Event Coverage Blues4U's Coverage of the 2023 Grand National Roadster Show

Finally getting around to posting some photos of the show. I did the Drive In all 3 days, so this coverage is kind of from that perspective.

Friday morning, lining up for parking around the Suede Palace. Hurry up and wait. You get there early, get in line, then wait for them to lead a parade in, depending on where you want to park. I wanted to park next to my favorite building at the show, where I will spend most of my time.

So I'm just minding my own business shooting photos of the cars, and this sweet Tudor Sedan was in line a couple of cars ahead of me. Nice car with a nicely dressed Y-block. I didn't know who's car it is, but he's the guy with the black hat and the Bonneville jacket talking to the guy in the COE next lane over. Turns out it's @mctim64 , I shulda known.


There's Tim talking to Hot Head Lou, that's his 34. I don't know if Lou is on the HAMB, you'll find him on IG though, a local guy I run across at most local events, always has killer cars, always in a traditional style.

 

Great shots !!!

 

After a couple of hours of hanging out they finally let us in to park, I found myself a sweet spot right next to the East side doors of the Suede Palace, thanks to a fellow HAMB member that was directing parking, Gary was his name. He recognized my pickup and we got to talking, and I asked about the parking as it was open and he said "sure", so I grabbed it before somebody else did. Great spot, I could get into the car easily for a water bottle or stash my jacket and long sleeves as the temp warmed up in the afternoon. Primo parking for sure.

 

Thanks for the tag along!
KK

 

Thanks, I have a lot more to post. It's gonna take me some time to get through 'em all.

 

Cool - Thanks - rides that we might not see in other coverage

 

I grabbed these shots of cars next to the Palace while waiting for the show to officially open (they wouldn't let us into any of the building).

 

Thanks for the plug and the photos. Good to see and talk with you. Always love your work! Probably see you at Flabob in April.

 

Thank you for sharing your pics.

 

Yeah, I'll be there, Lord willing and the creek don't rise. Look forward to seeing you again.

 

They finally opened up, seemed like forever.
First up is @Gotgas 's beautiful Chrysler, right as you entered the Palace from the front entrance. (Spoiler alert, it did win a trophy).


Oh yeah, same color combination as my pickup. I've really been tossing ideas of scallops for a while now, and am sure to pick up some ideas here, particularly the silver pin striping. I was wondering what color for that, and I think I've found it.

 

Thanks for the great pics @Blues4U . Like the outside pics the best...at least you know THOSE cars are actually driven

 

HAMB members should recognize this one:

 

Great things to see inside And outside, Thanks!!

 

Thanks for posting, great pictures. Your truck is looking real fine.

 

Thanks for the pictures!

 

Consider this a like for the whole gig @Blues4U , nice perspective. Being a Great Lakes denizen can you explain to me this "drive in" concept? Looks kool, like an impromptu pre show. Extra cost? Spill it bruz...

 

Officially it's called the Grand Daddy Drive-In; you drive your cars in and become part of the show. You do still pay to get in, but if you have 2 people in the car the cost is equal to parking out in the public lot and walking in. If you're by yourself than you're paying extra to be a part of the show, or to have power parking. Buy a 3-day pass and there's a bit of a discount. Plus, you get in to the event earlier than the public, though you can't get inside the buildings until they open up (unless you know people). But you're in, you get into the buildings before the crowds, it's a good time to shoot photos before the crowds show up. And it's just a good time hanging with other car guys and shooting the shit.
https://rodshows.com/grand-national/gnrs-drive-in/

What I found some guys do is pay for the drive-in for the first day, and get a good spot to park, then leave their car there over night and come in the next day with the public; that way they don't lose their parking spot, and they don't have to get there at the crack of dawn to get in line. I wouldn't feel comfortable leaving my car there unattended, but guys were leaving cars there worth 2 - 3 x more than my jalopy.

 

Still in the Suede Palace

 

"Still in the Suede Palace"

Thank you, these are the cars for my end of the socioeconomic scale.

Russ

 

@Blues4U , I saw your rod outside the Suade Palace on Friday. Sorry I missed you.

 

I wasn't at the car much, too much going on. There are a lot of folks that sit by their car, I don't get that.

 

That purple T didn't get ENOUGH coverage! Thank you for pics, love the yellow Buick you rode in on with, RnC cover car when Frieburger held the reigns!

 

There's still some non-shiny cars in the Suede Palace...


Love this T on 32 chassis! What a cool little sporty hot rod!