Tag Archives: rockabilly

Franny Beecher, of Bill Haley and the Comets, dies

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
25 Feb

 

 

Comets, dies

 

Associated Press

 

 

Franny Beecher ap 660.jpg

This March 21, 2005 file photo shows members of The Comets, from left to right, Marshall Lytle, Franny Beecher, and Joey Ambrose perform at Rock is Fifty party held at the Gibson Guitar Studio in New York. Beecher, lead guitarist for Bill Haley and the Comets, died Monday, Feb. 25, 2014.AP

Franny Beecher, lead guitarist for Bill Haley and the Comets, which helped kick off the rock and roll era with the hit “Rock Around the Clock” in 1955, has died. He was 92.

 

 

Beecher died in his sleep Monday night at a nursing home near Philadelphia, daughter Pauline Grinstead said Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

The Comets, whose hits also included “See You Later, Alligator,” are credited by some music historians with having recorded the first rock and roll song in 1953 with “Crazy Man, Crazy,” the group’s biography on the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame website says.

Beecher, born Francis Beecher in 1921 in Norristown, started playing guitar before crowds when he was 17 and continued until he was 90. Before the Comets, he performed with Buddy Greco and Benny Goodman, Grinstead said.

“My dad didn’t play music for money. He was no businessman,” she said. “He played music for music.”

Although Philadelphia session musician Danny Cedrone played on the original recording of “Rock Around the Clock” before his death in 1954, Beecher played the signature song for the first time on national television in 1955 and also played with the group in films.

“Rock Around the Clock” became a hit again nearly 20 years after its release when it was included on the soundtrack of “American Graffiti.”

The Comets broke up in 1962, but in the 1980s, Beecher and some of the original members reunited and played tour dates around the United States and internationally for years.

Grinstead said her father also is survived by two sons and six grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements were pending.

 

 

Here are some you tube videos I thought you may like.

Interview with Franny

Some great footage for you.

Big loss but he lived a long and fun life and what a great guitar player.

Foot Tapping, Knee Slapping Sounds that I listen too !

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
23 Feb


Plenty of sounds that I like these days and here is a cool french band called.
Jake Calypso & His Red Hot – My Baby Rocks
They sure can belt cool 50’s style Rockabilly and I dig the song.

Going with some traditional Blues with some Scat man thrown in for good measure, I love the raw style of Blues and hope this gets your foot tapping.

I saw Fellow Brit play at the House of Blues last year, a talented guy who loves the sounds of Doctor Ross and the Chicago Blues Slide.

Now Darrel Higham is a great British guitar picker – and this is how he shows you if you want to have a sound like Scotty Moore, then just try this.

I dig the sounds of the rockabilly days when i was at the weekenders in the UK back in the 80’s and this certaingly has that Rockin 80’s feel.

Now back home Jack Rabbit Slim was a solid sounding rockabliiy band and still bang their stuff out. Cannot get enough of this.

This time how about something a little different? This band is from the Ukreine and with the troublks out there, its a shame they cant go and watch this band, they have a heavy Johnny Burnette feel to their music and I dig it, cool title and great music.

Just thought I would add some unusual sounds for you lot to listen too that I dig, hope you liked it?

Living in yesteryear

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
10 Feb

The people who are STILL living like it’s 1951:

Captivating portraits take a look inside America’s Rockabilly community

It may be 2014 to the rest of us, but for the subjects in Jennifer Greenburg’s photographs, it is still 1951.

The assistant professor of photography at Indiana University Northwest has been photographing America’s Rockabilly community for more than ten years; people that not only dress like it’s the Fifties, but also drive perfectly preserved Cadillacs and decorate their homes with furniture to rival the retro sets of Mad Men.

‘At first I thought the culture was about fashion,’ the 36-year-old photographer told MailOnline. ‘Then I realized it was much, much, more than that. I realized that this was a culture of people who functioned as a community.’

 

 

 

 

Jennifer Greenburg, the assistant professor of photography at Indiana University Northwest, has been photographing America's Rockabilly community for ten years

Jennifer Greenburg, the assistant professor of photography at Indiana University Northwest, has been photographing America’s Rockabilly community for ten years

 

 

From bankers and laborers to teachers and doctors, Ms Greenburg says there is ‘not just one type of person who joins the Rockabilly community’.

‘Some participants make their living inside the culture, but most have the same gamut of jobs that all people have. There is no trend,’ she explained. ‘Some dress at work to blend into the generally culture, some do not. Some have a hybrid way of dressing that is just toned down and not necessarily identifiable as 1950’s.’

 

More…

She points out that, after all, fashion has not radically changed that much in the last 65 years. ‘A pencil skirt now is the same as a pencil skirt from the 1950’s. The only difference is the one you buy now was probably made in China, and won’t last three washings.’

It is this affinity for quality that Ms Greenburg believes the Rockabilly community, which spans across pockets of people in almost every city, is most attracted to: the ‘joyous’ design and ‘beautiful’ functionality of furniture, clothing and ephemera of the Fifties.

‘The middle of the 20th Century in the United States was a time when design was in its heyday,’ she said. ‘Everything American’s owned at that time was designed, and made by, an industrial designer who labored over not only how things should function, but also, over how things should look.

 

 

The Rockabilly community, filled with pockets of people from cities across America, not only dress like it¿s the Fifties, but also drive perfectly preserved Cadillacs and decorate their homes with furniture to rival the retro sets of Mad Men

 

The Rockabilly community, filled with pockets of people from cities across America, not only dress like it¿s the Fifties, but also drive perfectly preserved Cadillacs and decorate their homes with furniture to rival the retro sets of Mad Men

 

'At first I thought the culture was about fashion,' the 36-year-old photographer told MailOnline. 'Then I realized it was much, much, more than that. I realized that this was a culture of people who functioned as a community'

 

‘At first I thought the culture was about fashion,’ the 36-year-old photographer told MailOnline. ‘Then I realized it was much, much, more than that. I realized that this was a culture of people who functioned as a community’

 

From bankers and laborers to teachers and doctors, Ms Greenburg says there is 'not just one type of person who joins the Rockabilly community'

From bankers and laborers to teachers and doctors, Ms Greenburg says there is ‘not just one type of person who joins the Rockabilly community’

 

 

‘We did not have a disposable “Made in China” culture like we do now. When you bought a toaster, it worked for decades, and it looked good just as long. If it broke, you had it repaired. You did not simply toss it into a landfill and head out to a big box store to buy another. . . Yes, even the toaster was joyous in its design.’

The community of people Ms Greenburg has documented, she believes, usually have a desire for this kind of joyousness that was lost in the 21st Century. ‘Happiness, I believe, is everyone’s primary full-time job. And living a life that resembles, visually, the 1950’s helps make that just a little easier,’ she said.

