Patina Power
August 14, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
CAMARO JONES
George and Leslye Jones’ ’67 Camaro convertible is one of the finest examples ever to turn a wheel. Built by the crew from Greening Auto Company (and others), this is an effort worthy of pride and praise.
TIME MACHINE
Big billet wheels, custom suspensions and modern power plants—that’s what we’ve come to expect from a first generation Camaro. And while these items are great if that’s what you prefer, we just can’t help but love a car that stands out in a crowd, like this 1968 Camaro vintage street machine. Period perfect down to the slightest details, the black Camaro would have been the ultimate classic Camaro street machine in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s with its big-‘n’-little Cragars, Lakewood traction bars and nose-down stance. Claude Minor is the proud owner of this retro Chevy, but it certainly didn’t start out in this configuration.
Ford Fever in the Smokies
Every September, the Smoky Mountains turn Ford blue when the F-100 Supernationals takes over Sevierville, Tennessee. This isn’t just a truck show—it’s the largest gathering of classic Ford haulers on the planet, and it’s been pulling fans in for decades. If you’ve never been, imagine rows of F-series as far as you can see: bone-stock survivors, slammed shop trucks, high-dollar builds, lifted 4x4s, and everything in between. Other Fords are welcome too, so whether it’s a compact pickup or a big block Mustang, there’s a spot for every Blue Oval fan.
Spotlighter
IN 1993 THE NSRA STREET ROD NATIONALS EAST TURNED 20, IT IS BEST KNOWN SIMPLY AS…
YORK ‘93
Author
Gerry Burger
Text & Photography
What began as a Mini-Nats in Rockville, Maryland in 1973, quickly blossomed into a full-fledged National Street Rod Association Regional Event. If you were an East Coast street rodder, the first weekend in June every year was (and still is), NSRA York, simply a must-attend event. It was the largest regional event on the NSRA calendar and between the filled-to-overflowing York Fairgrounds, a swap meet stuffed with traditional parts, two buildings of hot rod vendors and the incredible overall high-energy atmosphere that filled the entire weekend, this was pure, non-stop hot rod fun. Evening cruising was non-stop, and making the rounds through the motel parking lots was a great way to meet old friends and make new ones. Cars ranged from super traditional fifties hot rods to the latest offering from the likes of Posies and other major players with their smooth creations. Yes, York has it all. So, we went digging and came up with some vintage photos from that 20th Annual event.
Enjoy the ride.
ARTICLE SOURCES
Gerry Burger
Gerry Burger has been immersed in hot rodding since the early 1960s, building his first hot rods as a teenager after being inspired by local racer Bob Zorn. A chance meeting with Tom Medley in 1972 launched a distinguished career as an automotive photojournalist, leading to freelance work for dozens of magazines, the founding of Rodder's Digest, and editorial leadership roles at Street Rod Builder and American Rodder. Today, Burger continues to write, photograph, and build hot rods, remaining one of the hobby's most respected voices.
