If it’s the first weekend in December you know nearly 300 of the finest cars, trucks, and motorcycles will be gathering at the Cow Palace on the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland. This year was no different. The East Coast Indoor Nationals is billed as “the largest indoor Pre-73 all American car and custom motorcycle show on the East coast” and it lives up to its title.
Some of the first cars that you encountered at this year’s car show were also some of the best. Chip Hoynitski had his custom 1934 Ford, called The “69”er II, on display. Blast From the Past Street Rods took 2 years to build the recreation of the original that was built in 1962. Sitting next to Chip’s car was Mike Smyth’s equally impressive 1930 Ford Pickup. The color is a Candy Apple Spanish Gold over a Spanish Gold base coat.
Every time my wife encounters Gary and Flo Garman’s 1955 Chevy Pickup, Sweet-N-Juicy, she swears she can smell watermelon. They do have a great themed display.
Have you ever seen Rodger Purdy Jr’s Pro Met 1961 Nash? This little Metropolitan packs a 540 ci Big Block, built by Henry Jackson Racing Engines, into the tiny package. Big meats out back requires the use of a wheelie bar.
My favorite vehicle at the East Coast Nationals had to be Nick and Toni Pinto’s 1940 Ford 2 Door Sedan. Known as “Lookn 40”, this beautiful custom was a Great 8 Ridler Award Finalist. Were you there? What was your favorite?
One of the quirkiest vehicles on the show floor had to be Steve and Anne Chandler’s 1951 Chevy “Boogie” Bus. This one part hippie one part gypsy bus is all fun. It even has a pot bellied stove for heat!
Bubba’s Garage even saw some friends on the show floor. John and Anne Edwards’ 1939 Ford Truck was sporting a slick new wood bed. Kirby Place was once again showing his 1969 Mustang Mach-I.
There were many rides that had great custom paint jobs. Race cars always scream for some airbrushing. Jim and Kathy Swagler’s 1955 Chevy, “Father Time”, is both beautiful and scary at the same time. But for something a bit more traditional check out the lace work on the 1928 Essex built by C&C Customs of Fredericksburg, VA.
Want something interesting for your ride but just can’t think of a design right now? How about grabbing a Sharpie and doodling up something cool? Steve Mele’s Pro Street Camaro was drawn by “Pinstripe Cloris” Dunlop.
What if you don’t like paint? Paul Guerre-Chaley’s 1952 Chevy rat rod and trailer had more rust than paint. Many panels were made from old license plates. Very photogenic though.
Many vintage racers were on hand including Rick & Terri Osburn’s 1938 Chevy Pickup Gasser and Gordy Ford’s 1937 Chevy.
East Coast Drag Times Hall of Famer Johnny Rocca had his 1949 Mercury “Ironhorse” on display for everyone to see.
The East Coast Indoor Nationals also has bikes. Here are a couple photos of the more than a dozen rides available. “Orange Juiced” was built by Mark Irvin this year. “Horse With No Name”, a 1966 Ironhead, was built by Charm City Choppers.
I am lucky enough to have a great wife who loves cars almost as much as I do. Icing on the cake for her were all the vendors at The East Coast Indoor Nationals. One of her new favorite vendors is The Top Shelf Online. Why does she love them? Because they are an authorized Trophy Queen Kustoms dealer! She has now started a small collection of their bags.
These photos of the East Coast Indoor Nationals are only a fraction of the photos we have available. Go to our photo site, BG Customs Photography, to see more.