERA
Dick Scritchfield has had a long and illustrious career in hot rodding. Yes, that’s right–career, being involved most of his adult life, both as professional (speed shop owner, the first NHRA Regional Rep, and Safety Safari participant, Associate Editor of Car Craft, and Advertising Manger at Rod & Custom), just to name a few, all the while actively participating as a hobbyist as well.

In 1944, as a lad of 14 living in Missouri, Dick purchased his first car, a ’29 Model A coupe, and was granted a valid driver’s license. Other cars would follow, with his first Deuce (a Sport Coupe) acquired in Washington, D.C., while he was stationed there as a drummer in the Navy, which he joined in 1948 (Dick is still a percussion instrument kind of guy). Dick went on to be stationed in Puerto Rico, where he cruised in another Deuce, this time a five-window, which was the only hot rod on the island. As Dick was one of those “hot rodders,” he was asked by the base brass to organize a drag race to keep the sports car guys (both enlisted and locals) from racing on the streets, where there had unfortunately been a few fatalities. Can you imagine for a moment that it was the sports car boys who were the ones they were trying to get off the streets? Dick eagerly complied, then promptly kicked some serious sporty car butt with his fender-free and channeled Deuce coupe. It was also while in Puerto Rico that Dick became a partner in a garage where he honed his bodyworking and painting skills during off-duty hours. He would later return to the island after his tour of duty, where he and his partner imported speed equipment from the States and performed engine swaps. However, as he was already an NHRA rep by this time, he returned to his new rodding career Stateside, moving to SoCal in ’56 to work at NHRA headquarters. One day Dick chanced to see a great looking yellow Deuce highboy roadster for sale in a gas station and acquired same forthwith. Now if you guessed it was Bob McGee’s roadster, you’re correct.

 

 

If the roadster had been both daily driver and race car to Bob, Dick added yet another element–movie and TV star. The “B” movie producers were always on the lookout for prop cars that screamed “HOT ROD!” and were willing to pay good money to rodders who wished to supplement their incomes by renting them to the studios, as evidenced by Norm Grabowski, Tommy Ivo, and numerous others. This concept wasn’t lost on seminal L.A. Roadsters member Dick, and soon the Deuce was involved in all kinds of socially inappropriate automotive hijinks on the silver screen. Dick, Tex Smith, Tony LaMesa, and other roadster owners decided a club dedicated to topless motoring would not only be fun, but give owners of such cars a responsible, public image as well. So, on one fateful Spring day in 1957 (A Sunday afternoon to be exact) the first formative meeting was held at Weiand Equipment Co., where Dick was voted President, and awarded membership card number one! His roadster went on to appear in such flicks as Hot Rod Gang, Hot Rod Rock, and other, more forgettable films as well. The now Scritchfield roadster (he owned it for some three and a half decades, 1956-90), also appeared on movie posters and lobby cards, album covers, and in many magazine how-to articles as well, making it one of the most visible public representations of the hot rod esthetic of its day. It also appeared on television shows like Dragnet, The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis, The Real McCoys, 77 Sunset Strip, and of all things, The Lawrence Welk Show, serving as a hot rod stage prop for the Lennon Sisters, which showed rodding’s more acceptable side to the “Geritol Generation.”

Over the years the ’32 was subject to many mechanical changes (flathead exchanged for 283 Chevy small-block, etc.) and cosmetic changes (first non experimental Metalflake paint job in 1960, which was the subject for a breakthrough article in Hot Rod, inspiring a young Jerry Weesner to do likewise with his own set of wheels, a ’48 Ford convertible). Dick would then build, with Dave Carpenter’s help, a 350cid small-block Chevy that would carry the roadster to a two-way average of 167.212 mph at Bonneville in 1971, with full street equipment. He not only set a record (C/STR) that would stand for a number of years, but the car was given the enviable title of The World’s Fastest Street Roadster as well. In a recent conversation with Dick (who now resides in Hawaii), he disclosed that he would drive the roadster on the street equipped just as it had run on the slat, so the title was both legitimate and well earned. And by the way, those over-the-frame headers that Dick ran and nobody could ever quite seem to identify, were Sanderson Chevy marine items turned upside down.

 

To backtrack just a scoach, in 1964 Scritch had it made, sharing a bachelor pad with fellow L.A. Roadsters’ member Sam Conrad, had a garage full of roadsters and parts, and a new position with his then employer, the Auto Club, where he had been transferred to the Claims Division. When our boy was introduced to his new secretary, one Marian Wilson, that was it–love at first sight! So what did our young couple drive on their honeymoon? If you guessed the Deuce, you’re still in the ballpark.