From re-wiring a lamp, to re-sewing the seams of a Fifties cocktail dress, Ms Greenburg added that most true participants of the culture are skilled at repairing and restoring most of their possessions.

‘It is not as easy as going down to the shopping center and buying “a look” off the rack,’ she said. ‘The Rockabillies take preservation into account as
they sculpt their existence. And the culture existed long before it was commonplace to “recycle.”‘

 

'Some participants make their living inside the culture, but most have the same gamut of jobs that all people have. There is no trend,' she explained. 'Some dress at work to blend into the generally culture, some do not. Some have a hybrid way of dressing that is just toned down and not necessarily identifiable as 1950's'

‘Some participants make their living inside the culture, but most have the same gamut of jobs that all people have. There is no trend,’ she explained. ‘Some dress at work to blend into the generally culture, some do not. Some have a hybrid way of dressing that is just toned down and not necessarily identifiable as 1950’s’

 

 

The children growing up inside of the Rockabilly culture, including the boy in the cowboy getup, seem to love their eccentric lifestyle. 'They don¿t usually like Justin Beiber, which actually, gives them a lot of cache among their peers,' said Ms Greenburg

The children growing up inside of the Rockabilly culture, including the boy in the cowboy getup, seem to love their eccentric lifestyle. ‘They don¿t usually like Justin Beiber, which actually, gives them a lot of cache among their peers,’ said Ms Greenburg

 

 

 

 

It is an affinity for quality that Ms Greenburg believes the Rockabilly community is most attracted to: the 'joyous' design and 'beautiful' functionality of furniture, clothing and ephemera of the Fifties

 

It is an affinity for quality that Ms Greenburg believes the Rockabilly community is most attracted to: the ‘joyous’ design and ‘beautiful’ functionality of furniture, clothing and ephemera of the Fifties

 

 

Ms Greenburg, who has collected vintage clothing and jewelry since she was a child, said she started the project because she is ‘as much of a participant in this culture as in any culture’.

‘When I became an adult I started running into young people who liked the same things that I like,’ she said. ‘At first I thought it was just about fashion. Then I dug deeper and started to discover how much more of a subculture it was.’

She added that she took the time to get to really know the people in the Rockabilly community before she began photographing them. 

‘I am friendly, and I am not a tourist in this world. So I began to meet people and get to know them. And that’s how the work happened,’ she explained. ‘It’s also why it took ten years to work on. I felt that a trust and mutual understanding between myself and the person in front of the lens was essential. And that is why the images are successful — that trust.’

 

 

 

She added that she took the time to get to really know the people in the Rockabilly community before she began photographing them. 'I am friendly, and I am not a tourist in this world. So I began to meet people and get to know them. And that's how the work happened,' she explained

 

She added that she took the time to get to really know the people in the Rockabilly community before she began photographing them. ‘I am friendly, and I am not a tourist in this world. So I began to meet people and get to know them. And that’s how the work happened,’ she explained

 

 

The children growing up inside of the Rockabilly culture, including the boy in the cowboy getup, seem to love their eccentric lifestyle.

‘They don’t usually like Justin Beiber, which actually, gives them a lot of cache among their peers,’ said Ms Greenburg, who still keeps in touch with many of her subjects, even spending New Year’s with the family she photographed sitting in the front of the television.

‘I realized what a special and lovely thing I found myself a part of,’ she said. ‘I have a friend in every city in America that I can call today and go visit tomorrow. That friend will open up his door to me,  and, help me with anything that I need — a laugh, a drink of water, a shoulder to cry on — just like only the best of friends do.’

On why the project took ten years to work on, Ms Greenburg said: ' I felt that a trust and mutual understanding between myself and the person in front of the lens was essential. And that is why the images are successful -- that trust'

On why the project took ten years to work on, Ms Greenburg said: ‘ I felt that a trust and mutual understanding between myself and the person in front of the lens was essential. And that is why the images are successful — that trust’

 

 

 

 

 

Ms Greenburg said she still keeps in touch with many of her subjects. 'I realized what a special and lovely thing I found myself a part of,' she explained

Ms Greenburg said she still keeps in touch with many of her subjects. ‘I realized what a special and lovely thing I found myself a part of,’ she explained

 

 

'I have a friend in every city in America that I can call today and go visit tomorrow,' Ms Greenburg said of the Rockabilly community she has come to know so well. 'That friend will open up his door to me, and, help me with anything that I need -- a laugh, a drink of water, a shoulder to cry on -- just like only the best of friends do'

‘I have a friend in every city in America that I can call today and go visit tomorrow,’ Ms Greenburg said of the Rockabilly community she has come to know so well. ‘That friend will open up his door to me, and, help me with anything that I need — a laugh, a drink of water, a shoulder to cry on — just like only the best of friends do’

 

The credit crunch, a knife crime epidemic – no wonder so many of us are sick of the 21st century. Most of us just grumble, but some women have taken radical action to escape what they see as the soulless grind of modern life. Meet the ‘Time Warp Wives’, who believe that life, especially marriage, was far more straightforward in the Thirties, Forties and Fifties.

1950s                                                                                

Joanne Massey, 35, lives in a recreation of a 1950s home in Stafford with her husband Kevin, 42, who works as a graphics application designer. Joanne is a housewife. She says:

I love nothing better than fastening my pinny round my waist and baking a cake for Kevin in my 1950s kitchen.

I put on some lovely Frank Sinatra music and am completely lost in my own little fantasy world. In our marriage, I am very much a lady and Kevin is the breadwinner and my protector.

Enlarge  

time warp wives
Joanne Massey: ‘Living like this makes me happier’We’ve been married for 13 years and we’re extremely happy because we both know our roles. There is none of the battling for equality that I see in so many marriages today.What’s wrong with wanting to be adored and spoiled? If I see a hat I like, I say ‘Oh, we can’t afford that’ and Kevin says: ‘You have it, I’ll treat you.’I don’t even put petrol in our Ford Anglia car, which is 43 years old, because I think that is so unladylike. I ask Kevin to do it.

I make sure our home is immaculate, there is dinner on the table, and I look pretty to welcome my husband home.

My kitchen is an original ‘English Rose’ design, with units made from metal, which was very much the ‘in thing’ then.

We bought it from a family in Scotland who saw our advert in an antiques magazine.

They had it in their garage to keep tools in, so it needed renovation. I have an original Kenwood Mixer, the phone is bright pink Bakelite, and even my crockery is original 1950s.

Enlarge  

time warp wives

Feel good: Debbie’s lifestyle makes her feel ‘as if I’m living in
one of those old-fashioned TV shows where everything is always wonderful’

We had the hall carpet made for us with an authentic swirling geometric pattern. I like to close the front door, pull off my gloves and know that I am in my own world.
I only ever wear 1950s clothing, such as tight pencil skirts, a white blouse and a wide belt.

