2009 L.A. Roadster Show

By Jackie Houchin

Despite the overcast skies and early morning mist, the ‘crème de la crème’ of topless, pre-1937 Hot Rods streamed into the L.A. Country Fairplex in Pomona, California in record numbers on Father’s Day Weekend.  

Billed as the "Largest Roadster Show on Earth," the 45th annual, Los Angeles Roadster Exhibition, Trade Show and Swap Meet covered nearly half of the Fairplex grounds, with 885 roadsters, hundreds of commercial vendors from across the country (and Europe), swappers, and thousands of “specialty”
pre-1975 classics, hot rods, and special interest cars. 

Roadsters of all types and colors, ranging from vintage Model T’s with delicately etched side windows, to small “Speedster” racing types, and “zoomie” custom cars with chromed engines and blowers that towered above open hoods, their massive exhaust pipes arching out and swooping along the sides. 

Proud individual owners, as well as caravanning car clubs returned to show
off their roadsters (or perhaps sell them) and stayed for the complementary “perks” provided by the LA Roadster club, which included a packed “goodie bag,” a sumptuous BBQ dinner on Saturday night, and the coveted, custom-engraved pewter mug.

This year, spectators were also treated to a "Cackle Fest" on Saturday, when the long and sleek, alcohol and nitro-methane burning dragsters fired their 4,000 hp engines in bursts of sound and compressed energy so strong the vibrations could be literally “felt” in your body.

Spectators were treated to the 1933-1934 Ford Display to acknowledge the 75th anniversary of the Model 40 Ford on Saturday in Specialty Parking. The L. A. Roadsters teamed with Steve's Auto Restorations of Portland, Oregon, to create the display of 1933-1934 Ford vehicles for everyone's viewing pleasure.

On Sunday in Specialty Parking the L. A. Roadster's hosted the 1st ever Traditional Rod and Suede Show. We had a great turnout and there was something different for everyone to enjoy.

This year, the L. A. Roadsters sponsored the 1st Annual Pinstripers Gathering for Charity. We had the best pinstripers available to pinstripe automotive art, pictures, articles, hats, t-shirts, you name it and they'd stripe it. All proceeds went to charity.

Artist Thom Taylor was present with some of his beautiful 1933-34 Ford art on display.

D.J. Kipp from Ultimate Audio provided atmosphere for the 2-day event with nostalgic music and commentary. He also encouraged donations to the City of Hope's “Wishing Well” (a charity the Los Angeles Roadster Club has traditionally supported), and allowed youngsters to wish their “Daddies” a Happy Father’s Day over the loud speakers.

Actor Henry Winkler was present both days, autographing photos and copies of his “Hank Zipzer” children’s books, with the proceeds going to children’s charity. Parked nearby was club member, Bob Barnes’ silver & maroon ’34 Ford Roadster, featured in Winkler’s “Happy Days” TV show. Check out his website: www.hankzipzer.com.

Artist Dave Bell was present signing and personalizing his L.A. Roadster Show Car Poster.

Another cool, charity-minded, roadster owner is Dave Schaub, who’s planning a 9800-mile trip for the Ronald McDonald House in September. He will drive through 49 states in 9 days in his black ’32 Ford Roadster. “Just a penny a mile is all we ask!” is his fundraising slogan. Check out his website: www.49in9.com.

The Los Angeles Roadsters Car Club was established in 1957 when a group of guys decided to meet together to enjoy their hot rods and to support legislation for safe and on-going hot-rodding opportunities. This is the 30th year the annual Father’s Day show has been held at the L.A. Fairplex in Pomona, California, and the 45th time the L. A. Roadsters Car Club has produced its world-renowned show.

Thanks Jackie for the great story and pictures.
Jackie's husband is club member Lynn Houchin who is the commercial coordinator of our shows.

History of the L. A. Roadster's Show and Pewter Mug

By Bob Neal, June 21, 2009

Bob Neal has been attending the L. A. Roadster Show, in the same roadster
(1923 T-Bucket), since 1971. He has a proud collection of 38 pewter mugs, and thought it would be interesting to document and share the history of the famous L. A. Roadster show and it’s pewter mugs with other roadster enthusiasts.

The first 3 shows that participant pewter mugs were passed out were at the Hollywood Bowl in 1960, 1961 and 1967.

The next 12 shows the pewter mugs were passed out at the Great Western Exhibit Center in 1968-1979.

The next 30 shows the pewter mugs were passed out at the Pomona Fairplex from 1980-2009.

For 45 years the pewter mugs have been passed out to participants.

1967 was the first year the event was to be titled “L. A. Roadster Exhibition and Swap Meet” and was the first show held of Father’s Day.

1985 the event was increased to a 2-day show.

1995 the total number of roadsters on display were 750 and 2,200 dash plaques were issued.

2000 a new roadster record was achieved, 800 roadsters were on display.

1977 was the Club’s 20th Anniversary.

1987 was the Club’s 30th Anniversary.

1997 was the Club’s 40th Anniversary.

1998 was the first year the Roadster (car) was engraved on the mug.

2007 was the Club’s 50th Anniversary.

2009 over 850 roadsters were on display at the show.

Thank you Bob for this great piece of history!