9th Annual San Francisco Rod, Custom, & Motorcycle Show

Look close and you'll find the subtle red pinstripe and graphics all around Bruno Bellafronte's '42 Ford. Rolling in from nearby Concord, Bruno's ride uses a 350/350 Chevy engine-and-trans combo for motorvation.

Steve Moal continues to push the envelope between sports rods and hot rods with his latest, a '34 Zephyr Boattail for collector Eric Zausner, being the most recent.....

.......With handformed aluminum panels, Indy-type four-link suspension front and rear coupled with a `30s-inspired boattail design, and powered by Buick Nailhead 425, what would you call it?

John D'Agostino has had many a custom built over the past few decades (about one every year) and this year saw the debut of The Egyptian, a '58 Olds Super 88 featuring body and paint work from Oz Welch, who is based in Oroville, CA.

Penny Pichette carries on the memory of her late husband, Rich, who began the West Coast Kustoms car club back in 1981 (and who was inducted into this show's Hall of Fame in 2004). Rick Perry (seated) not only started the San Francisco show he owns 9 years ago, but was inducted in 2004 as well.

Customizer Rick Dore (right) makes a point while talking with legendary motorcycle builder Arlen Ness. Both are Hall of Fame members.

Hot rod collector John Mumford was singled out for his dedication to the hobby, which has resulted in him owning many of the most famous hot rods and customs of all time restored to concourse-perfect condition.

Ken Fuhrman is a Hall of Fame member, but he's been contributing to the Bay Area hot rod scene since before 1950, which is the year he entered his Model A roadster in the first (Grand) National Roadster Show. And, yes, he still owns and drives it.

Public relations agent Michael Dobrin has done a lot to promote the Bay Area hot rod scene over the years, and he was recognized for those efforts by being inducted this year into the San Francisco Rod, Custom, and Motorcycle Show's Hall of Fame.

Nearly a couple hundred folks gathered for some food and reminiscing before the festivities got underway.

The painter many (including builders Steve Moal and Roy Brizio) turn to when they need an award-winning paint job is Darryl Hollenbeck, who was in attendance with his wife, Terri.

Hall of Fame members Richard Zocchi (pronounced ZO-key) and Gene Winfield (right) share a photo of Gene that was taken in 1961 when he was working on one of Richard's early customs.

Brothers Mickey (left) and Art Himsl share a table for the ceremonies. Both are hardcore hot rod enthusiasts, and Art debuted his latest ride (see page 88) at this year's show.

Two of this year's three inductees (and longtime friends) Steve Coonan (left) and Jimmie Vaughan had a chance to catch up with each other before each went to the podium to receive their induction plaques.