Kevin wears ‘modern’ clothes for work, but at weekends he wears a smart suit and a trilby.

I admit I am in retreat from the 21st century. When I look at the reality of the world today, with all the violence, greed and materialism, I shudder. I don’t want to live in that world.

Relaxed: Joanne thinks modern life is too hectic and likes to take her time
Neither of us drinks and our social life revolves around visiting like-minded friends for tea and cakes.

I try not to interact with the modern world too much at all. Shopping in supermarkets is an ordeal, and I only recently realised that Tony Blair is no longer Prime Minister as I don’t read newspapers – they are just too distressing.We do have a television set, but we hide it in a retro cabinet and only watch things like Miss Marple, Poirot and Foyle’s War.My obsession began as a teenager, when I loved old movies because they seemed to represent a halcyon time, when women were more feminine and men more protective


time warp wives

the era

I went to a grammar school and could have gone to university, but chose to work in a bank.

I was marking time until I met the right man. Kevin and I met in 1993 at a Fifties Convention, and we had an old-fashioned courtship before he proposed.

I was ecstatic, because I had found someone with the same passion for the period.

Today’s society is all rush, rush, rush, whereas I like to take my time. I never leave the house without lipstick on, and I also like to help neighbours – collecting their pensions and doing shopping for them, just as women in the 1950s would do.

It may sound silly, but living like this really does make me happier – as though I’m existing in one of those old-fashioned TV shows where everything is always wonderful.

My despair at the modern world is one of the reasons why we haven’t had children.

I would be terrified they would be offered drugs, or become the victims of violence.

Some women I meet ask me if I feel patronised by being a housewife and spending my time caring for Kevin, but I never would.

At work, he gets teased because he’s the only one with home-made cakes and even home-made jam in his sandwiches.

But I often wonder if his colleagues aren’t slightly jealous that he has a wife who devotes herself to his happiness. How many men these days can really say that?

1940s                                                                                 

Debbie Cleulow, 34, lives in Upper Tean in Staffordshire with her husband Martin, 38, who works for a JCB contractor. Debbie says:

When I see a girl walking down the street wearing next to nothing, I think: ‘Why don’t you have more respect for yourself?’

Other women may laugh at my determination to make my home perfect for my husband, Martin, but I enjoy spending my leisure time baking cakes and sewing.

Enlarge  

time warp wives

Debbie Cleulow: ‘I try to make my home perfect for my husband’

I really believe that women today have lost their way, with bingedrinking ladettes and children as young as 11 going out in tiny tops.

The age of innocence has been lost and it is such a shame. My idol is Ava Gardner and when I watch her films – as I do all the time – I think that so much has been lost from today’s society.

I’ve made my home a shrine to the Forties, and I only ever wear clothes from that decade. Other people may laugh at me, but I really don’t care.

I think I have a far happier marriage than many other people I meet, because we have strict demarcations in our roles.

I do all the cleaning, ironing, washing and cooking, and Martin puts up shelves and looks after the car. He’s the breadwinner and I create a lovely – and loving – environment for him.

I met Martin when I was 17 – we lived in the same village – and he has been my only serious boyfriend.

It’s so much more romantic only ever to have been in love with one man. My obsession with the 1940s really began through Martin, as he was already going to Forties events when we met.

I have spent so many happy hours sourcing retro furniture and kitchen gadgets for our home, and gradually we are eradicating every trace of the modern age.

Debbie Cleulow

Retro: Debbie and her husband attract plebty of attention when they leave the house

We have an old black Bakelite phone, I use a retro Swan kettle and a full 1940s dinner service which my parents bought for us from an antiques centre.

I inherited our oak bedroom suite from my grandparents. It’s stamped with the ‘CC41’ utility mark, which shows it complies with the rationing of the time.

Likewise, some of my clothes are stamped with the same mark. I wear vintage dresses during the day, and for evenings and weekends I will dress up in the full glamour of satin evening dresses with high heels.

I wouldn’t dream of leaving the house without gloves and a hat. When we go out, we do attract a lot of attention and some people laugh, but I think that is their problem.

We aren’t friendly with anyone who doesn’t share our love of the Forties. Some people might think I am hiding my head in the sand, harking back to an age that is long gone.

But to me, the 1940s was a time when people were much more friendly to each other – they really cared about their neighbours.

As it is, I hardly know the people who live next to us. Of course, I’m not such a Luddite that I don’t use modern medicines and other comforts of modern life when I need to, but I find a genuine happiness in living in a time when life was simpler.

My job is to devote myself to Martin. He has a physical, stressful job and he loves coming home to a wife who looks pretty, has his meal ready in an immaculate house and has all the time in the world for him.

1930s                                                                                  

Diane Rowlands, 38, works parttime in a customer service centre. She lives with Martin, who is 40 and works in a warehouse. Diane says:

My love for the Thirties started with the music. As a teenager, I loved to listen to the big band sound and I would sit entranced for hours watching films starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. They were so glamorous.

Back then, the world just seemed a sunnier place, even though it was an austere time between the wars.

Enlarge  

time warp wives

Diane Rowlands: ‘Ideally, I’d spend all day in my pinny’

Women were these amazingly glamorous creatures, with their perfect hair and immaculate makeup, and they were treated with such respect by men.

Men and women knew their roles in society and there wasn’t all this pressure on women to have to go out to work and try to be equal to men.

I do work part-time, but only because we need the money. However, we still have clearly defined roles in the home and I am the one who does most of the cooking and cleaning.

I adore baking cakes and if I had my way I would spend all of my days in my pinny, making my house look immaculate.

Martin and I spend hours sourcing clothes from the 1930s and I am always dressed in period costume.

I usually spend around £50 to £150 per item. I buy them from the internet and vintage clothing specialists, and I have wardrobes full of wonderful old clothes and items such as cloche hats and Mary-Jane shoes with T-bar straps.

At first I was a bit dubious about going out dressed in Thirties clothing, but I am totally used to it now.

Diane Rowlands

Anyone for tea? Diane spends hours on the internet sourcing items for her 1930s lifestyle

Comments from strangers can be pretty bitchy, though, because people just don’t like anything that’s out of the ordinary.

The Thirties was a much more moral time and there was a real camaraderie between people.

I try to escape from where we are now and rarely read newspapers because I find today’s world so depressing.

The pace of life today is so hectic and I think there is so much pressure on women to be like men. It is all wrong.

I love to wear dresses and skirts, look immaculate and be treated like a lady. My home is entirely decorated with 1930s furniture, wallpaper, carpets and ornaments.

