The Suede Palace Presented at the 67th Grand National Roadster Show
Pomona, CAFriday, January 29, 2016
Story by Richard Parks
One of the happenings that has sparked great interest among young people at the Grand National Roadster Show(GNRS) is the traditional hot rod exhibits in the Suede Palace. It is a huge Quonset-type building from the 1930’s that is used to house the nostalgic hot rods. The term suede has to do with the style of the hot rods exhibited. These are the more traditional style of hot rods that are put together from junkyard parts. They often have only a primer coat of paint but not a shiny coat. Sometimes a bit of rust shows through and there is very little chrome finish anywhere on the vehicle. The Suede Palace is a throwback to a time when young people made do with what they could create on a very small budget. Also, the traditional hot rodder lives in the past, even though he or she might make concessions to having to work in the present. Many traditional hot rodders wear a style of clothes and makeup from that period of time. They call it the Rockabilly Era and the music and dancing is pure early Elvis Presley.
The first thing that is evident at the Suede Palace is the energy level. Most car shows are sedate and well organized. But the traditional hot rodders are a maelstrom of activity with lively music that is far too loud for our health and a jive beat that is toe tapping good. The young girls wear dresses that were in vogue in their grandmother’s day and it looks real good on them. Their lipstick is blood red and has names like Cherry, Fire Engine, Chartreuse and Ruby. Their stockings are nylons and yes they were held up by garter belts. The guys wear jeans and white t-shirts with the sleeves rolled up to be able to put a pack of cigarettes tucked wickedly away. They were rebels at heart way back then and rebels today. Axle and Celeste Idzardi are in charge of running the place and they do a spectacular job. Axle is a gruff, no nonsense kind of guy who has the respect of all the exhibitors. Talking to Axle is like going back in time when there was always a hot rodder who had to take charge. You can ask Axle a question, but more than likely he will decide that the question really was stupid and simply walk away. But he and Celeste know what they are doing and the show reflects their skillful control.
Thanks for the Show!!