After 49 years of hardcore Hot Rodding tradition housed in one of two Oakland locations the tradition has now moved to the Cow Palace in San Francisco.
For the first time all 330,000 square feet of the expensive Cow Place facility was jammed packed with with over 550 vehicles. At this years San Francisco Rod, Custom and Motorcycle Show, Motorcycles had their own 40,000 square foot side building which housed over 200 of the most outstanding rides ever seen in the San Francisco Bay Area. Arlen Ness sponsored the motorcycle room and brought many new two-wheel sculptures. It was Rocky Felix with his one-of-a-kind multi colored two-wheel custom that took home the Motorcycle D'Elegance Award for 2004.
Of course the newest and hottest Hot Rods and Customs played center stage. The Cow Palace facility houses a huge center arena with plenty of seating for  the gearhead to enjoy the cars while talking Hot Rodding and enjoying there favorite beverage.
For the first time, the first time shown vehicles in the arena where unveiled in a one time ceremony on Friday afternoon. George Hague, voice of the show, and Greg Sharp, NHRA museum creator, interviewed the owners as these new creations where unveiled. Another first was the regular interviews with 2004 Trend Setter of the Year, John D'Agostino, interviewed at his special display of three of his great vehicle. The spectators where allowed to ask questions about all three vehicle, but it was the 1941 Packard dubbed "Gable" that drew most questions for John and builder Oz. From Oz Customs.
The judges had their work cut out with the quality of the vehicles at this years event, surpassing anything seen in the Bay Area in years. When the weekend came to an end and the winners where announced Sunday night the D'Elegance Award and the $2,000 check from Hot Hues and over $3,000 of goodies to accompany the one-of-a-kind trophy. The Custom D'Elegance Award went to Ray Von Uhlit of Fremont, CA with his 1951 Plymouth Wagon (Yes, I said '51 Plymouth Wagon) took home another 2 grand and $3,000 in goodies. The for mentioned Rocky Felix took home the $2,000 top award for his motorcycle creation and in addition he took home another $2,000 in goodies for winning the Motorcycle D'Elegance Award.
In addition to the three "Big" winners other winners included Don Kinsfather from Roselle, Illinois with his custom Hot Dog Truck who piced up the prestigioous Don Tognotti Award for the most innovative and creative machine in the show. Don also drove this unique vehicle all the way to San Francisco. The American's Coolest Kustom Award went to Bud Millard for his Custom 1956 Ford Hardtop, from Millbrae, CA. The "Tommy the Greek" Award went to the 1932 Ford Roadster owned by Jorge Zaragoza of South San Francisco and striped by Royr Pentagost. The pin stripper receives a custom pin stripper box from St. Johns Morton. Jorge's '32 also picked up the West Coast Kustom's Outstanding Nostalgia Kustom Award. The Joe Bailon Award was won by John D'Agostine of Discovery Bay, CA with his 1941 Packard custom dubbed "Gable". John's 41 Packard also picked up the Outstanding Nostalgia Rod and Custom Award.
This show was the way an indoor event should be presented with the latest in new rods, Customs and Motorcycles and bring the historic vehicles back for that nostalgic look at  Hot Rodding.
Next years event is scheduled for January 7-8-9, 2005 with the addition of a full blown outdoor event sponsored by "Hot Hues" Custom Finishes and even more great motorcycles and trick vehicles then ever.
You can find out more about the San Francisco Rod, Custom and Motorcycle Show by calling PR Promotions at (209) 744-8090 or check out their web site at www.prprodinc.com Let's Start With The Pictures From  Sy Miyasato ~ R.P. Productions