 

 

When Scritch finally retired to Hawaii around a decade ago, Marian restricted him to only taking some half-dozen vehicles with him. So, with all kinds of motorized transport to choose from, including a Deuce Phaeton he built while at Car Craft (and which he still regularly drives), the roadster was put on the block, as Hawaii still had those pesky fender laws (which varies from island to island), which had caused Bob McGee to sell the roadster all those many years before as well.

 

 

An Icon and always will be.

Photos taken from Internet from Rod & Custom, HAMB and google, please let us know any other credits so we can show the people who took these wonderful shots.

 

Pendine Sands Hot Rod Beach Time Trials 2015

I Many of you know me as the Cafe Racer guy, but- I am also a crazy Hot Rodder and have owned a 31 5 window A Bone, I had a 1932 3 Window Coupe and when I moved here to the States in 2000 I built a 1929 Model A on B rails.

 

But fast Forward to 2015 and they have the Time trials at Pendine Sands in Wales and boy what a turn out, over 100 Hot Rods and such warmth and Camaraderie, it will be hard to beat that anywhere around the globe, so below is just a sample of what went on via peoples photos.

 

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I love the Traditional old style Hot Rod and hope to have another again soon.

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But, Pendine sands back in the UK is a great piece of historical History that not many people know about.

 

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So Below is a bunch of photos from people that made the 2015 Pendine Sands meet and boy are there some corkers there, you can feel the friendly atmosphere and sure wished I could of attended.

 

 

 

All shot on Canon 6D bodies and wide open Sigma 24mm and 50mm F1.4 Art Series and Canon 135mm F2 L lenses.

Post processing in Lightroom with VCSO filters.

— with Shaun Veness.

 

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I cannot tell you how cool this is to see, I am 5000 miles away and this is such a great sight to set my mince pies on, look at all them cool rides.

 

 

 

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Check out Harley Peters and his 4 Banger Roadster, built from scratch in 18 months and driven all the way there and back for the first time.

 

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Just look at the great shots here, you cannot put a Date here as it is so Nostalgic, I love these photos as it really captures the era and the fun.

 

 

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Just look at the beach dead flat and the view of all them Hot Rods is breath taking, someday I shall get home again to see this for myself.

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Cruising along and listening to the V8’s, Flatties and 4 bangers must of been something to behold this weekend as you look through your Hallock windshield.

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Be it a Convertible, A Speedster, a Roadster pick up or a 5 window Coupe, everyone was enjoying this great occasion.

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How about this shot, A pick up, Tudor, 5 window coupe and Roadster, all henry’s finest on the sands.

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Hot rods as far as the eye can see as they Blap along the Sands in formation, what a sight and what a sound I bet?

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From Jalopy’s to Cal Customs, these machines were all enjoying their little bit of freedom together in one place.

 

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Great Cloud formations shows it must of got a little windy at times and maybe some H2O but who would care as this was Hot Rod heaven.

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below, this photo could of been taken right out of Hot Rod magazine back in the day, a Brilliant shot that’s for certain.

 

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So many great rides and people here in Wales for this meet and boy were there some superb examples of the Hobby I still have such a passion for.

 

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How cool is this shot Below, Looks Like a McCullough Blower set up with that awesome intake poking out of the Hoot, pure Hot Rodding.

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Turtle Deck T Roadster sits on the beach I wonder what ed Iskendarian would think if he saw these photos, I will hopefully show these to him.

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Gow Job- this is the old style that you never get to see very often and love the whole concept of this Roadster, Love the Hood sides.

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I love this Right Hand drive Brit Roadster and the commercial lights, real Hot Rodding at its best, super job matey!

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Cabriolet Looked wicked with old continental kit for front fenders, an old Hot Rod trick back in the day and Lakester style Headers too!

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Dick Mann would be proud of this machine, altered gow job in all its glory.

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I love seeing Girls in Hot Rods and this is a great shot, angled windshield as this Small Block gets it down the beach in no time.

I love the Wish bones and the Exhaust existing through the 32 rails.

 

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Having owned a belly Tank this was such a cool sight to see and where many drop tanks ended up after the war.

 

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Flag start- just how it used to be, nice shot here.

 

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Really great old style photo with this geezer in all the cool Nostalgic gear, a really cool shot this.

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BRAAAAAAPPP!!!  I love this Three Window shot.

 

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With hardly any vision in this chopped and channeled 5 Window this is how many Hot Rodders did it in the day.

 

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Another Classic photo that could be in Hop Up or Hot Rod magazine, just a timeless shot.

