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2011 Goodguys 25th Anniversary West Coast Nationals

by Dave on August 30, 2011

The GoodGuys 25th Anniversary West Coast Nationals last weekend drew larger crowds than we’ve ever seen. For years, the cut-off date for cars was 1948. It was later jumped to 1957, and then this year to 1972. While the late model rides didn’t exactly light our fires, there were a few gems among them and the influx certainly helped pack the fairgrounds.
Here’s what caught our eye. This little A roadster out of Reno ran a 383 stroker motor, a five speed, 18 and 16 inch wires, a Hallock windshield, and a no-frills interior. We’re betting you’ll see it in the magazines soon.

This wedge-chopped five window ran a Weber-inducted Hemi and could be parked in your garage for $120K.


Here’s a nice pair of his-n-hers ’40 Standards, a matching coupe and sedan.


A later model Ford, I’ve always had a soft spot for ‘57’s.

This flaming Willys sat gasser-style but was fully set up for the street.

We had a couple of Willys in our group. Rick Kimes’ black ’41 won the “Hottest Hot Rod” award, its build is detailed here on our website. Jim Tipper has just completed a lengthy and meticulous restoration of the purple Brasher, Cummings & Rose ’33 Willys drag coupe. Loaded with history, it will be detailed in an upcoming post.

Here are a few more that caught our eye:



This flamed Bob McCoy clone belongs to our friend Steve Vanatta. He’s currently beating the bushes for a ’40 Standard coupe to park next to it.

We looked at a load of ‘47 to ’55 Chevy pick-ups for a possible shop project. While most were way over the top, this simple little half ton on an S-10 chassis was more to our liking.

Parked off in a far corner of the fairgrounds, this ’35 five window made my top ten list. Simple, clean, and a perfect stance, it’s making me rethink orange.

This roadster pick-up drag car ran a mechanical fuel injected 265 small block. It spun a bearing at the Fremont Drags in 1962 and went into storage. Later, it was traded to the uncle of the current owner for concrete work. The uncle sat on it for years and then, knowing that his nephew had been infatuated with the car since he was a youngster, gave it to him. Currently running a crate motor, the owner has collected all the parts for a rebuild of the original mill. Otherwise, the only additional plans are to dust it off.

This little injected Ardun-flathead ran like a banshee. It was about ten inches long.

… and finally, our own shop roadster, Gary’s flathead powered Deuce, was presented with the Bruce “Deuce” Olson Memorial Trophy by Bruce’s son Todd. It was an honor.

5 Comments
  1. Gil Reyes permalink

    Re:Orange 35 ford,
    Great show, your top 10 choices were right on. My friend Vince Lechner, ( I call him Benny )really deserves your pick. He’s a great builder and really loves to drive his cars.
    keep up the good work.

  2. Nice job Paul, more than one guy I know mentioned how much they liked that ’35 — and that’s out of a sea of 2500+ cars.

  3. Pachi Bengochea permalink

    Hi Guys
    That’s my 29. Thanks for the comments. I saw your stuff too. Bitchin! I was looking up your website and found your coverage of the weekend. I’ll see you in Santa Cruz.
    Pachi

  4. Paul and Diann DeMello permalink

    “Dave”- Thanks for putting our friend’s car on your “top 10” list! Vince absolutely loves his ride! It was my pleasure to paint it for my good buddy! Glad you like the 1965 Ford Mustang “poppy red” color. Thanks for the great pictures of the show.
    Paul and Diann DeMello (Nipomo, CA)

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