(Words and photos by Mike Brooks- Gasoline Images) – Those of you out there that know anything about the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH know the place is insanely massive. The 2.2 million sq ft building was originally a bomber manufacturing plant during the WWII era is now  the venue for the largest show of it’s kind on the planet. The I-X Piston Powered Auto-Rama celebrated it’s 50th anniversary and this year, they’ve pulled out all the stops! “If a piston makes it go, it’s in this show!” is the slogan for the event and the over 1,000 vehicles and machines present for the event prove it. Hot Rods?, of course. Classic cars?, mm-hmm. Trucks?, for sure. Motorcycles?, you betcha! Semi trucks, monster trucks , race cars, tv and movie cars, custom bikes, military vehicles, boats, tractors, farm & construction equipment, and airplanes too?!…You know it! It was all there!

Jose Ferrer and I spent hours and hours checking out all the various displays on all three show floors. Being the 50th installment of the event, 50 winners from the 1967-2015 were back on the floor along with 50 feature winners were showcased. The main floor was packed with displays from various clubs, race teams, military and veterans groups as well as an array of vendors. The adjacent room was home to the “Hot Rod Asylum” featuring all sorts of traditional style hot rods and classic gassers and vintage race cars. The room also featured some really cool vintage RV’s and campers along with one of the biggest van displays I’ve ever seen.

Yes, the bitchin’ van scene is back in full force here! They also opened up the basement this year to fit in even more cars! There was so much to see and do there it’s almost overwhelming! Those of you who attended the show know this, those who didn’t missed out big time. Trust me when I say, put this show on your list to attend! You have to experience it for yourself!  For more info on the show check out www.pistonpowershow.com”