Featured History Transitioning from Customs to Low Riders

Somebody should start a Hot Rodder transitioning to a Custom Guy page

 

Hello,

Here is an old photo of a 55 black Nomad with bright colorful flames. It was setting up in a car show at the old Long Beach Municipal Auditorium. (not the Sports Arena.) The sports arena was ready for occupancy in the summer of 1962, but our high school cl*** had to graduate at the Long Beach Municipal Auditorium which was attached to the new Sports Arena. Functional with A/C, but not ready for activities like car shows and concerts.

The set up day, usually, Thursday morning is the best time for any photos during a show prep timeline. No wandering public peering into and about the custom cars and hot rods. I used Ektachrome color slide film, no tripod. Ashai Pentax Spotmatic Camera 50mm 1.4 fast lens. Arms/elbows against the tightened stomach, with a straight back stance allowed no flash to be used.

Jnaki

Car shows in that old auditorium were dark. But, they were the only game in town then. When the new Sports Arena was opened, many concerts and car shows were the best for viewing. The custom cars were always on the main floor. With the high ceiling, it was bright. The custom motorcycles were originally jammed under the circular second floor walkway on the main floor. It was dark as it was and the fluorescent lighting did nothing to make it like the center of the auditorium’s main floor.

Finally, it was better, as the custom motorcycles grew and were given the open walkway upstairs. The huge main floor was available to see from this walkway and so, the natural light made this floor almost as good as the main floor below. Another separate show in a car show...

But, the cars on the main floor always got the best light and space for displays. YRMV

 

Thanks again for more historical info. I hope more will contribute to preserve this aspect of the car scene.

 

My personal contribution, my own Coupe Deville. Trunk lid and rear quarters welded and molded into one piece and peaked, static dropped 3". Let me know if it doesn't fit (I THINK I understand the premise, but love all the pics either way).

 

Way cool! Thanks for sharing!!

 

It fits right in man