Off to Drayton Manor (Staffs) for the the traditional, North-of-Brum Season opener. The lovely sunshine meant that nunbers were up on the showfield compared to last year. Having said that I didn't bump into many people I know well so it could have been even bigger and better if more of the northwest/greater Manchester area people had brought their rides along. I'll leave that there before it turns into a rant.
But what was good about the show? These for a start:-
Perfect car for the climate, I'll wager it's not been near any sand dunes though. The metalflake paint just shimmered in the light.
One of my favourite cars of the show. Possibly too subtle for some but the quality of finish and attention to detail really appealed to me.
For many this would be the quintessential hot rod, a black & flamed Deuce roadster and when they look this good I can't find a reason to argue.
And of course, if the 32 is the rod then a chopped Mercury is the dictionary definition of a traditional custom (or kustom, if you will).
Many Nice VWs turned up for the show which is a good thing in my book.
It's a 40-something Plymouth but is it a custom or a lowrider? The un-chopped roof and full chrome trim say Lowrider to me though the "Originals" club plaque in the back makes me think the owner is more kustom influenced. (if that matters?)
Full marks to the builder of this PT for some real custom work rather thanbolting (post edited for tact and diplomacy purposes)
Just an old truck with a nice paint job, straight bodywork and good stance. Nothing clever or radical but just nice.
Willys gasser obviously influenced by the film "Hot Rod" (how do they think of these titles?) I've never seen the film but it gets referred to every time anyone builds a grey primered Willys so why break a tradition?
Pro/street 57 Chevy featured an extreme looking twin turbo engine. I hope it get's a chance to stretch it's legs on the strip and not just for show.
Another Willys, this time with proper shiny paint. For some reason the back tyres look like 4x4 ones. presumably there's a set of slicks at home for dragstrip use.
If someone said, 20 years ago they were going to put Porsche Wheels on a 4 door Golf and take it to a custom car show I imagine they'd have got short shrift. I probably would have joined in too, back then. I'm pleased to say I'm more open minded now and the fact that this had a place on the showfield proves I'm not the only one. The Springnats is definitely one of the more diverse "rod" shows on the calendar.
Two vehicles with a similar surf/tiki theme which should have been parked together on the showground but weren't, so I've put them together here instead.
And finally, it wouldn't be a Brittish rod show without some Ford Pops. There were several on the field but this truck was my personal favourite. Too well finished to be a rat rod.
Hope you like the pictures.
Jez R.
But what was good about the show? These for a start:-
Perfect car for the climate, I'll wager it's not been near any sand dunes though. The metalflake paint just shimmered in the light.
One of my favourite cars of the show. Possibly too subtle for some but the quality of finish and attention to detail really appealed to me.
For many this would be the quintessential hot rod, a black & flamed Deuce roadster and when they look this good I can't find a reason to argue.
And of course, if the 32 is the rod then a chopped Mercury is the dictionary definition of a traditional custom (or kustom, if you will).
Many Nice VWs turned up for the show which is a good thing in my book.
It's a 40-something Plymouth but is it a custom or a lowrider? The un-chopped roof and full chrome trim say Lowrider to me though the "Originals" club plaque in the back makes me think the owner is more kustom influenced. (if that matters?)
Full marks to the builder of this PT for some real custom work rather than
Just an old truck with a nice paint job, straight bodywork and good stance. Nothing clever or radical but just nice.
Willys gasser obviously influenced by the film "Hot Rod" (how do they think of these titles?) I've never seen the film but it gets referred to every time anyone builds a grey primered Willys so why break a tradition?
Pro/street 57 Chevy featured an extreme looking twin turbo engine. I hope it get's a chance to stretch it's legs on the strip and not just for show.
Another Willys, this time with proper shiny paint. For some reason the back tyres look like 4x4 ones. presumably there's a set of slicks at home for dragstrip use.
If someone said, 20 years ago they were going to put Porsche Wheels on a 4 door Golf and take it to a custom car show I imagine they'd have got short shrift. I probably would have joined in too, back then. I'm pleased to say I'm more open minded now and the fact that this had a place on the showfield proves I'm not the only one. The Springnats is definitely one of the more diverse "rod" shows on the calendar.
Two vehicles with a similar surf/tiki theme which should have been parked together on the showground but weren't, so I've put them together here instead.
And finally, it wouldn't be a Brittish rod show without some Ford Pops. There were several on the field but this truck was my personal favourite. Too well finished to be a rat rod.
Hope you like the pictures.
Jez R.