THE AUTO BUILDER

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PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: DIESELSITE’s Stand Pipe and Dummy Plug Kit for 2004.5–2010 Ford 6.0L Powerstroke

December 10, 2024

It is very apparent that when Frank Mauro wants something, he has the patience to wait for it. Take this ‘38 Chevy pickup, for example. Mauro had seen it in a storage yard for many years, but couldn’t convince the owner to sell it to him. It seems that the previous owner had a handle on patience himself, as the truck had actually been sitting for 25 years.

STOP, DROP, AND ROLL

From the rugged workhorses of the ’70s to today’s luxurious pickups, discover the transformation and retrofitting process of a ’68 Chevy truck. Follow the journey as No Limit Engineering’s dropped spindle/disc brake conversion kit enhances both braking performance and aesthetics, bringing a touch of modern luxury to a timeless classic. Dive into the details of this four-hour installation and witness the stunning results that elevate the truck’s functionality and appearance. Experience the perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation in this truck restoration project.

THE CAGED BIRD SINGS

The poor Falcon.
Were it not for Ford’s inglorious first compact car, who knows what the early Mustangs would have been like, built as they were on Falcon architecture? Today, everyone wants a Mustang, yet Falcon fans are few. Fewer still are those who crave Falcon wagons, and initially, Norman Schmitt was not one of them, either. He wasn’t after a Falcon, or a wagon, but when a friend told him about an old wagon for sale, he went to check it out. What he found was a rare ’63 Falcon two-door wagon, and it was in great shape. The price was right, so he bought it, with visions of a wicked Pro Street Falcon in his head, and he set out to transform those dreams into steel.

Spotlighter

Hidden Gems and Head-Turners at the Erwin Marine Sales Car Show

Proof that the best builds don’t always show up at the biggest events

Think you have to attend a giant national event to see world-class builds? Think again. The Erwin Marine Sales Car Show was proof that some of the baddest rides around show up at the smallest gatherings. Tucked along Chattanooga's scenic waterfront, this laid-back event delivered far more than anyone would expect from a Saturday morning cruise-in.

Author

Jamie Dent

Photography by Scott Killeen

Quality Over Quantity

Held on June 20, 2026, after being pushed back by bad weather, the Erwin Marine Sales Car Show packed the marina with an impressive lineup of classic cars, custom builds, lifted trucks, street machines, and unique one-off projects. Every row had something worth stopping for, whether it was a flawlessly restored cruiser, a high-dollar custom, or a home-built machine that turned heads with pure attitude.

These weren’t just cars parked in a lot—they were the result of countless hours spent in garages, shops, and driveways, with owners proudly sharing the stories behind every modification, every paint job, and every horsepower upgrade.

The Heart of the Hobby

That’s what makes local car shows so special. Without the pressure of trophies or national attention, builders come out simply because they love the hobby. The conversations are genuine, the atmosphere is relaxed, and you can get up close with vehicles you’d never expect to find at a neighborhood event.

The Erwin Marine Sales Car Show reminded everyone that passion doesn’t depend on the size of the venue. Sometimes the coolest builds aren’t under bright convention center lights—they’re parked along the waterfront at a hometown gathering where the only requirement is bringing something you’re proud to drive.

If this year’s turnout was any indication, Chattanooga’s local automotive scene is alive, well, and packed with builders who know how to create something unforgettable.