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Two of my mates below, 61 is Tim Sparks and behind is 74 Harley peters, they must of had a ball driving all the way here and back home too.

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Going full tilt with no cops chasing you.

 

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Love this 5 Window High Boy, doing what they did back in the day and, loving it I bet!

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Talk about getting right into it, such a great photo of this fella giving it the beans as he leans into the Roadster.

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This should be titled “The element of Speed”

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So nice to see a few steel Pick ups out there too, something for everyone, but- I love them all.

 

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Look at this 5 window, what a great stance, sheer determination as he changed gear mid track.

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Just so many good rides out here and enjoyment for anyone that was lucky enough to witness this Classic Occasion in Wales.

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I am sure everybody who drove on the beach will never forget this day as I don’t think I will looking at these great photos.

Below my mate Martin gives his A-Bone a good ringing out, he has owned this car for many years and love seeing this photo.

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Roadster Pick up looks great as it Bimbles down the Beach in search of a fast time.

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Super shot of the Closed cab and flatty powered, stepping on the loud pedal.

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My Buddy Tin Sparks in his Navy Blue Roadster giving it a bit of welly down the straight away. Ive known him 3 decades.

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1930 A Bone 5 window looks cool on the power.

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This looks fast even standing still, so many cool machines here.

 

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I call this the Buckland Special, they turn out awesome machines if you ever need one to be built.

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Lovely unchopped Three Window Blapping along, love the Louvres.

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I have spent a lot of time looking at these photos and love everything about it, what a great turn out too.

 

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Ballsy move to take this Wickedly chopped 5 Window  Custom out for a blap along the sand!

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Hot Rodding at its very roots is right here in the shot, such a Nostalgic Photo and stoked he got the picture, I really dig this.

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Love the A-Bone, giving it hell and just like they did over on the dry lakes at El Mirage back in the day!  Brilliant A-V8 Roadster.

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Just Spoilt for choice on all these shots, so glad he could capture the moment for those who couldn’t make the trip to Wales.

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You have to love it all here at Pendine, and I know this event is only going to get bigger.

 

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Super cool 5 Window A Bone on deuce Rails and nicely put together as well, the Rods all look really well built and I take my hat off to you all!

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California Plated A-Bone looked great on the beach.

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Gripping the Banjo Wheel as they get ready to flag start the time trial, and sure looks like fun to me.

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This photo is right out of 1948 and could be at El Mirage or Harper’s dry lake, what a fantastic photograph!

 

 

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The tirtle deck T reminds of my mate “Sinus” from the Shifters and another awesome shot.

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One of the Sidewinders club members looking happy as he sits on the infamous Time trials beach at Pendine Sands.

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Feels like I am reading early Hot Rod magazine with these shots and hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

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On the Pedal hard as the A-Bone goes for his Goal on the flats of Pendine beach!

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Well how about this Roadster? Fully fendered and gunning for a good time!

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Sitting low to be more stream lined and a Classic photo here.

 

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So cool to have a flag girl and we shall do it here at El Mirage one of these days as i hope to build another roadster.

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OK- Enough of me Blubbering on, just scroll down to see some super cool Photos and video’s, great event and hope to get there one day.

 

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Below: Harley Peters in his 4 Banger that he built himself testament to the younger lot who are into the Lifestyle, great job Harley.

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The images are so Nostalgic and even though i was not there, it sure felt like i was, I am attaching all sorts of photos from other people that were there, that way you get to see everything about this Classic Event that one day i hope to visit and take to the beach and listen to the Flatheads roar!

 

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Below – Harley Peters started his build 18 months ago with a Chassis and now is driving all over the place and made his maiden Voyage to Pendine.

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here is Harley at Buckland where all the cool rides are now created back home in the UK.

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Harley Peters and his hand built 4 Banger Roadster is really an superb Effort and ran like a top.

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Big Matt Bolt sits in his machine and enjoys the fruits of his labor at this great beach meet at Pendine Sands.

 

 

 

Johnny Best and Tim Sparks Chew the fat.

 

 

 

 

 

FINALLY- A great shot of my mate Harley Peters, he built this A- Bone 4 Banger himself in Eighteen months and this was its maiden Voyage.

And it ran like a proverbial Top- Great Job mate.

 

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Here is a bit I borrowed from the VHRA   http://www.vhra.co.uk/VHRA/News/Entries/2015/7/7_Pendine_Speeds_2015.html

 

 

 

Here we have a Few Videos.

Below is some History and information you may like to know.

