Nsra Street Rod Nationals Trucks
Nsra Street Rod Nationals Trucks
The NSRA Nationals has always been a great show, but now that the year break has been extended past the old ’48 cutoff we’re treated to countless more cool classic trucks, and that’s a great thing!
The NSRA Nationals has always been a great show, but now that the year break has been exte

As I more than likely say just about every year, one of my all-time favorite annual events is the huge NSRA Street Rod Nationals. This annual gathering draws anywhere between 8,000 and 12,000 entries each year (imagine over 300 vendors spread throughout 500,000 square feet of indoor exhibit area, plus tens of thousands of cool cars and trucks on display). For years, the association’s strict pre-’49 cutoff pretty much disqualified a large portion of the truck contingent. Sure, there has always been a pretty darn good turn-out of street rod pickups (’27 to ’40), F-1’s and, of course, ’47 to ’54 Chevys.

Well, starting last year (2010), the NSRA opened up the year break for the Nats up to and including ’80. And this year, classic truckers and their pride and joys, again, had the opportunity to be a part of one of the biggest and most fun events in the hobby. Last year I was hoping that the Nats would become a premier classic truck destination, and I’m happy to report that it has! That said, I wanted to give those of you that didn’t give the Nats a try a sneak peek at some of the pickups that were there this past season (heck, I may even show ya a few cool street rods as well) to give ya an idea of what’s in store for those that add the NSRA Nationals to their event calendar this year. It really is a blast, especially since I have the opportunity to see and shoot more and more features on the classic trucks I love so much. So, take a look at a fraction of the pickups I ran across this past season, and then please consider making the Nats one of the events you choose to attend this year. Believe me, if you’ve never been, it’ll be an experience—take my word for it (again). Show up once and you’ll be hooked! ct

  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals Trucks
    James Bernard’s Alma, Arkansas-based ’72 C10 is a great example of a meticulously modified Chevy. His extended cab is good looking and professionally done—we’re impressed.
    James Bernard’s Alma, Arkansas-based ’72 C10 is a great example of a meticulously modified
  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals 1956 Chevy Truck
    This neat traditionally styled ’56 Chevy is the pride and joy of Rick and Karen Basham. The couple is lucky enough to have the Nats held just about in their own backyard in Louisville.
    This neat traditionally styled ’56 Chevy is the pride and joy of Rick and Karen Basham. Th
  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals 1956 Chevrolet
    We loved this bright red 3100 belonging to Louie Galy. Louie’s ’48 just looks right with its perfect stance and polished five-spokes.
    We loved this bright red 3100 belonging to Louie Galy. Louie’s ’48 just looks right with i
  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals 1966 Chevrolet
    Speaking of bright red, Paul and Mary Lidsey’s ’66 was another Chevy that stopped us in our tracks—if I’m not mistaken, it had the same effect as a few months ago in Columbus.
    Speaking of bright red, Paul and Mary Lidsey’s ’66 was another Chevy that stopped us in ou
  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals Two Trucks
    Now here’s a trio that caught my attention. Being a lifelong F-1 fan, I was in my glory as I worked my way around these babies. The patina’d ’48 in the foreground belongs to Steve Southard, Barry Ray’s is the white one just behind Barry’s, and the beautiful yellow one is the handy work of Bill Townsend which you may recall as a past Classic Trucks feature truck.
    Now here’s a trio that caught my attention. Being a lifelong F-1 fan, I was in my glory as
  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals 1957 Dodge D100
    I was loving the fact that there were more than just Chevys and Fords in Louisville this past season. This bright red ’57 Dodge D100 belongs to Indianapolis, Indiana’s Riley and Laura Bettry.
    I was loving the fact that there were more than just Chevys and Fords in Louisville this p
  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals Chevy 3100
    I was trying to figure out whether Larry Charles was worried about scuffing his beautiful bed wood or if his better half, Pat, just had so much luggage that the couple had to hitch a trailer to their awesome 3100.
    I was trying to figure out whether Larry Charles was worried about scuffing his beautiful
  • Nsra Street Rod Nationals 56 Ford F100
    F-100’s are well represented now that the year break has been extended, too. Donnie Hornback’s ’56 is a prime example of the high-quality Effies on hand this year.
    F-100’s are well represented now that the year break has been extended, too. Donnie Hornba