| |
| By Jim McGowan
|
Gorgeous weather, hundred
of outstanding cars, crowds of Mopar enthusiast, and
what seemed like miles of parts, life is good! Spring
Fling '05 turned out to be the best and biggest yet,
with the show field full and license plates from several
western states prominent. Just Dashes, an official show
sponsor, set up their traveling road show and provided
beautifully restored vinyl interior parts for discerning
restorers. They sold out of their new replacement E-body
speaker grilles and had to return to the local warehouse
for more.
Saturday, the show was more crowded than ever before,
and shade was selling at a premium. While the rest
of the country was still emerging from winter, Los
Angeles had balmy temperatures and lots of sun. Chrysler
vehicles of every description were on display, including
a restored WWII armored track vehicle armed with eight
50-caliber machine guns. The owner obliged the crowd
by jumping into the turret and rotating it around
every couple of hours. The old adage about giving
and receiving takes on a new meaning with this olive
drab beast!
As usual, many of the Best Of Class cars, and the
Best Of Show winner sported restored interior parts
from Just Dashes. Lots of excellent craftsmanship
was evident this year, both in stock and modified
classes. Several of the vehicles that were at the
Las Vegas show came out for the Spring Fling festivities.
There were so many people walking around on Saturday
that it was almost impossible to photograph the cars.
We took most of these photos on Sunday so you could
see the show field, swap meet and vendor area. If
you're in LA in early April next year, put the Spring
Fling on your must do list, and be sure to stop by
at the Just Dashes booth and say hey!
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Just Dashes was on hand with a stock of restored
Mopar interior parts, which sold like hot cakes.
The new E-body speaker grilles were the talk
of the Challenger/'Cuda owners, and sold out
so fast a trip was made to bring back a fresh
supply. |
Eight 50-calibers, no waiting! Everything on
this WWII vintage gun carrier still works (except
the 50's). Check out the Tommy gun hanging on
the driver's door. The whole rig was very cool,
but not something for that sedate Sunday drive.
|
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
This is one very beautiful 300 convertible.
Every inch is detailed and the dual-quad engine
sounded stout. While we didn't stay for the
awards, this ragtop must have taken home gold.
|
Several vintage police cars showed up just to
keep the crowd under control. The owners were
lounging in the shade eating donuts, what's
new. |
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
A handful of Chrysler's AMC cousins graced the
show field. It's nice to see them participate
with the rest of the Mopar gang. |
We call this the "Grapes of Wrath" roadster.
Despite it's rough appearance, the overall condition
was good. Obviously it received lots of attention.
|
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
There was quite a few early Valient's and Barracuda's
present. This is a meticulously restored '64,
and it was a stand out example. |
What would any Mopar show be without a Hemi-powered
T-Bucket. It was dripping chrome and sounded
ultra nasty. A great fun in the sun car! |
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Convertibles always seem to attract attention.
This blue on blue restored beauty is no exception.
Admirers surrounded it all weekend. |
Flames seemed the styling queue for the small
cars this year. This custom street machine makes
up for its compact size with lots of fire. |
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
E-body row was packed with all the styles and
colors. Here's a pair of nicely done matching
'70 AAR 'Cudas basking in the sun. |
Flames and more flames! This Barracuda drew
a lot of interest, as the paint was flawless.
|
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Click Here to view a larger image
 |
|
Here's million-dollar row. Six wing cars showed
up, sporting different power plants and all
appreciating right before our eyes. In 1970
you couldn't give these car away. |
Here's just a small corner of the swap meet
area. Lots of parts left with new owners, and
just about anything you could imagine were lying
on the grass. Shopping was fast and furious
on Saturday. |
|
|
Click Here to view a larger image
The Kenny Wayne Shepherd" X-treme" Lee
Charger was on hand for a close up and personal
inspection by show goers. Just Dashes restored
the dash pad and door rails for this show car.
|
|
