It's a classic of course!

This year I decided to trade out the routine Auto show for the AutoRama, a custom car show!  Year after year since I can remember, I’ve visited the Chicago Auto Show.  So this year, I left the boring selection of concept and electric cars, for a more adventurous option, a World of Wheels.

As I entered the showroom floor, I was blown away with amazement: an El Camino, Coupe Street Rods, and oh yeah… the Deuce and a Quarter!  That infamous Buick Electra 225.  I immediately recognized this model as my great-grandfather’s Buick classic is still in our family.  As I peered from car to car, I could only imagine myself behind the wheel of one of those jewels!  “I’d choose that car; it goes with my outfit,” I thought to myself!  There was so much history in the place!  Car collections spanned from as early as the 1930s.  There was even a barn find that had been parked since 1973 – yes, 41 years ago!  And oh, the paint…yes, let’s talk paint.  It was pristine!  As if each vehicle was covered in fresh coats of Chanel nail paint, trend defining shades of color with high-shine and definition, class and style of course. 

Hot rods were the heart of the show!  These old, classic American cars were popular between the 1940s and 60s.  They have large engines modified for linear speed and were built using a lot of original equipment parts from junkyards or Nitrous Oxide Systems (“NOS”), which effectively control the power.  Next up, the bobber, the earliest motorcycle hand-built by individuals in the 1940s and 50s whose style influenced manufacturers such as Harley-Davidson.  Its front fender has usually been removed; the rear fender made smaller ("bobbed"), and any extra parts were removed to reduce its weight.  It was often part of the early biker club’s scene before there was the chopper, although its original intent was just to keep motorcycles on the road for as cheaply as possible.  Owners were onsite, ready to share their memories and explain the work done and there were even custom chop shops onsite giving live demonstrations. 

As I wandered along the aisles, couples danced to Rockabilly bands playing rock and roll music dating to the early 1950s.  It was like watching the Fonzarelli and Joanie Cunningham dance to tunes from Arnold’s jukebox in a scene from Happy Days!  The cars were strategically spaced giving each car in its series breathing room.  It was like a fine red wine:  room to concentrate, evaluate, and examine from every angle.  I turned the bend and was pleasantly surprised to see my high school and alma mater showing off their skills at this prestigious event.  Ok, I am playing coy…I was ecstatic to see the Blue & Gold representing – the color of Mighty Men & Women!  A small team of 3 juniors and a sophomore from the auto mechanic & body shop at Dunbar H.S. were onsite displaying their custom work along with their instructor, Kellen Davis.

Before I left, I popped upstairs to check out the Tuner Galleria.  This exibition focused on domestic and imported vehicles with grandiose and showy elements unique to their owners yet relevant to this generational market.  Custom racecars zoomed around at top speed and I immediately observed some noticeable differences between the two floors.  Unlike the smooth tunes of the first floor, this showroom blasted loud, techno music; the seasoned crowd now appeared young-looking and there were scantily dressed girls dancing near the popular cars to complete the look.  The generous amounts of viewing space turned into crowds of gridlocked cars  - a scene from Freaknik in Atlanta during Spring Break of my college years and the beer stands were replaced with premium alcoholic beverages for purchase.  I presume these strategies attempt to convert dreamers of these cars into actual owners.

I thoroughly enjoyed the World of Wheels AutoRama!  In fact, I had a brief love affair with these classic automobiles.  Who knew that I could spend a half-day fantasizing over custom paint jobs, cars and motorcycles?  But after my new adventure, I now desire one of these timeless, vintage, fashion accessories to add to my ageless collection!