(5 Mar 2018) LEADIN:
US motor enthusiasts are celebrating a bygone era when the car was king, when beautiful meant big, and drivers were proud of their gas guzzling giants.
Classic models of jeeps, saloons and hot rods from every part of the world are on display at the Classic Auto Show in Los Angeles.
STORYLINE:
The Classic Auto Show is the ultimate showcase for car collectors.
Unlike the Model T Fords, the cars here come in every size, colour and shape.
The long chassis and even longer bonnets sparkle with high polished paintwork and chrome.
Many of the cars here at the convention centre in Los Angeles are labours of love by their owners, they are almost works of art.
More than 1000 classic vehicles, from 65 car clubs are here.
New displays are dedicated to; "Women 'n Wheels, Lowriders, Hot Rods, Citroën's, classic Japanese cars, as well as Jeeps and trucks.
According to the show's organiser, Leftfield Media, interest in classic cars is growing each year.
The company's senior vice president Micheal Carlucci says enthusiasts are passionate about their vehicles.
"This is essentially their babies. These cars, they put their blood sweat and their tears into these cars. Their passion comes through with how these cars look. It's a big following. It's a big community. It's a rally behind community. Everyone wants everyone to do well. This is their chance to show the industry, the enthusiasts. This is what we love to do and here is where we want to debut it" says Carlucci.
Carlucci says the fast growing interest in classic cars has meant the show has doubled in size.
Car owners and car clubs are invited to display cars that reflect cultures and lifestyles.
Among the new displays is the Lowriders section with collections from several clubs, including the Imperial Car Club.
Pride of place goes to the legendary Impala and Thunderbirds.
This is a '73 Thunderbird called The Star Car. Also known as the Michael Jackson car.
The Automobile Driving Museum put up the first-ever "Women 'n Wheels" display featuring women mechanics.
The hot rod culture is uniquely American.
It began in Southern California in the 1930s was on display.
Not just pretty to look at these cars have been souped up for extra power and speed.
These models are by Moal Coach Builders of Oakland, California which only creates bespoke classic cars.
They include a 1940 Ford Custom Chopped Roof Hot Rod car and a Mariani Brothers 1933 Ford Coupe.
Company owner Steve Moal also holds the title of Grand Marshall.
He says: "The reason I'm the Grand Marshall I believe is because we are coach builders. The art of coach building automobiles goes way back into the 30's. People wanted bespoke automobiles like movie stars wanted a special automobile and it continues today, so people want something very unique. That's what we do."
This gleaming Citroën is in what has come to be known as a classic French style.
Another highlight here is a 1938 Hispano-Suiza H6B, Dubonnet Xenia, the futuristic design makes it look as though it's just come off a Hollywood superhero set.
It's been crafted to look like an aircraft and its glass is the same windshield glass that's used on planes.
Interest in Japanese classic cars is also fast growing.
This 1972 Nissan Skyline Couples GTR "Hakosuka" even has a gear shift designed to look like the tin of a Japanese beer.
Jeeps and trucks are always popular and here some are nearly 80 years old.
Wayne Carini, host of the international Chasing Classic Cars television show,says the market is growing:
Mike Brewer hosts the car restoration show on television called "Wheelers Dealers".
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