Made In The Suede
Now's the time to clear your head of those preconceived notions of what an indoor car show looks like. The majority of the GNRS looks a lot like your typical indoor car show with its high-dollar displays surrounding even higher-dollar cars, but we took a trip over to the hall that was farthest away from that 9-foot trophy.
Last year's addition of the Suede Palace was a welcome change in the GNRS tradition. And it seemed a natural inclusion since Southern California happens to be the place where the whole nostalgia rat rod-primered cars trend started. The Shifters, one of the clubs that spearheaded that movement, organized the suede show this year. Alex Idzardi and the rest of his Shifters club have been running the Viva Las Vegas car show since its inception and have hosted numerous local events, such as the tongue-in-cheek FTB show.
This year, the Suede Palace was definitely more action-packed with the addition of live music throughout the weekend featuring the Dead Beat Daddies, Russell Scott and the Red Hots, the Go Getters, and The Vaquetones. Also on hand was DJ Flat Top Tom, who spun tons of rockabilly and always provides plenty of tunes to keep the crowd jumping. The building was also filled with vendors peddling everything from CDs, DVDs, car parts, clothing, and anything a 'striper's brush can be laid upon. By Saturday night, the mood was in full swing as the Shifters took the stage in between the live bands to announce the numerous Best of Show awards chosen by local car clubs, such as the Aces, the Lordsmen, the Sultans, and the Gearheads.
With the suede show growing, we'll have to see how it does next year, and, who knows, maybe it will give the main show a run for its money! - Ryan Manson
 There were several bands over...  There were several bands over in the Suede Palace pounding out rockabilly throughout the weekend. |
 Mark Idzardi, the organizer...  Mark Idzardi, the organizer of the Suede Palace this year along with his Shifters car club, put a club display together that featured his Purple People Eater. The Model A coupe was chopped 8 inches, and channeled 4 in the front and 6 in the rear. |
 Bill Halland came in from...  Bill Halland came in from his home in Temecula, CA, with his '27 coupe. |
 The Suede Palace was stuffed...  The Suede Palace was stuffed with all types of rods and kustoms, and what they couldn't fit inside overflowed outside. Next year promises to be bigger and better than ever. |
 Paint or primer-it didn't...  Paint or primer-it didn't matter in this room. That's Jeff Dorris' '30 coupe in the foreground parked next to Robert Markworth's '31 Ford. |
 Old Crow is the name Bobby...  Old Crow is the name Bobby Green and his crew came up with for their four-banger-powered gas lakester, which recently ran at El Mirage Dry Lake. Bobby collects vintage memorabilia and the Old Crow statue he found in an antique store just seemed to fit the belly tank's 1940s theme. |
 Aaron Von Minden, from Newbury...  Aaron Von Minden, from Newbury Park, CA, isn't quite finished with his five-window coupe, but it looks like he's well on his way. |
 In an effort to raise money...  In an effort to raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, a charity auction was organized with the help of 10 hot rod builders who turned their attention on to a pedal car. Each car was different, showcasing the personality of the person who built it. After a mini tour, the cars will be auctioned off in Monterey, CA, in August. |
 There was a lot to look at...  There was a lot to look at on Joe Monohan's '54 Buick, which was appropriately named Great Balls of Fire. Though known for hot rods, the show also featured many customs too. |