As far as I can tell, this is a big national show and party for folks who love classic (pre 1963) cars. But it goes beyond that. They like the hot rod/racing aspect of classic cars, and they like to restore and customize them staying mostly true to the original customization styles of the period. Plus, you have to be able to actually DRIVE your customized classic hot rod into (and sometimes TO) the show. No cars carted in on trailers, please.
Even the interiors get restoration and customization attention from these autophiles.
And we are not limited to just cars.
This vato-mobile has a chain link license plate frame and steering wheel.
The clientele of this show carries its love of classic times to personal restoration and customization. There were many dudes and chicks sporting their very best Rock-a-billy styling. There were cuffed jeans, greased up pompodours, and beehives galore. If you didn't come decked out in your 50s best, inside there were vendors who would customize your look right there on the spot.
This booth was a real hit. The ladies were lined up two deep to get their bouffants done. Also inside were other artists and vendors with wares ranging from t-shirts to custom pinstriping to hot rod themed wall decor to custom interior upholstery.
Outside, in addition to the car showcases, there were food and beverage booths. Participants could see races and hear live music. At night the fun changed locations to the hip South Congress section of Austin for more music, revelry, and auto and tall hair ogling.
Overall it was a fascinating and enlightening foray into an entirely new world for me. I even had a favorite car:
It reminds me of a panther...long, sleek, dark and dangerous. In my mind I'm appreciating a slight nod to 1930s gangsterism, but for all I know this is some 1960s accountant type suburb-to-town commuter vehicle.
Next up for Week 3: Not sure. But I'll keep you posted.
No comments:
Post a Comment