I went to the 50th at the Cow Palace, I remember it being a big deal to drive up to NorCal just to go to the GNRS.
Jay, It's great when an historically significant, high quality, national show is also your local show. Thanks for the cool flick.
The 50's concept cars and customs were always more exciting than today's, IMHO.....Maybe it was/is the exuberance of youth, I don't know, but the GM, & Chrysler (Exner) concepts and Barris' Ala Kart, & R&C 'Dream Truck' are awesome!........The Italian cars were simply beautiful........... Maybe it's them big stupid wheels they stick on them today.
The first time I came to California from NYC was Jan 1977. I finagled an extra weekend to stay for the show. What a thrill. Later years I would be there when it opened, duck around the curtain on the concourse and go directly to the arena floor where the roadsters were. I would have it all to myself before everyone else wound there way down. Then sit in the arena with a beer and soak it all up. Good times....
I went to the Oakland show starting in about 1955, and every year until about 68, Had cars in it in 60 and 65, and worked on other cars that were in other years. Also hung out at Hy's, and Gordans and Karl's up and down E 14th St. Raced on the approach to the San Mateo Bridge. That was a long time ago!
I attended every one while stationed at Moffett Field from '88 to '95. We'd ride our motorcycles to the show for convenient parking. After watching them "fire 'em up and move 'em out", we'd stop for coffee at the Denny's resturant just south of the coliseum before heading south on I-880. Ahhh the memories...
Lots of fond memories of the GNRS Oakland. I went to everyone from 84' till the end. The old days were great, I would always hit the exit on the last day and watch the cars roll out. Man I miss it.
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