Grand National Roadster Show 2018

Carol Freshley February 28, 2018

This is an annual event for Tom. It takes place on the grounds of the Fairplex in Pomona, California. This was the 69th annual show and it is the longest running indoor car show in the world.

Display of mostly tiny European cars from the past.

1935 Ford pickup customized some 50 years ago and recently restored.

Each year the top award goes to the most beautiful roadster in the show.  This is this year's winner, a 1932 Ford.  It was created first as a race car and then brought up to show condition. — Each year the top award goes to the most beautiful roadster in the show. This is this year's winner, a 1932 Ford. It was created first as a race car and then brought up to show condition.

1934 Ford roadster built in the 1940s style.

This roadster was built as a Cadillac but most of it is completely hand made.

Hot rod created from massive 1937 Lincoln.

This car has body parts from a 1929 Model A, a 1932 Ford and 1935 Ford.  Carol's comment . . . it is a mutt car. — This car has body parts from a 1929 Model A, a 1932 Ford and 1935 Ford. Carol's comment . . . it is a mutt car.

1940 Ford coupe built in early 1940s style.

This is a partially complete roadster on display in one of the builder's booths.  It has many hand made parts. — This is a partially complete roadster on display in one of the builder's booths. It has many hand made parts.

Tiny 1950 Nash Metropolitan with over-sized dragster motor.

Last year's America's Most Beautiful Roadster, built as a Packard but largely hand made.

One of the 8 finalists for Most Beautiful Roadster, a handmade Cadillac.

1932 Ford coupe designed in a late 1960s style.

Aluminum race car with chopped 1937 Ford convertible.

Lavishly painted low rider top and bottom.

An exact copy of the most famous lead sled of all time, the Hirohata Mercury.

Classic deuce three window coupe hot rod.

Stock bodied but hot rodded 1932 roadster.

Two early style low riders, known as 'bombs'.

Ardun hemi-head conversion of traditional Ford flathead motor.

Restored 1950s build was favored by most show-goers to win the top award.

Good Guys in Puyallap

Carol Freshley August 4, 2016

Say that title five times and I guarantee a smile (maybe even a chuckle)! A big smile is what Tom had on his face when I picked him up after he walked miles capturing these images of good cars. The show was held at the Fairgrounds in Puyallap.

1956 Ford (My question of Tom at this point was, "Was Chevrolet making cars back then?"

1932 Hiboy Roadster (My question, "What makes it a Hiboy?"  Tom replies, "Because it has not been lowered."  OK, I got it . . . . sort of! — 1932 Hiboy Roadster (My question, "What makes it a Hiboy?" Tom replies, "Because it has not been lowered." OK, I got it . . . . sort of!

1936 Ford Coupe with chopped top (I actually knew the answer.  The top has been lowered! — 1936 Ford Coupe with chopped top (I actually knew the answer. The top has been lowered!

A rare 1951 Mercury Monterrey, one of only 400 made.  First Detroit car to feature the vinyl roof. — A rare 1951 Mercury Monterrey, one of only 400 made. First Detroit car to feature the vinyl roof.

A different car (not a Ford) that I saw on Tom's computer screen and then asked him to send it to me as part of the blog.  Not his idea of a good hot rod!!!  But, he did get a photo of it! — A different car (not a Ford) that I saw on Tom's computer screen and then asked him to send it to me as part of the blog. Not his idea of a good hot rod!!! But, he did get a photo of it!

1953 Chevy Station-wagon done in a surfer style.  I like the towed trailer and all the decals. — 1953 Chevy Station-wagon done in a surfer style. I like the towed trailer and all the decals.

1928 Model A Roadster with classic flat head motor.

Hahahahaha!  Tom captured this item just to make me smile.  I did.  It certainly speaks to our individual creative nature. I noticed the luggage rack, the lack of steps (already plenty low) and the sunroof.  I would have loved an… — Hahahahaha! Tom captured this item just to make me smile. I did. It certainly speaks to our individual creative nature. I noticed the luggage rack, the lack of steps (already plenty low) and the sunroof. I would have loved an inside tour (Tom, next time take out your fish eye for me).

Lonestar Roundup 2016

Carol Freshley April 22, 2016

Tom returns to this favorite auto show every year. He travels with his life-long friend Jerry and meets up with other 'lifers' in Austin. Then, of course, he meets new friends to greet next year. This year he shot this 1950 Mercury custom to be featured in Jalopy Journal, an online magazine.