Sorry for my scant coverage of this event. My timing was waaay off yesterday, when I was in the pits the cars I wanted to look at were in the staging lanes or going down the track and when I was watching the racing it was the Camaro/Nova nationals and the good cars were in the pits! But right off the bat we saw this…. So I figured it was gonna be a fun day Then this, built by a nice young guy, powered by an AMC 401!!! (Sorry ‘bout the wheels - hey, they’re 5 spokes) This was in the swap meet. Now THOSE are 5 spokes! Only a few true hot rods in the car show area and way too many late model things.
Interesting and clever bumper/taillight treatment. And there were race cars…… Smokin’ Stormy Byrd raced The Beast jet dragster and got left in the dust, literally. Gary Reinero brought out his old injected 426 powered Willys I love ‘40s Studebakers. It seemed to me that Washington state’s Estranged car club was under represented this time. They are usually many and mighty. The Tommy Knocker was there. Our own Roseville Carl with two of his biggest fans….
And last but not least, art for art’s sake. I thought that this photo conveys the essence of Eagle Field. Old cars and artifacts from the era that ushered in the golden era of hot rodding. Hot rods aside, I dare you to walk around among the relics from WWII and not be moved deep in your soul. This is a very special place. Thanks Rocky and Joe. A couple more….
Thanks, Bob! There is an aviation museum in our area and they have a show every yr. Every time I attend I get that same choked up feeling that you described (usually caused by a Corsair flyover). Don't know why (Dad was a wounded Combat Infantryman in WWII, me in Artillery in "Nam), it just comes over me Every time. Eagle Field is one of those Special places, Carp.
Dang Bob, Had I known you were heading there we could have met close to 99 somewhere and I could have given you something to haul home! Good pics, love the verbiage regarding Roseville Carl
A TEMPEST,, a PONTIAC,,, powered by an AMC?,,,, now that's thinking WAAAAAYYYY outside the box. Mitch
Thanks for posting and sharing. I am from the Merced/Atwater area originally, it really made me smile, to see that Gary Reinero is still participating !
I was totally surprised when I asked about the engine and he told me 401 AMC. The hood was closed so I expected it to have a SBC or maybe a big block. He said they had it so they used it. I’m always glad to see Reinero’s rig at an event. I understand that he still has most of the hot rods he’s owned. He’s getting up there but he still drives his 6 second 200 mph Austin.
The Jalopy Journal