Retreating to this world is our sanctuary.

 

 

 

Cool Videos that I dig

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
26 Jan

OK, every now and again I make up some cool listings of Music Videos that I personally like.

Now I know you may not like them all, but this is the stuff I like and gives you an idea of what turns my dial.

This video that’s now up is from Norway, boy- they have some wild women there by the sound of it.

 

Now out into the dry lake bed for some smooth Rockin Sounds.

Ok, time for the Reverend to teach you how to eat.

The Baboons with it’s Dark, I have no idea what the song is about really as the video is unusual but a smoth track none the less.

Junior and the Cell mates play a cool set of licks and sing great in English.

Now back to my Home Country and a fella named Ian Bowerman not only can play the guitar, he is a one man band and cam blues like the original Doctor Ross,Lightning Hopkings and Howling Wolf.
This guy is awesome to see live.
Check him out, he goes by the name of “Dollar Bill”

MOONEYES CHRISTMAS SHOW THIS SATURDAY DEC 7th

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
03 Dec

Well, it is that time of year again and the MOON-EYES Christmas party is all set for this coming Saturday at the Irwindale Drag strip, I shall be going with Dakota and maybe if I can get Jennifer my girlfriend to come along, that would make such a great Saturday for me.

The Mooneyes show is a big event and one you really should try and get too, admittedly parking can be a royal pain in the arse, as there is only really one road in and be prepared to be sat in a traffic jam for a while, as I have done every time, but once in, you can chill and just walk around the show, see the Hot Rods, Custom Cars, Custom trucks, Low Riders and Custom Cycles that are in the show area, the parking lot will have many cool rides too, so always some great eye candy to be had by all.

http://bangshift.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Mooneyes-2013-Xmas-Party-Schedule.jpg

 

 

 

Then there are the Drags that will be running all day, if you want to see and hear Classic iron racing each other over the 8th mile, then this is the place to be for you.

There will also be cool sounds coming from the bands that will be banging out their tunes and much to see, as there will be many Vendors to show you what they have and offer.

Good food, good sounds and the amazing sounds of the drags makes this a MUST see event of the year.

People attend this show from not just California, they get people from all over the globe and I have not been dissapointed yet, I hope to see some of you out there and just relax, and make sure that you take your camera, as there will be a huge bunch of amazing rides there and plenty to show your family and friends back home once you are done.

Check all the vendors out as this is the best place to find all your low brow and custom stuff, great for Christmas gift buying and of course, supporting these local vendors helps them too.

Everything from Tee shirts, Hot Rod parts, Custom artwork, pinstriping, and the girls can find all their clothing, bags and make up, so it covers everyone, mum,dad, kids an all.

 

Now- the Gates open at 6am but I will be up there probably about 10am and I really hope I get to see some of you out there, it’s an awesome social event that needs to be publicized as much as possible and this is the best show at this time of year.

Hundreds of entrants guarantees that there really is something for everyone at this event.

See you there!!!!!!!!

 

 

 

MOONEYES annual Show &amp Drag at Irwindale Speedway in Irwindale, CA
Cars, bikes, vendor booths, live music, pinup contest, art auction and more.
General Show & Drag event information:
MOONEYES XMAS PARTY Show & Drag 2013
IRWINDALE SPEEDWAY – 500 SPEEDWAY DR, IRWINDALE, CA 91706
SHOWTIME: DEC. 7, 2013, GATE OPENS at 6:00AM
GENERAL ADMISSION: $5.00 per person over 12 years old.Pin-up Contest is handled by Mitzi & Co. There is a deadline and space is limited. Please contact them for details.
Homepage: http://www.mitziandco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mitziandcophotography

Vendor Booth space is very limited.
—————-
PLEASE COME EARLY TO GUARANTEE A PARKING SPACE
Preregistration does not guarantee a parking space. Although we do have reserved sections for the car show entries, all parking is based on a first come, first served basis. Please arrive early to secure a parking space.
Gate opens by 6AM.

Parking is managed by Irwindale Speedway. Once the parking lot is declared full, the gate will be closed and no vehicles will be permitted into the parking area until an official confirms an open space. MOONEYES does not have any control over the parking situation. We apologize for the trouble and any inconvenience this may cause.

Please Note:
THE PARKING LOT WAS OVER CAPACITY LAST YEAR BY 7:30AM.
Please do not setup tents in open spaces or block empty spaces.
Please cooperate with the parking lot attendants at all times. After all, they are just doing their job.

Come early, park early, take it easy and enjoy a fine day at the show!
Thank you very much. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding the parking situation.
—————-
We ♥ VANS! We’ll have special section for Vans again this year at the XMAS Party Show & Drag 2013.

Vans must use the form and preregistered. No Vans will be permitted without credentials. No registration for vans on Saturday at the gate.

Space will be allocated based on the number of vans preregistered.

—————–
SHOW CAR Registration:
All show cars are limited to pre 1965 model years.
PREREGISTRATION ENTRY FEE: $20.00 includes 1 car and 2 persons.
Registration Entry Fee at the gate (at show) is $40.00 (1 car & 2 persons)
Motorcycles are $15.00 Preregistration or at the gate.

DRAG RACE Registration:
RUN WHATCHA BRUNG! Test your car & your skills!
Drag cars are limited to pre 1969 model years.
NHRA SAFETY RULES APPLY. CARS MUST PASS ON-SITE INSPECTION PRIOR TO RACING.
VENDOR BOOTH APPLICATIONS & SHOW REGISTRATIONS:
ALL Show & Drag Registration forms, plus the Vendor Booth Application, are now available for download below. PDF reader is required to view the documents.

Please print the document, fill out the form completely and send it in. Our address and related information are on the form. For any specific questions, please contact us at sales@mooneyes.com or by calling (562) 944-6311.

Registration period:
START: SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2013
DEADLINE: SATURDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2013
*Registrations may end early without any notice, depending on space available.

Entry forms:
– Vendor Booth Application
<CLOSED> Sorry, vendor space is full.

– SHOW CAR Entry Form
<CLOSED> Show Car preregistration is closed. However, you can still register your car at the gate on the day of the show for $40.00.

– DRAG RACE Registration
<CLOSED> Sorry, DRAG RACE space is full.

LIVE BANDS:
Gambler’s Mark
Dead Beat Daddy
Hot Rod Trio
Dynotones

Also Bang shift will be having Live streaming, for those who cannot make it,this is what they said.

