 Every year, there are hundreds, if not thousands of car shows around the nation that bring car enthusiasts and owners together along with food and beverage vendors and lots of great entertainment. One thing is certain however and that is the fact that not all car shows are going to be the same and it takes a little planning to schedule the best ones to attend. Whether you enjoy swap meets, cruises, private auto showings, parties, car hops or just the entertainment and excitement that comes along with being able to see some of the best classics, hot rods, muscle cars or other unique cars in existence, here are the top five car shows that you should make plans to attend. Miami International Auto Show  The Miami International Auto Show has been around since 1971, the year that Plymouth introduced the Barracuda 426 Hemi and NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon was born. When it came to car shows, the year was perfect for Miami as the show had such a great response that it has now been in operation for nearly 45 years and is one of the biggest shows on the east coast. The show consists of many popular exhibits that include convertibles, cruise-ins, cars from the 1950’s, muscle cars and many others. With cars ranging from Chevy and Ford to Ferrari and Lamborghini, this show is unparalleled with others and has plenty of live entertainment, great food and drinks and even boats, motorcycles and other vehicles. This show, held in September, is for the best of the best and is open to all ages. Ticket information can be found here. Memphis International Auto Show  Held in October each year, the Memphis International Auto Show has events planned for all ages including a family day that includes a fun schedule of activities for kids. This show includes some of the most amazing muscle cars, hot rods, woodies, classic and vintage cars and uniquely designed and restored cars in the nation and tickets are priced affordably for all that want to attend. Charlotte Auto Show  The Charlotte Auto Show is held in November and car enthusiasts have the opportunity to view cars, trucks and other vehicles in an area that spans the length of over six football fields. This event includes a ride and drive, family friendly entertainment and free admission for children under the age of 12. The show is a four-day event and many local hotels offer great discounts for attendees. Pebble Beach Concourse d’Elegance  Every August in Pebble Beach, spectators have the opportunity to see some of the most exquisite motor vehicles ever in existence all in one west coast location. Thousands attend to see prize winning automobiles from around world including manufacturers from the U.S. as well as Germany, Italy and many others. From Buick or BMW to Ferrari and others, this show has it all and even includes motorcycles and other specialty vehicles. Those that enjoy the finer things in life will be able to not only see some of the best automobiles ever manufactured but will also have opportunities to purchase art and attend auto auctions where they have the chance to own a great classic or luxury car of their own. Tickets can be purchased for general admission or for VIP status for the August show. Detroit Auto Show  Not many car shows can compare to the Detroit Auto Show. This show, also known as the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) is one of the largest in the United States and is held in January each year. The show features the latest in the auto industry including debut cars from the leading manufacturers around the world. The event hosts a black-tie charity event with a large dinner and party as well as a concert. More than $41 million has been raised at this event since it began in 1976. More than 2000 automotive companies as well as spectators, race car drivers and nearly 1000 prestigious automobiles are showcased at this show making it one of the most well-received shows in the nation. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate the day of the show. As one that has a deep interest in automobiles, especially classics, hot rods, muscle cars or fun cars, there are many opportunities from coast to coast to see some of the best cars in the world. Whether you want to attend as a spectator or have your own special show car shipped in, these shows are well worth checking out and trying to attend if you enjoy a good show.
 Memorial Day Weekend always brings lots of activities for families, and the 34th Annual West Coast Kustoms Cruisin' Nationals Car show is right up there on Must Do activities! Originally held in Paso Robles, CA, it moved to it's current location at the Santa Maria, CA Fairway about 8 years ago.
Loaded with kustoms, hotrods, rat rods and all manner of cool stuff to buy this family friendly event is a great way to check out some cool cars and celebrate the holiday. Plus, Friday night there is a car cruise that is not to be missed! Check out their website for more information, and if you make it, stop by the Gearhead booth to say hi!  Its finally happening; Gearhead® is heading to Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend! The fine folks at Cock Grease have invited Gearhead to share the booth, which is an honor! Vending at this show has been a dream of mine for many years, almost as long as it's been going on. This will be their 18th year if you can believe that!
Unlike so many other "hip" events that have gotten co-opted by the media, Viva Las Vegas has kept its cool street cred with the underground, and has stayed pretty true to it's roots, probably because it continues to be run and organized by the original main man himself Tom Ingram. He didn't sell out for money like so many other events and because of that, it continues to inspire and attract awesome bands, killer cars and a fan base from around the world! Way to go Tom! So stop by the booth and say hi, get a free sticker or two, and enjoy the fabulous events that are all part of the Viva Las Vegas Experience! For more information or tickets, please visit their website. See you there!  Today we celebrate the birth of a man who made "weird" ok. The vision and goofiness of Ed Roth, known to his friends and fans as Big Daddy, set the stage for much that Gearhead and others involved in this wacky world of hot rodding and Kustom Kulture took to heart as their own.
His style was unique and while I never met the man, he is known as a true original. Gearhead paid tribute to his legend in issue #12. He was one of Mike's favorites and I know this issue was a dream come true. So grab your Rat Fink and give him/her/it a hug and join me in sending birthday greetings to heaven where I"m sure he's painted the clouds with wild monsters and wacky Weird Ohs.
I've been going through old scrap books and found this and throught I would share! It's the first and only Christmas Card from Gearhead® painted for us by Dirty Donny back in 2003. On the flip is the explanation of who everyone was that was working with Gearhead at that time. I love this card, it makes me laugh every time I see it!
Gearhead will be closed to honor Veteran's Day. Thank you to all our service men and women!  "All you have to do is write one true sentence. Write the truest sentence that you know.” Ernest Hemingway said this, and I have to admit, I have been struggling to do exactly that for a very long time, ever since I published my first article back in 1987, a record review for Oregon State Unitersity's paper The Barometer.
It's hard to write what's in your head sometimes, but I keep trying. I like it when people are real, authentic, and totally themselves and that's what I'd like to convey when I write about something I'm passionate about. Which leads me to this project I'm currently working on....a little thing called the next, long awaited issue of Gearhead Magazine, #19. I've been involved in putting the magazine together in the past, but it's been a long long time, so I'm starting at ground zero here, trying to figure out what I want to write about, what content should go into a beloved magazine that certainly has a history and a following, and knowing I won't be able to make it what the former editor, Mike, did. Instead, I have to make it my own. I know it's gonna get a few people bent out of shape, but I can't worry about that. I'll never be able to make it exactly like what Mike did, but I can make it something new, something that reflects my outlook on life, cars, pop culture, rock 'n' roll and this crazy little upside down world we all inhabit. All I can do is write the truest sentence I can. I'm looking for contributors by the way. Are you interested? If you have always had a burning desire to write an article, story or review for Gearhead, now's your chance! Drop me a line! Maybe your time has come! |
AuthorRock 'n' Roll/Automotive Journalist, Influencer, Editor and Publisher of Gearhead Magazine, Archives
December 2022
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