How could you go wrong with a name like Supernationals? I don't know either, especially when we're talking about Pat Ford's 28th Annual F-100 Supernationals. Combine this show's long heritage and the 50th anniversary of the '56 F-100 and it's pretty much a slam dunk.
Not having spent much if any time in the Volunteer State, it would be a new adventure, which I always look forward to, and it would prove to be a great one! Being the end of May in the South and surrounded by lush green, I soon found out how it got that way--rain. Even with rain almost every afternoon like clockwork, the fairgrounds were still packed as if everyone already expected it. A large gathering of nice trucks is a rare phenomenon, but one that stretched from Thursday into the late hours Saturday night for the eagerly anticipated awards show is even rarer.
Diehard Ford truck owners drove from all over the country to strut their stuff, as well as some who participated in the F-100 Super Tour that started out here in California at Bobco and continued on for thousands of miles throughout the U.S. Between shooting features and show coverage, I got the chance to talk to many truck owners, readers, friends, advertisers, promoters, and enjoyed a Philly cheese steak or two...boy were they good.
As soon as we find out when the 2007 F-100 Supernationals will take place, we'll let you know so you can book your rooms and block out your calendars. Check out www.f100supernationals.com or call Pat Ford Promotions directly at (704) 872-7327 for more information.
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Steve Haessly's '56 F-100 Truck of the Year! Just look at it! Check out some of the subtleties, like the front bumper that looks like it could almost be a roll pan, and notice the sleek lines on the normally hefty hood. There was some stiff competition in the fairgrounds for the coveted title. Can't wait to see how things pan out in '07. |
The guys from Fatman Fabrications drove their '68 F-100 shop truck from North Carolina to the show, and yes, it really is a shop truck, complete with a scratched-up bed floor and lots of miles to prove it. Mike took me for a ride in it to show off their front clip in action, which is what I'll be welding in my F-100 soon! |
John Maffucci's '55 F-100 Cobra was chewin' up on lookers all weekend. The gunmetal-grey Ford was built in a "what if Carol Shelby built it" train of thought. With a 500-rear-wheel horsepower '03 Cobra motor backed to a six-speed and a chassis that looks like it loves the ground, we'd have to say he hit the mark! |
Gary Coe brought his breathtaking '57 F-157 across the country to the Supernats, and this was the thinnest the crowd got around it all weekend. Thanks to the hands at Steve's Auto Restorations, the truck stole the show and won the People's Choice '57-60 Truck of the Year and the Ford In A Ford Award. Unfortunately, due to its year of make, it wasn't eligible for the F-100 Truck of the Year award. |
I had to snap a couple of shots of some of the daily fixing and repairing--get it? Anyway, there were a few guys working on suspension or brake issues with plenty of "help" standing around. |
Rockin' the Y-block all the way! Chuck and Shirley Lagneaux drove their no-nonsense '56 from Tucson, AZ... |
...to celebrate their truck's 50th anniversary. The primer and steel wheels make for lots of worry-free cruising. |
Being the new owner of one, my radar is at full blast, and it told me to get a shot of Larry Kilgore's stock but sweet '69. He and the soothing orange and cream shortbed hail from Dalton, GA. |
For as many custom trucks in attendance, there were as many nice restos in the park, like Paul France's dark blue '54 Effie. Checking out stockers was a nice break for some of the more radical trucks. |
The swap meet had more trucks for sale than you could shake a Chevy at! There were plenty of decently priced projects, many that could be driven home. If you wanted a truck with more space, there was this running crew cab '72 that would look great on the ground! |
Inside the main building lots of vendors were selling parts. I took the chance to shake hands with many of them I hadn't met, like Doc from Doc's Kustom, who makes dash panels for just about anything! |
"Old Yeller" was on hand to represent 20-something Fords--Model T's, that is! |