(Words and photos by Doug Gregory) – So here is the 2nd-half of the muscle car era collection of images from the Nationals. Nearly everything in this gallery is stuff I’ve not brought you previously. Lots of variety in here. What I did not see much of at this year’s event was many American Motors offerings. They might have been there and I missed them, but typically I’ve got an eye out for them and it just didn’t materialize for me this time. Next year perhaps. Two things I want to point out in here and then I’ll leave you to picture gawking.
I am a fan of Torinos. I was not disappointed this year and in one spot I was treated to several along the outer circle (which was part of the old fairgrounds race track). From the late 60s to the mid 70s were represented. Memories of my youth keep me digging these cars and I’m always happy to snap a photo when they are spotted. Another thing is the turbo-charged Corvair we found inside the 29-and-under corral. NSRA has spotlighted the younger generations’ up-and-coming folks with awards and features in Street Scene magazine. I’ve admired their commitment to bringing in ‘new blood’ and the expansion of allowed vintages into the events is testament to that effort. If we’re to keep the gearhead nation alive and healthy we need to cultivate youth and show them how great the community and hobby is.
Enjoy and come back for more.
