The NSRA Street Rod Nats South in Knoxville is a homecoming event for this 47 Olds convertible. It was there in 1991 that Craig Suman first saw the rod, sitting on a trailer and wearing a For Sale sign with the price slashed five times.
He kept his promise to his wife Ruth that his new purchase would be running in a few weeks. Of course, he said running, not finished. Eight weeks later, Craigs rolling hunk, with a small-block engine, new subframe, umbrella for a top, and photocopy of a VDO gauge cluster taped to the dash, made the 120-mile trip to its first showand came home with its first trophy, for Best Unfinished.
It took Craig 8 years to finally finish the ragtop Olds. Since 1999, the Sumans have been enjoying their Hot Red rod in its current condition, driving it all over the country, hitting shows and picking up other, more impressive awards. In May, 10 years after Craig first encountered his fat 47, owner and Olds were back in Knoxville to celebrate their tin anniversary in style.