 

In the early 1900s the sands were used as a venue for car and motor cycle races. From 1922 the annual Welsh TT motor cycle event was held at Pendine Sands. The firm flat surface of the beach created a race track that was straighter and smoother than many major roads of the time. Motor Cycle magazine described the sands as “The finest natural speedway imaginable”.

In the 1920s it became clear that roads and race tracks were no longer adequate venues for attempts on the world land speed record. As record breaking speeds approached 150 mph (240 km/h), the requirements for acceleration to top speed before the measured mile and safe braking distance afterwards meant that a smooth, flat, straight surface of at least 5 miles (8.0 km) in length was needed. The first person to use Pendine Sands for a world land speed record attempt was Malcolm Campbell. On September 25, 1924 he set a world land speed record of 146.16 mph (235.22 km/h) on Pendine Sands in his Sunbeam 350HP car Blue Bird.

Four other record breaking runs were made on Pendine Sands between 1924 and 1927; two more by Campbell, and two by Welshman J. G. Parry-Thomas in his car Babs. The 150 mph (240 km/h) barrier was decisively broken, and Campbell raised the record to 174.22 mph (280.38 km/h) in February 1927 with his second Blue Bird.

On March 3, 1927 Parry-Thomas attempted to beat Campbell’s record. On his final run while travelling at about 170 mph (270 km/h) the exposed drive chain broke and partially decapitated him; Babs went out of control and rolled over. Parry-Thomas was the first driver to be killed during a world land speed record attempt. This was the final world land speed record attempt made at Pendine Sands.

Parry-Thomas’ car Babs was buried in the sand dunes near the village of Pendine. In 1969 Owen Wyn Owen, an engineering lecturer from Bangor Technical College, sought and received permission to excavate Babs. Over the next 15 years he restored the car, which is now housed in the Museum of Speed in Pendine village.

In 1933 Amy Johnson and her husband, Jim Mollison, took off from Pendine Sands in De Havilland DH.84 Dragon G-ACCV ‘Seafarer’ to fly non-stop to New York. Blown off course, they landed down-wind in the dark at Bridgeport, Connecticut after flying for 39 hours over a distance of 3,300 miles at an average speed of 85 mph, overshot, and were both seriously injured in the crash.

During the Second World War the Ministry of Defence acquired Pendine Sands and used it as a firing range. The beach is still owned by the Ministry of Defence; prominent signs warn of the dangers of unexploded munitions and public access is restricted. Monday to Friday part of the beach is closed off because of MOD operations.

In June 2000 Don Wales, grandson of Malcolm Campbell and nephew of Donald Campbell, set the United Kingdom electric land speed record at Pendine Sands in Bluebird Electric 2, achieving a speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).

Top Gear filmed a review as part of the fifth episode of their fourth season, and returned to film a second review for the first episode of the fifth season. Scrapheap Challenge used the beach as the venue for the challenge in Season 10, Episode 1, aired in 2008.

Today Pendine Sands is sometimes used as a stage in rally car events, although spectator access is limited for safety reasons. It is also a popular venue for kite buggying and homebuilt hovercraft.

Between 9 July 2004 and May 2010 all vehicles were banned from using Pendine due to safety concerns, however since May 2010 cars have again been allowed access.

Records Set at Pendine Sands

Date Location Driver Driver Country Vehicle Power Speed over
1 Km
Speed over
1 Mile
Comments
September 25, 1924 Pendine Sands, Wales Sir Malcolm Campbell Great Britain 350hp Sunbeam Blue Bird
V-12
IC 146.15 mph (235.21 km/h) 146.16 mph (235.22 km/h)
July 21, 1925 Pendine Sands, Wales Sir Malcolm Campbell Great Britain 350hp Sunbeam Blue Bird
V-12
IC 150.86 mph (242.79 km/h) 150.76 mph (242.62 km/h) First person ever officially to go over, and set record in excess of 150 mph
April 27, 1926 Pendine Sands, Wales J. G. Parry-Thomas Great Britain Higham-Thomas Special Babs
45 degree V-12
IC 169.29 mph (272.45 km/h) 168.07 mph (270.48 km/h)
April 28, 1926 Pendine Sands, Wales J. G. Parry-Thomas Great Britain Higham-Thomas Special Babs
45 degree V-12
IC 171.01 mph (273.60 km/h) 170.62 mph (274.59 km/h)
February 4, 1927 Pendine Sands, Wales Sir Malcolm Campbell Great Britain Campbell Napier Blue Bird
Napier W-12 Cylinder
IC 174.88 mph (281.44 km/h) 174.22 mph (280.38 km/h) Last record set in Europe