It's hard to know what to say about the L.A. Roadsters Father's Day Show that hasn't been said before! The biggest turnout of roadsters anywhere, the fantastic swap meet and the great parts available therein, the packed specialty parking area for anything "non-roadster", the huge (over 200 booths) vendor trade show, and ideal location have all been mentioned in previous reports, and nothing's changed. It's still the best show for all of the above, and I could happily spend all my time in the swap meet section, as usual.
After 46 years of hosting the show, the last 31 of them at the L.A. County Fairplex in Pomona, California, the club has the format down, and once again included the cackle fest that was so popular last year. The 75th Anniversary Corral this year was for '35-36 Fords, each participant receiving a neat commemorative plaque.
The swap meet at the Roadster...
The swap meet at the Roadster Show famously brings out wares that never see the light of day anywhere else. It's the place to be if you're contemplating starting a new project.
Overcast skies for some of the day on Saturday meant lower temperatures, making moving around the almost shade-less fairgrounds more bearable for us journo types who have to see every corner of this huge show, though blue skies had returned by the afternoon. The biggest news of the weekend was that having made small improvements every year to keep the show fresh, perhaps next year will see a major change. Rumor has it that the club will be admitting primered cars into the hallowed "roadster only" section of the show, after years of turning away anything "unfinished". Could it really be true? Guess we'll have to wait until next year to find out!
The days preceding the Roadster Show see a number of local hot rod shops hosting open house events. The SO-CAL Speed Shop open house is probably best known, with the street blocked off and huge numbers of attendees showing up from early afternoon on Friday, many then heading over to Walden Speed Shop for the evening. The day before saw LimeWorks opening the doors for tours and free tacos.
Rory Forbes brought his freshly...
Rory Forbes brought his freshly finished traditional '33 roadster from Nevada. The twin-carbed Olds Rocket, raked windshield, aircraft seats, and exhausts exiting under the doors all contributed to its unique look. Regular Rod & Custom readers will be familiar with his Model A coupe that graced our Nov. '06 cover back when he was just 18!
How's this for traditional?...
How's this for traditional? Jerry Moody's '32 had all the right parts, including lever arm shock absorbers, cloth-covered plug wires, twin carburetors on a high-rise intake, and an undropped axle.
This very low '30-31 A roadster...
This very low '30-31 A roadster had the look of a vintage English sports car with its wrap-around cycle fenders, long louvered hood, and skinny wires all round. Built in 1953 in Michigan and in storage for the past 40 years, it now lives in California. It's Z'd 14 inches in back and 8 up front, with the body channeled 4 1/2 inches.
Larry Mitchell's '28 roadster...
Larry Mitchell's '28 roadster pickup was running a 350 and four-speed, pushing through a quick-change rearend. Despite its almost stock appearance, aided by the straight paint and those great wide-five wheels and drums, Mitchell rides in comfort on a leather bench.
Bruce Elder drove his '29...
Bruce Elder drove his '29 phaeton out to California from Staunton, Virginia! The tan tub, with brown accents, featured a chromed rollbar protruding from the tonneau cover.
Whether it's related to the...
Whether it's related to the rising cost of early coupes and roadsters, or the need for four seats, we're seeing more and more cool sedans appearing lately. They've always been cool to us, and long may the trend continue.
This hand-built "Indy car"...
This hand-built "Indy car" ran a Mercedes DOHC straight-six. Looks like this one's nearly finished, though we couldn't see anyone around to ask whether it'll be streetable or not.
One of just 978 built-and...
One of just 978 built-and who knows how many are left?-Paul Gommi's '32 DeLuxe phaeton employs a rare S.Co.T.-blown 21-stud Flatty, ultra-rare Bell Auto Parts tube axle, '35 accessory 18-inch wheels, '39 Electroline headlights, and numerous other rare parts. In fact, as with his previous '32 roadster, it's pretty much a rolling museum!
Running an H&H Flathead, a...
Running an H&H Flathead, a '39 Lincoln Zephyr gearbox, and Winters quick-change, the "Brown's Garage" '27 roadster was for sale. The Sprint Car-styled rod ran cheater slicks on widened wires in the rear.
Dan Morris' '27 Modified was...
Dan Morris' '27 Modified was in the main show area, running a British side-draft-fed, Miller-headed four-banger.