Stopping to check out the 26th Annual Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, in September added a definite level of cool to our must-see list with everything that the area had to offer. It was amazing to learn that the Great Smoky Mountains encompass 500 thousand acres of Southern Appalachian wilderness with 95 percent of it being forest and 800 miles of trails for hiking and exploration. Held at the lush Smoky River Ranch, you entered into the expansive venue and it was easy to find just the perfect spot to settle into and enjoy the weekend. With over 175 vendors on hand there was plenty to see and check out while you walked the grounds taking in plenty of new ideas for your ride. Friday was the day that the Shades Top 25 was selected (from 2,875 vehicles in attendance) in addition to the notifications of who was to receive the specialty picks. The winner of the cash prize in the amount of $20,000.00 went to Ken Smith, and it got even better after that when the superb turn-key Deuce coupe built by Alloway's Hot Rod Shop was presented to lucky winners Robert and Pam Lawson. You can check it all out at
www.shadesofthepast.com
Coated in a dramatic layer...
Coated in a dramatic layer of cinnamon pearl, Will Hudson's '50 Ford coupe had a wicked stance thanks to Air Ride bags combined with a Fatman front end while a Ford 351-inch mill gave it gusto.
A definitive 50's style gave...
A definitive 50's style gave John and Edith Bauer's Deuce plenty of classic good looks with its un-chopped lid combined with full fenders, tasty scallops, wide whites, and a nifty front nerf bar.
Andy Kubicsko's '36 Ford drop-top...
Andy Kubicsko's '36 Ford drop-top was as nice as they come covered in liquid red gloss complimented by a Heidt's IFS for a cool stance. Scorching power was from a Ford 427ci V8 while an interior by Paul Atkins kept it comfy.
If Ron Wilson's '57 Ford Ranchero...
If Ron Wilson's '57 Ford Ranchero didn't get your pulse racing there was no hope for you! The two-toned hauler had loads of go from a 351-inch Ford while a slammed suspension gave it just enough attitude.
As subtle as they come and...
As subtle as they come and packed with dramatic lines, Darryl Rogers' Deuce was easy on the eyes with its soft green and creme color combination, laid back windshield, and stylish good looks.
Everything about Gabe Rodrigues'...
Everything about Gabe Rodrigues' '32 Ford roadster screamed performance from its massive rear tires to its stack-injected Hemi mill. Combining a classic silver exterior with a lipstick red business office made it a winner.
It's not every day you have...
It's not every day you have a chance to see a '40 Ford coupe brought to the level that David Walsh accomplished. Built by T&T Customs, the former Ridler Great 8 contender left the crowds in awe with its countless updates and details.
A Top 25 winner at the event,...
A Top 25 winner at the event, Steve Legens' '36 Ford combined subtle colors with an in the weeds stance, numerous body mods, and a perfect wheel and tire combination to make it a standout.
Starting with a Dearborn Deuce...
Starting with a Dearborn Deuce body matched to a chassis by The Roadster Shop, Joe Stuban nailed it with a killer euro-look combining jet black gloss, chrome wires, and gold-wall tires. Neat!
Without a doubt, the wildest...
Without a doubt, the wildest ride of the weekend had to have been James and Ellen Boyer's '41 Willys with its eye-searing lime and black vibe accented by tribal flames, dazzling huffed mill, and decadent interior.
Dipped in Sunset Copper, Don...
Dipped in Sunset Copper, Don Smith's hammered Deuce had everything you could imagine in the right place. A highly detailed Ardun-topped Flathead with injection grabs you first then the rest of the car pulls you in like a kid in a candy store. Wow!
We were sure envious of Ken...
We were sure envious of Ken Smith's sweet daily-driven '50 Ford with its mild shave and deep marine blue body. It gets plenty of go from a warmed over Flathead packed with a Clay Smith stick and topped with Edelbrock heads.
Don't try and adjust the channel....
Don't try and adjust the channel. . .Jean Lancaster's 3/4-scale Deuce runs a blown V-8 60 Flathead and gets loads of looks everywhere she cruises. That's our old pal Bret Sager with his stoke full-sized Deuce roadster in the background.
Larry Thompson's classic '40...
Larry Thompson's classic '40 Ford convertible was the ultimate cruiser. Awash is deep blue and accented by a tan top, the car was razor sharp and treated to numerous custom touches.
The curvaceous lines of Frank...
The curvaceous lines of Frank Tetro's Deuce roadster caught our attention with its vibrant red wires tucked neatly under its fenders, DuVal windshield, and perfectly fit top.
Greg Puryear's '33 Ford coupe...
Greg Puryear's '33 Ford coupe was wearing just enough patina to make us imagine finding it in a local barn after countless years of rest. Urged by a built Flathead sporting Offy heads, you know it had plenty of horses on tap.
Powered by a built 276ci Flathead...
Powered by a built 276ci Flathead mill built by Harold Smith, Jim Poss' '36 Ford cabriolet was hopped-up just enough to make it a healthy cruiser on the open road where its formal good looks would command plenty of attention.
Dipped in a vat of DuPont...
Dipped in a vat of DuPont Boyd red, Mack McNabbs' swoopy '33 Ford speedster was as slick as they come while wearing big-inch wheels and a long aggressive stance.
Wrapping up a 14-month build,...
Wrapping up a 14-month build, Bill Kenifeck's '32 Ford got its go from a scorching hot 468ci Chevy Rat while an icy cool vanilla spray-job gave it a calming look.
By the end of the day on Sunday,...
By the end of the day on Sunday, it was announced that Robert and Pam Lawson were the lucky winners of the immaculate turn-key giveaway Deuce coupe built by Alloway's Hot Rod Shop. Talk about being the envy of everyone at the show!