 

That’s right folks, BangShift.com is going to bring some So Cal weather your way with FREE Live Streaming Video from the 2013 Mooneyes X-Mas Party and Drags at Irwindale this Saturday! While a ton of you will be looking outside at cold weather, we’re still getting our hot rod on here in Southern California, and the 2013 Mooneyes X-Mas Party and Drags is THE place to be this weekend. Last year the entire show area was full by 7:30 am! We want to thank Chico and the gang at Mooneyes for having us, and look forward to all the international audience that will be watching as well. A full schedule is below, but remember it’s this Saturday LIVE from Irwindale so get your beverages and snacks ready and come hang out with us here at BangShift.com starting at 9am Pacific. That’s 11 Central and 12 Eastern for you time challenged folks.

Drag Racing starts at 9am, with a Cacklefest at 11:30am, and then more drag racing into the afternoon. We’ll have interviews with the greats, on track action, cars, bikes, and more. And as always it’s FREE FREE FREE here at BangShift.com. We will have pit reports and interviews going on with Darr Hawthorne and Donnie Couch along with some very special guests.

PENDINE SANDS IN SOUTH WALES HAS AWESOME HOT ROD TURN OUT.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
14 Sep

    WHAT A GREAT EXHIBITION OF SUPER COOL HOT RODS AND VINTAGE TIN !

Here is all the news of the up and coming day and I have also added vids and other people write ups for you all to have a look at.

 

The Vintage Hot Rod Association presents:

Pendine Sands – Amateur Hot Rod Races

Racing is planned to commence at 11am on the 7th September

This is the big one! For years it has been discussed about taking hot rods to Pendine Sands, but until now it has not been a reality. We are so very proud to announce that the Vintage Hot Rod Association will be hosting the First Annual Hot Rod Races at Pendine Sands on Saturday, 7th September 2013.

 

Pendine Sands is a seven mile long, arrow straight beach in South West Wales and was the go to place in the 1920’s for land speed record attempts. Back then it drew big names such as Malcolm Campbell driving Bluebird, along with Parry Thomas piloting Babs, both hitting speeds in excess 170 miles per hour. It was following a terrible accident in 1927 when Thomas was decapitated that racing at Pendine Sands was called to a halt. For a little history lesson we recommend you take a look at the film below, the BBC tell it so much better then we do!

 

This is a chance for us here in the UK to at last have a go at what the US has taken for granted for many years, although ironically, those heroes of a bygone time were doing it here on Pendine Sands way before the hot rodders found their way to Muroc, El Mirage and Bonneville.

Racing Classes

 

V – Vintage – Pre 54 engines, inclusive of all Ford flathead V8’s

L – Late – Post 54 engines

 

4 – 4 Cylinder

6 – 6 Cylinder

8 – 8 Cylinder

U – Unlimited Cylinders

 

B – Blown – Supercharger or Turbo

 

F – Flathead – ALL valves in block, no OHV conversions

 

R – Roadster – Open top factory cars. Roof chops allowed, top must be down.

C – Closed Car – Fixed roof factory cars. Roof chops allowed.

M – Modified – Special & shortened bodies including any non factory bodies.

K – Full Body – Factory cars post 1934. All  body styles, roof chops allowed. Full fenders must be fitted.

 

To give a few examples, if you run a 1932 roadster with a blown flathead, you’ll be running in V8BF/R. A 4 banger with an OHV conversion in a T speedster would be in V4/M, and a 1940 Ford custom running a Thunderbird engine would be L8/K. So as you can see, there are plenty of permutations and lots of opportunities to set class records.

 

Entry Conditions

 

Cars will be timed over a flying quarter mile and racing is open to all members of the VHRA and their VHRA eligible cars. To compete on the sand the cost is £30. Pit crew can sign on and have full access for a further £10 a head. If you have a car that won’t be competing, then to gain access to the pit area it’s £10 for each person in the car. Pit entry on foot is £10 per person. All these options will gain you access to the after race party. Please note that there is a cut off of pre-49 for racing, and up to 1954 for cars in the pit area and they do have to be “in period”. There is a maximum of around 100 competing cars and also a limit on pit passes available, with places going to VHRA members first. So, if you don’t want to miss out on this unique opportunity, print off the application form and get it back to us post haste. – PLEASE NOTE THAT AS OF 8th AUGUST ALL RACE & PIT PASSES HAVE BEEN SOLD. NO FURTHER BOOKINGS ARE BEING TAKEN.

 

If you just wish to come and spectate, then there is a fee of £3 payable on the day, which does allow you access to the beach in your car in the public car park, but it will not permit you to enter the pit or race areas, nor will you be have access to the after race party on Saturday night. No pre-booking is required.

Accommodation

 

For those wishing to stay nearby there are a number of options. If you are quick then the Parkdean Caravan Park across the road is the place to stay. Call 0844 335 3580 ask to book for the Vintage Hot Rod Rally at Pendine Sands, quote reference U9976857 and receive a 5% discount. Bookings are done on a short break basis and start from less than £200 for a 6 berth caravan. Check out their website for details of the accommodation available. Alternatively there will be camping available on site and nearby, bookable via the VHRA, at £10 per pitch for Friday and Saturday nights and is only available to those booking race or pit passes. There are also hotels and B&B’s in the area, just search on Google for more information!

Since it was exhumed, Babs has undergone a full restoration and will be on display at the Museum of Speed which is just a stones throw from where all the action is taking place, as will be the Racer’s Party in the museum grounds on the Saturday night, where we can all tell tales of how next year we will all be so much faster! However the main event is traditional hot rods being timed flat out in such a historic and important place. With a suitable rum up, cars will then be timed over a flying quarter mile in a variety of classes. With this being the first event, many records will be set and many egos boosted! A full race card will be available on the day from the VHRA stand. Racing is planned to commence at 11am, but if we are able to get the pits and course in place sooner, then it may start a little earlier.

CLICK HERE FOR BOOKING FORM

RACE AND PIT PASSES SOLD OUT
 
 Here are some of the videos that I have taken from you tube and the like, as well as other websites whos names I have left on their work, just great to see this all happening, when I had my 3 window Deuce back in the 80’s there were only a few of us and now it has become a great part of British motoring with an American flare.
Pendine has a 7 Mile straight away on the beach, where many people have been there to attempt land speed records back in the 1920’s.

 So, sit back and enjoy the sights and sounds of these marvelous Hot Rods and their owners, some I have not seen in almost 20 years, so great for me to see this too.

 

Martin Grossmith and his A-Bone that he has had for about 13 years, I remember when he found the Original car out here in SoCal, so glad he is STILL having fun with that machine.
Grabbing sand and digging in as the little side valve shows what it can do on the 7 mile straight.
Awesome cars came from all over for the Special occasion.
More fun that watching frogs lap dance.
Plenty for spectators to see on this day and boy wish I could of been there.
Of course, the obligatory Moustache had to be applied on Matins Bubble Visor.

