Most folks in the rodding world (and we mean street, hot, custom, as well as kit and replicar groups) know about some of the older indoor car shows-the oldest one for rodders is the Grand National Roadster Show, which just celebrated its 57th birthday.
But the Grand National Roadster Show, sometimes referred to as the "Granddaddy Of Them All," couldn't blow out the candles on the birthday cake for the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show, which just capped its 99th year. Started by a new car dealers association in 1907 (and you've got to wonder what the early meetings were like for those folks), the L.A. Auto Show has been running strong ever since.
Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the event is mainly used as a platform to showcase what is new from over 48 different auto manufacturers from around the world (with 28 new car debuts), but there are also ancillary mini events, functions, and special offerings from every facet of the automotive aftermarket. If it has to do with the fun aspect of owning a car, then it is probably at this show.
As always with any indoor car show, you can't help but come away with ideas for your own project after seeing what is here. You like boxy or square? It's here. Like sleek and swoopy? Gotcha covered. Even if you're looking for a new way to get into your ride, some of these new designs for door handles might catch your eye. After all, not everybody has to drive a bellybutton Cobra, right?
The L.A. Auto Show will be shifting its schedule so as not to compete with another show's dates next year, so the 100th anniversary show will be held in November 2006. More information on what will be there can be found on the Web at www.laautoshow.com.