RENO, Nev.―At least 5,500 classic cars gathered in Reno and Sparks, Nevada for the annual Hot August Nights (HAN) celebration of hot rods, nightly cruises, rock and roll dances, sock hops, proms, and a flurry of activities Aug. 1 -10.
This “blast from the past” allows car-lovers from the baby boomer generation to relive this unique generation that included Elvis and a generation depicted by the “happy days” TV program with the bouffant hairdos, patent leather shoes and pink carnations. It also provides an opportunity for those who didn’t experience the 50’s and ‘60s firsthand to enjoy the era.
Up to 800,000 people attended the event where cars come to be seen and ‘cruisin’ is cool. There are dozens of mostly free concerts, controlled cruises, and show-n-shines where people watch the “cherry” cars on display.
Ron Gendron and his ’53 Willys Aero Eagle
Gendron who has been coming to HAN for 16 years says he has invested over $70,000 into the customization of the green classic. He brings his Willys in a trailer but also participates in the cruises and puts it on display at the different venues.
Saturday night Gendron took his car on stage at the Grand Sierra Resort with 19 other cars for the “Best of Show” competition. his Willys was selected as one of the 20 best cars picked to be part of the competition known as “Best of Show,” or the best of the best for the $10,000 prize.
The winner was a highly modified ‘55 Chevy. According to Gendron it was a gorgeous car that came right out of the shop and that it appeared at least $300,000.00 was invested in the car. For Gendron, his consolation was that his Willys was one of only 20 classics that were selected out of the 5,500 cars registered for HAN.
But all was not for naught as Gendron won the “show and shine” competition at the Circus Circus casino on Monday. He received a trophy, plus five $100 gas cards from Shell Oil and a $500 free play at Circus Circus. He also received a $500 check for best engine that qualified him for the Saturday night “Best of Show.”
Steven and Peggy Wisniewski and their ’68 Cadillac Convertible
This year they brought a 1968 Cadillac convertible, tufted, with a pro street look and roll bar. Steven says, “Other than that it is pretty much a Cadillac.” He has put in about $35,000 into the car. Steven and Peggy say that they love the people, the cars, the attraction, and especially sharing the event with everybody. When asked what kind of comments he gets on the car, he replied “Since this is the first year, it is kind of an “awe” factor, like how can someone do that to a Cadillac, but it looks right, it rides right, and it is a driver.”
Peggy said “I’m also a car person, I have my own car, a ‘37 Ford slant back, street rodded out, but did not bring it this year like we did the prior two years.”
Steven also participates in the ‘Round Nevada Classic Car Tour that takes a caravan of only 75 cars into the smaller towns in Nevada to give people a chance to see the spruced up classic cars. It is a charity ride that tours all of Nevada. Steven says, “It’s awesome, it’s all about riding. We went this year and next year will be our second year and I’m locked in for life.”
(For more information visit http://www.hotaugustnights.net/ )
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