There are legends and folklore that surround most things we are passionate about. But with the passing of time you can often miss the original point of what you initially found so interesting and so captivating – points lost in recreation and poor interpretation. For that reason I often wish I had a time machine. No, I’m not some sort of unrealistic day dreamer and in no way do I want to turn back time, but once in a while I really think that it would be fascinating to head back and immerse yourself in a bygone culture; to eat the best steak in the world instead of cooking it from a set of instructions.

That’s why I’m here at Pendine Sands in South Wales, because there’s a chance that the best automotive meat I’ve ever tasted is going to be served up here pretty soon. First up you need some history to understand what I’m talking about though.

Simple question first: what’s happening here today? Speed trials on a beach in short, but that’s only about 10 per cent of the story. The sand we’re stood on here at Pendine in South Wales is sacred to those in the know. It’s one of many motorsport venues in Great Britain that have long faded from the mainstream consciousness, although having read that back I’d question whether it even registered in the mainstream at all…

There’s a museum for the many achievements witnessed here and some day I’ll come back and show you more of this #templeofspeed. Right now you’ll have to trust me though. In the British Isles we have very few places to try and go as fast we can. In fact, we’re limited to two second world war airfields and the sand here at Pendine. So in the early 1900s anything fast and pre-war was tested here when the roads became less able to contain the speeds and the smooth, seven-mile long expanse of sand made higher mph possible. Two tales stand out for me: the first is of Malcolm Campbell who was the first person to use Pendine for a world land speed record attempt. He successfully achieved a speed of 146.16mph here almost exactly 90 years ago on September 25th, 1924.

A battle ensued over the next few years and Welshman J.G Parry-Thomas lost his life here in March 1927 when his car Babs rolled at roughly 170mph, killing him instantly. His friends buried the mangled wreckage in the dunes and there it remained until it was dug up in 1969 and restored. Today she sits in a large glass window in the front of the museum. That’s the building on the left, looking out over the assembled throng of hot rods assembled here to chase the dream across the sand.

The real magic dawns on me very quickly as I see the tide ebbing slowly back towards the horizon. This isn’t like Brooklands or a decayed and forgotten Spanish race track. Everyday there is a fresh track, a fresh line. This scene can never get old, because every day it’s new. It sends a small shake up my spine as I feel the anticipation in the air – this is special stuff. But we have to be patient and wait for the water to do its own thing, just like it has for millions of years prior to this day.

Up here on the high ground are the weapons of today’s land speed warriors. Numbers have been limited to just 100 cars, which is actually quite a lot, all things considered. This is an event that’s never run before, that couldn’t be set up the day before, and pretty much everyone here has never driven at high speed on sand. Anything could happen.

Everybody is part of the Vintage Hot Rod Association, so they’re use to dealing with old hot rods. In order to compete, vehicles needed to be of pre-1949 construction and be using original or vintage-type suspension and engine components. Keeping it period in other words, and doing it as it would have been done back in the day in America.

With the water retreating, the clock is now ticking. It’s around 10am when we start to make our way down onto the beach. The entire course needs walking and any debris that’s been left by the outward tide needs to be removed, so it’s all hands on deck to to give it a clean sweep. The head of the pack in the distance is pretty much where the pit area will be.

And soon enough that area is filling up nicely. Although you can see in the background here that the sand was still a little soft; the big Chevy pickup getting bogged down in the borrowed ground.

But what borrowed ground it is. I like the fact nature doesn’t let us play here whenever we want. Like the planning of this event, time has had to be taken and all the elements come together for one very special day to happen. Marco Warren in car #3 took the honours of getting the ball rolling, and this is the first run of the day. Organiser Neil Fretwell took #2, but #1 wasn’t assigned. There were classes for 4/6/8 and unlimited cylinders in case any 12s turned up, with seperate designations of ‘B’ for blown (either supercharger or turbo), ‘F’ for flathead. Body classes were as follows: ‘R’ for roadster, ‘C’ for closed cars, ‘M’ for modified and ‘K’ for full body.

When I woke up around 6am there was rain pouring down on the roof of my B&B; millions of tiny wet reminders that after a beautiful British summer we’re dancing with bigger powers here. Racing has started though, so I don’t hang around the pits for any more than five minutes. I want to see the action out there on the sand. This is Paul Beamish’s gorgeous ’34 Coupe driving off the line, running a blown flathead V8.

This is not a drag race though, and even though some people break traction away from the start there’s a mile or so to build up to speed before you enter a timed section.The sand is solid, but ultimately it’s just sand. I know the salt at Bonneville is a crust, but it’s still much firmer than this surface which was under water a couple of hours ago.

Walking up the dune line, I turn to take in every run. I don’t want to miss anything. As the stripped-down, hopped-up rods appear from the mass of people on the start line – building speed and bearing down on that timed area – you start to lose a sense of perspective.

They’re almost frozen in time, growing in stature instead of coming at me.

Here’s Keith Harman in his ’34 five-window coupe. In this shot you can just make out in the foreground the first bamboo pole signifying the start of a corridor each competitor had to pass through…

… tripping the beam at one end to start their timed run.

After talking to a couple of drivers later in the day I realised just how hard it was to pin the location before there was a clear path of tyre tracks.

The speeds were impressive, but maybe more so was the courage of the drivers. I thank my lucky stars that large governing bodies hadn’t smudged the event with monstrous safety stipulations and ugly additional, modern day equipment. It might sound naive, and yes I know accidents can happen, but you know what? Everybody here is a consenting adult who knows what they’re getting into and nobody is pushing them. This is about men and women driving as fast as they dared, however they wanted to do it.

I’ll show you more of this T in another post, but its induction set-up had me smiling all the way back in the pits. Driver Kevin Helsdown is seen here hunkering down for added aero/hero points.

The drivers then had another mile or so to slow down; the surface not really lending itself to a hard application of brakes.

Mike Pickup in his Ford Sedan winds down after one of roughly three or four runs each driver had during the day. As I sit watching them I’m getting very envious. The drivers all say that the surface is skittish though; skinny crossply tyres not really cutting into it and as the wind dries the sand out even more they tell me that as the speed builds you feel like you have less and less control. Many are fearful that any sort of sudden movement will prompt a wheel to dig in and flip the car.

The collection area at the top end must have been awash with drivers swapping notes on the surface and how to handle it. Sure, there’s been a little research here and there and I speak to a few drivers who’ve had words with American friends who have run at places like El Mirage. After all, this event is also harking back to the halycon days of southern California’s dry lakebed time trials. But largely they’re just out there seeing how it feels and making it up as they go along. For me, this only adds another element of authenticity.

With trials halted for a few minutes, the first batch of drivers head back down to the pits and I get to sit and watch as they rumble by. Like I said, this event isn’t trying to recreate anything because it’s never been done before. It’s very much in the spirit of bygone land speed racing though.

