POWER & PETALS: RODS & ROSES AUTO SHOW!

Jim Palam captures some of the highlights of the annual Carpinteria hot rod, 
classic and muscle car show.
“Car and Flower Guys” came together again on historic Linden Avenue in seaside Carpinteria, CA last weekend to showcase captivating examples of American engineering and California agriculture. Proceeds from this popular show benefit local non-profits such as Future Farmers of America and Carpinteria Education Foundation. The weather was perfect – as were these “cream of the crop” examples of automotive design and custom fabrication. The sexy and sleek Chris Ito designed Double Dozen ’33 Ford roadster, above, was hand-fabricated by Steve’s Auto Restorations. There’s a supercharged Mustang Cobra 4.6-liter V8 under its hood.

Dan Cheney’s ready-to-launch ’73 Ford Mach 1 Mustang stopped show-goers in their tracks at the intersection of “Muscle” and  “Dreams.” Jr. Rodriquez’ slurpy-good ’50 Mercury is deliciously finished in deep Candy Apple Red.

This yellow Panoz Spyder comes with a warning that things can get slippery when its 560 horses are unleashed! Jerry Lomonaco proudly presented it. Just hop on the bus Gus, if your thing is five-speed, turbocharged, air-suspended, ’54 Chevy Rat Rod school buses.

Don Kent’s spotless and original ’57 Chevy Bel Air Sport Coupe sits just as it looked when it was purchased at Art Mugg Chevrolet in Burbank, CA in December of 1956. Extremely rare is the #820 Laurel Green and Colonial Cream color scheme on a two-door Bel Air. The famous Ray Brown built Eddie Meyer ’32 Ford Highboy roadster was raced in 1946-’47 on California’s dry lakes. In 1994 this legendary rod received the AACA “Past Presidents’ Award,” the highest honor a competition car can receive.

Guilty Pleasure: Admit it – you never revealed that you really did want a Buick Riviera! Chris Pipkin’s beautiful burgundy ’65 is unfortunately not for sale.

Words & photos: Jim Palam, http://www.jimpalam.com/
For more information, please visit http://rodsandroses.com/