Out and About at the Nationals
As our band of intrepid editors traipse about the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, we often compare notes and kick around theories concerning the trends in the hobby that seem to be emerging. Sometimes those trends are obvious, other times they're a little harder to define; the general consensus was that this year, at the 38th Street Rod Nationals, it was the latter.
Although there was nothing that hit us between the eyes, there were a number of subtle trends we identified; the increase in the number of black cars was one-they were everywhere. As Editor Brennan so eloquently summed it up, "Black is the new black." Something else we noticed was the dramatically improved quality of the "rat rod." In fact, that term may not be appropriate any longer. The term "radical rods" might be more to the point, as these cars are now being built to higher mechanical and safety standards while retaining the look for which they're known. Interestingly, the asking prices on those for sale also seem to be higher, and some of their owners have discovered power parking as well.
While many of us scratched our heads trying to sum up this year's event, this editor came to the following conclusion: This was the year of the driver. As with any such gathering, there were trailer queens, but the NSRA's premiere happening is one that people come back to again and again. We see many of the same cars year after year, which seems to indicate that, just like that very first Street Rod Nationals, driving there is special-in fact, it's a badge of honor.
Another personal observation is that the Nats isn't an outdoor car show, as many street rod events have become; this is a rod run, albeit a big one. Make no mistake, some of the best cars in the country are on display, there are special parking areas for those who want to have their car judged and compete for various awards, and there are certainly plenty of vendors to visit. In fact, every manufacturer and supplier of note shows up in Louisville. But, it's all those cars on the grounds with a participant sticker in the windshield and a rock chip or two that make this place special. Those cars represent the state of the hobby; and judging from what we saw, the hobby is in great shape.
In some instances, it doesn't take a long list of visual modifications to come up with a cool street rod. | 
One of the things we really enjoy about this event is the variety. This dual-quad-equipped, Buick Nailhead-powered '32 Chevy highboy pickup belongs to Don and Kris Wafjer from Hollard, MI. | 
Kirk Brown's chopped, channeled, and otherwise cutup pickup is a cool ride. |
We have photos of Mike Sparks' Richmond, IN-based three-window from the '70s, and it looked just the same then as it does today. Why change? | 
Alan Pugh from Scott Depot, WV, took the high-tech and low-to-the-ground approach to building his '39 Ford coupe. | 
Old gassers never die-at least this one didn't. Packing plenty of attitude, along with a dual-quad and Vertex-equipped small-block Chevy, is this '41 Willys belonging to Tom Harlow from Spring Valley, OH. |
If you like your street rods with generous proportions, Buick Boulevard was the place to find them. This selection of pavement crushers has a pair of '35s flanking a pair of '33s. | 
Norm Grabowski has created some unique street rods over the years. | 
Vintage Air's 29 Below program gives young rodders a chance to display their talents and believe us, there is much to be seen. |
According to Shawn Blandford, this is a '30 roadster-it's just hard to tell, as the '37 Chevy grille and hood have been as heavily hammered as the rest of the car. | 
Mopar fans are among the most hardcore rodders on the planet, and, as a result, Mopar Country always has some interesting cars to look at. | 
How's this for something different? Jeremy Bach of Belleville, IL, dropped a V-6 Ford in his 1936 Fiat convertible. |
This 1903 Olds belonging to Milton Mills from East Lynn, WV, was arguably the oldest street rod at the Nats. Note the positioning of the window sticker! | 
A touch of custom via spots and skirts adds plenty to Mooreshill, IN, resident Mel Ritchie's outstanding-looking '36 Ford. | 
It doesn't really matter what preference of build style you enjoy-when it's right, it's right. Dan Dubs of Freeport, IL, nailed it with his '33 Ford five-window coupe. |
Here's a combination we've always liked: mixing and matching cars and trucks. Norm Staff from St. Charles, MO, hung '39 Ford Standard passenger car front sheetmetal on his pickup. | 
We can never say enough about the work performed by the Michigan Hot Rod Association and its Rod Repair Shop. The group has been around for decades and has graciously helped thousands of rodders. | 
The riding-in-style award goes to Nick and Laura Werner of Aurora, IN, for their incredible '35 Buick four-door, complete with a teardrop trailer painted and shod to match. |
Greg Cope of Avon, IN, brought out this great example of a fat-fendered street rod with his '47 Ford coupe neatly done with whitewalls, caps, and rings. | 
The mighty Divco! Given Editor Brennan's infatuation with these slab-sided beauties, we found one in the swap meet area we thought he should take home. |  |
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