For this and the last picture – no digital watches, modern helmets, bolt on DSLR cameras or anything else to foul the scene.

As I head back to the pits, I look across and catch some of my friends digging the scene on my 400mm lens. Although the limited number of pit passes sold out months ago, public access was free and plenty took advantage of it.

Looking back up the line, where you can see the two larger white vehicles on the far side is where the timed area is. The slightly darker line being the racers’ only guide as to where the numbers get counted.

There was a cut off date for all vehicles in the pits too, but seeing as it was 1954 it meant there were some gorgeous kustoms around to mix it up with the rods.

There was a wide spread of early Ford tin present, as you’d expect. With this Model A  pick up here on the left and T showing two different approaches to a similar body style.

Interiors were largely sparse affairs, and the flathead V8 seemed to be the motor of choice. That’s to be expected given the large numbers it was produced in, tuning potential and the period perfection it adds too.

As was common in California back in the day, Fords naturally made up the largest percentage of entries.

I’ve always preferred the Model B though. There’s just something extra about that kicked-up rear and smaller front end that gets me going. I was raised by a father who did illogical things so that he could buy, build and race pre-war cars. So it’s inevitable that at some stage I will own something from this era. The closest I’ve come so far was a ’47 Ford Tudor, which from the bulkhead back is essentially a ’39 Ford. It was quite popular for moonshine running given it’s large boot/trunk space. So if it’s good enough for Junior Johnson who went on to become a NASCAR legend, it’s good enough for me.

You might be wondering just how fast is fast then? Around mid-afternoon I found out that this flathead-powered special was running around 115mph. Sure, that might not sound a lot to a generation who’ve grown up on turbocharged Japanese metal, but consider this – you’re looking at technology older than your parents and quite possibly older than your grandparents. Can you see the drilled chassis for weight saving?

A musician called David Lee-Roth, who you might have heard of, once said, “It’s not how well you do, it’s how good you look whilst doing it.” Well this is about doing something well…

… and looking good whilst doing it. What you’re looking at here is a tweed jacket with a leather flying jerkin over the top and a cravat around the neck. I know a few characters like Neil Bennett and they’ve been doing this sort of thing for longer than I’ve been on this earth. I doff my cap to them all. His speed of 114.56mph is the fastest of the day…

Hanging around the start line I see organisor Neil Fretwell enjoying the scene. Gripped in his right hand is the radio that links him to the small white box (the timing van) in the distance, which relays back times and speeds…

… and passes on information as to when the course is clear for the next competitor to get underway. Because we don’t have all day…

The sea will have all of this covered long before the evening’s entertainment gets into full swing, so we’d better get some more runs in.

Back in the pits, Neil gathers everybody around and tells us it’s just about possible for one more run if everybody lines up and goes off and then returns in one full group.

Nobody needs telling twice. Marco who started the proceedings gets his helmet on with quick pace.

And it wasn’t like Neil was going to miss out either, quickly lining up in his 3in subtly chopped Model A.

In fact, everything that could make a run, did. The surfboard was probably worth 10 per cent across the rev range.

With the sea rapidly returning, it was a timely reminder that there was no time to get too comfortable.

Its unstoppable march was going to stop play, but that also compacted the excitement for me. This isn’t like Bonneville where you have days. We had hours. Sure, we could come back tomorrow, but the finality of seeing the course wash away was just too much. I’ve no doubt that this event will happen again though – it just has to.

But right now there’s a full line up of hot rods with a combined age approaching 8000 years sat at the end of the timed zone and waiting to return en masse one last time.

The hot rods are coming! This short film shows it better than my picture; it was a very cool couple of minutes.

As they come in to land there are smiles and hand shakes everywhere, and a definite sense of release and relief in the air. It’s been done. Nothing went wrong and now it’s time to relax.

Some people may have decided to do some circle work and celebrate.

But others preferred to take the opportunity for a photo or two with the dramatic backdrop of what looks like a heavy storm.

And as the car park merged with the pits…

… people returned to the higher ground. I was left standing alone, wanting more.

Chances were taken here today, and rewards have been reaped because of that gamble. Given the American orientation to this event, it makes me smile that Amy Johnson took off from this very same beach to make her non-stop flight to America in 1933. So does this also signal the start of something big? Whatever the future holds, good things happened here today – very good things. The only trace of them will be in the memories – no amount of tyre tracks in the sand or flags planted triumphantly will mark this landscape.

In fact it’s quite the opposite – it marks you. The sand might physically get everywhere, but it will also get under your skin too.

Pendine has witnessed some incredible things over the years, and although today may not have seen any records broken, it will rest for a long time in the minds of all the people here.

But then again maybe I’m reading too much in to it – thinking about it too much. Let’s just keep it simple eh? Maybe it’s all about going fast… really fast.

A massive thank you to everybody at the Vintage Hot Rod Association for putting together such a good day. I’ll have more in Part two where I look at the people and details that made this event so good.

There will be a book available showcasing the exploits of the day available through the Vintage Hot Rod Association website, you’ll find the details there from autumn 2013 onwards

Bryn Musselwhite
Instagram Speedhunters_Bryn
bryn@speedhunters.com

 

More hot rod stories on Speedhunters
More land speed stories on Speedhunters

 

1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920×1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine
Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920×1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine
Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920×1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine
Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920×1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine
Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920×1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine
Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920×1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine
Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920x1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine Picture by Bryn Musselwhite
1920×1200 VHRA Speed Trials Pendine
Picture by Bryn Musselwhite

ELVIS PUT THE CUE IN THE RACK 36 YEARS AGO TODAY !

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
16 Aug

 

 

The King of Rock n Roll put the Cue in the rack 36 years ago today, many of you will know where you were when the king passed away, some were not even born, but know this is the day that the poor bugger, carked it on the crapper.

 

The legend that he was, and his memory still lives on as strong as ever and will continue in the world of Rock n Roll.

I saw the newspaper later too and there it was in Black and White for all to see.

"If you can't find a partner, grab a wooden cross." Jailhouse Rock's lyrics could easily be modified for Christian Rock.

I remember where i was, it was a mates country home in a place called Woolpit, in East Anglia, as a bunch of crazy kids, i was sat in my mates mum’s Kitchen, it was the School summer Holiday and we were mucking about as usual and thought it would be cool if we had a pierced ear as that was the cool thing to have done that year.

 

So, as my mate was trying to persuade a frigging knitting needle to go through my earlobe and the screaming i was doing, all of a sudden stopped when the transistor radio we were listening too ( new kids, look up on Wikipedia what that is) came to a silent moment and them said ” the King is dead!”

 

A sol-um moment in our time and we could not believe it, Elvis Presley ten toes up?  No way, this cannot be true! But indeed it was.

