It was just a few years ago that NSRA finally gave up on the pre-’48 format and opened their events to later-model cars and trucks. The results have been good, with a lot of great vehicles from the ’50s to the late ’70s rolling into their events. Of course this made for a whole new look to the NSRA events, but what really captured our eye was the amazing number of trucks that now attend NSRA events. Maybe that’s because a lot of people who own a street rod also own a classic truck, but we like to think it is because trucks and hot rods just go together perfectly.
Speaking of perfect, this year the weather was ideal and over 2,000 cars and trucks poured into the Chilhowee Fairgrounds for the weekend. There were plenty of pre-’48 trucks on hand, but no doubt the largest groups of trucks were the F-1 and F-100 followed by the ’48-55 Chevy and the C10 crowd from ’67-72. But in and among these more popular haulers we found a lot of different trucks too, Internationals, Studebakers, early Dodges, and even one or two Hudsons. As for trucking trends, it was all on hand, from ratty to refined there was a truck for every budget.
The vendor area is always a popular place to spend time and virtually everything you need to modify a truck could be purchased from one of the many vendors. Out in the swap meet there was an abundance of old truck “stuff.” While this is not a real big swap meet it is a cool deal because all of the spots are under cover, so rain or shine you buy, sell, or trade at the swap meet.
We always enjoy going to Knoxville, there is a lot to see and do in the area and we never seem to tire of getting together with a couple thousand like-minded friends for a weekend. If you’ve never been to the NSRA Nats South mark it down on your calendar for next year. As always, it will be the first weekend in May and you can bet we’ll be there too. CT
Bobby Reece made the drive...
Bobby Reece made the drive from Canton, Georgia, in his fine ’50 Chevrolet. The red interior and matching steelies provide contrast with the black paint on this driver.
Johnnie Cate of Knoxville...
Johnnie Cate of Knoxville runs the Gray Hairs Garage. Under the hood of his ’56 Chevy you’ll find a warmed over inline-six. Big steelies and a small visor add flavor to the truck.
The postwar trucks define...
The postwar trucks define fat-fendered hot rodding, and Linda Porter’s ’46 Dodge is a fine example of what good color selection and great stance can do for these corpulent haulers.
Panels and Suburbans make...
Panels and Suburbans make road trips a pleasure. They provide plenty of cargo room and everything stays safe and dry under the long roof. Gary Martin’s ’47 panel employs vertically mounted passenger car taillights and late-model flush-fit door handles.
Herb Harvey went for a more...
Herb Harvey went for a more contemporary look on his ’48 Chevrolet Suburban. A graphic split paint scheme and big five-spoke wheels give it the look; both the panel and the suburban motored in from Indiana.
Starting in 1947, Chevrolet...
Starting in 1947, Chevrolet called the optional stainless steel fender trim “triple speed-line” moldings and they go a long way to making this ’48 Chevrolet Deluxe Panel look cool. Ron Heatley drove in from nearby Sevierville, Tennessee.
Obviously a work in progress,...
Obviously a work in progress, this hammered Chevy pickup was in partial primer due to the new lower profile. Primer spots always indicate progress.
Bob Clayton’s ’71 C10 was...
Bob Clayton’s ’71 C10 was loaded with all the factory options, from bucket seats to A/C. Under the hood a 402 big-block provides ample hauling power. This is one very nice truck.
Big trucks are big projects,...
Big trucks are big projects, but few things draw larger smiles than a big ol’ flatbed in pristine condition. Mike Smith’s ’41 Chevrolet cab over flatbed is a great example.
We’re still not sure why we...
We’re still not sure why we don’t see more ’67-73 Ford trucks. They have great lines and respond well to basic truck modifications. Gary Phillips drove his ’72 Ford in from Georgetown, Ohio.
Jerry Turner drove his red-over-white...
Jerry Turner drove his red-over-white ’54 F-100 down from Markleysburg, Pennsylvania, where he is a member of the Ft. Necessity Cruisers. The truck is super-clean and traditional.
Truck doors and lettering...
Truck doors and lettering create instant personality and provide a way to use some bright colors on a flat black truck. Phil’s Garage will do your repairs for $33.00 an hour according to the sign.
The ’41-48 Studebaker trucks...
The ’41-48 Studebaker trucks are just plain funky, but when you drop one on the ground and shave off most of the chrome you have a truck that draws a crowd. Dan Paladino and his Studey hail from Newnan, Georgia.
Well-weathered yet well-preserved...
Well-weathered yet well-preserved this ’48 Suburban has the perfect patina. Henry Soward added the prefect accent with school-bus-yellow steel wheels. Life is good in the ’burbs.