Found collapsed on the carzy  and had more narcotics in him than the local Chemist, it was a shock to us all.

 

I remember hearing the news every where, on TV and radio, in the papers on the radio and word of mouth spread like wildfire.

 

Even at Radio ONE, loads of teds stood in line by the station to show a wee bit of Rock n Roll solidarity at hearing the news of Elvis passing.

So now- 36 years later, he is still remembered as the king Of Rock n Roll, I loved his 50’s and 60’s era and many loved his 70’s and we shall all remember him on this day and I am sure always will, and wanted to just put a little blurb on here for you lot to see and maybe remember where you were on August the 16th 1977.

My old man will- its his Birthday.

 

HOT ROD MAGAZINES 65th ANNIVERSARY HOME COMING CAR SHOW

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
25 Mar

Well,

Hot Rod Homecoming logo 650x601 image

 

Sunday Morning, Dakota, Jennifer and I jumped in the car and headed to Pomona, for the 65 Anniversary  Hot Rod homecoming that was organized by HOT ROD magazine and boy what a great show this was too.

Weather was perfect and as we got there by 10am, we got parking easy and off we went to check out all the sights and sounds.

So I thought I would make a blog and share some of the event with you and I really did like this event.

 

 

We could not of asked for a better day, the Sun was out and the temperature was in the high 70’s all day long.

 

 

 

These Original Cover cars just blew me away- so much History and still around and alive, it was such a great deal to me to see these Iconic Hot Rod and Customs.

I could have the spent the weekend end just drooling over all this Autorama.

How about a Gennie 32 Deuce that’s unchopped and never been changed since the 1950’s???  Original Oregon Hot Rod.

 

 

Yes, lovely looking at SIX carbs opening their mouths like baby chicks.

How I remember this cover car with the Clear hood and the Ford DOHC mill wedged inside.

 

 

Re-vamped Vic Edelbrocks Roadster was just so cool to see.

I love all the Gassers that were there and I am sure you will dig some of these famous vehicles as much as me?

I remember getting a Copy of this Issue and was stoked to see the actual car here inside the building, just remarkable to me.

You just never knew what you would find next, more and more people were coming in and I knew this show would be a hit for young and old alike.

Wicked Roadster from Portland and still around today.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Roadster is so Money- I would not change a thing, I would love to own this Roadster.

One of the most famous Coupes in the world and boy is it tasty in the flesh!!!!

 

 

 

Yes, its ARDUN powered, OMG !!!!

 

 

This car was something I always wanted to see, as it took me many years to find that magazine before the internet of course, but I went to all swap meets trying to get a copy of this Cover car back from May 1952, and to see it made my day.

 

Just really stoked to be able to go right up to this machine and check it out after all these years.

Another cool Roadster in a similar guise was also here, this just got better and better for me.

An Ardun was the trick conversion to have, i believe even the aftermarket set up would cost you $14K just for the heads!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Tough crown Vicky Gasser is always great to see any sort of Gasser that’s 50’s based and this was a tough looking ride for sure.

The traditional Black and flames is a cool trip back in time, and here, this 33 Willy’s is just bad ass!!!

I always have had a passion for Tri -Chevys, I even had a 55 Gasser back in the UK in 1996, so loved all these rides.

It’s younger brother sits here by Building 4, cool looking 56 Bow tie.

Tough, Tough, Tough is all you can say about this 1/4 miler.

 

I see he has a Wally trophy, all chained down.

Above is Tom Leonardo’s lovely deuce and what a cool Paint job on this 5 window.

 

I love this Roadster, every thing s clean and neat.

Yes please, I would love to be able to drive off in this ride.

Early plate, Pontiac Tail Lights and a really clean and tightly fitted rear Nerf bar style Bumper makes this roadster stand out.

 

 

 

After we had a look around for a few hours, we wanted to watch the pin Up competition and it was fun to watch, even though the Sun was cooking my noggin, we stayed to watch everyone and it drew quite a crowd as you would expect, a really good show at Pomona and glad that we attended.

 

 

 

 

Every girl got to strut their stuff and say a few words to the crowd and to the judges.

A good turn out and a fun time was had by all.

Lucky for some of them, they had a parasol, as the sun was out and started to cook the tarmac.

A winner was found and crowned.  I am sure if there is a show next year, this will get bigger and bigger?

 

 

                                                            HOT ROD TRIO

Friends of mine for 13 years now and was great to see them at the show, banging out the Classics that I have been into for more years than I care to count, always entertaining.

 

  Suzy Q on the upright bass, she can slap this harder than an unpaid hooker.

 

 

  Buddy Dughi and his G brand guitar always picks faster than a fruit gatherer.

                                     Pete Bonny is literally, a stand up kinda guy and was whacking them skins like no tomorrow.

 

          A great show and Sunday gave us awesome weather, sure hope that HOT ROD organizes another show as we really enjoyed ourselves.

 

                                                                                                                  Here a few more shots for you to enjoy.

HOT ROD Homecoming Overview 2013

 

HR 194803

hot-rod-homecoming-2013-11

hot-rod-homecoming-2013-16

hot-rod-homecoming-2013-25

hot-rod-homecoming-2013-26

hot-rod-homecoming-2013-27

 

 

 

 

Pin Up Artist- Vaughn Bass, another top artist from back in the day.

Posted on by Steve Carpenter
14 Mar

Vaughan Alden Bass

Vaughan Alden Bass was a Chicago artist who began his pinup career during the 1930s.

He appears to have been strongly influenced by the circle of artists that grew up around Haddon Sundblom.

Bass created his own pinups for for Brown & Bigelow, but he was then employed by the Louis F. Dow Company as a “paint-over’ artist, commissioned to redo the work that Gil Elvgren had previously created for the company. Dow was motivated by economic interests, hoping to earn more money from such “re designed” Elvgrens. Fortunately, Bass was a skilled and sensitive artist: he strove to leave the faces, hands, skin, and other key areas of the Elvgrens essentially untouched. However, he occasionally had to repaint an arm or hand because it had to be repositioned to accommodate a new over painted image.

 

 

His painting style was often compared to that of Elvgren, Al Buell, and Joyce Ballantyne. He worked in oil on canvas in almost the same sizes as the others.

 

In the 1950s, the versatile Bass did a series of spectacular oils depicting wrestling scenes that clearly demonstrated his ability to be comfortable with any subject matter. He created the “Wonder Bread Girl” in the 1950s using his daughter Nancy as his model. His portrait of President Dwight D. Eisenhower is in the Smithsonian institution in Washington D.C.

 

I always was impressed with the look of these girlies and I thought it would be great to share a few of these with you.

 

 

 

Older posts
Newer posts