Photography by The AUTHORhe L.A. Roadsters Father’s Day Swap Meet & Show at the Pomona Fairplex is a legendary event in the hot rod world. This year’s show, marking its 58th anniversary, celebrated roadsters, hot rods, and customs, plus it included a swap meet and many vendors.
On Friday, June 14th, and Saturday, June 15th, the Fairplex in Pomona, California, was filled with excitement as hot rodders gathered to showcase their prized possessions and hunt for rare finds in the swap meet area. The event has become a Father’s Day tradition for many, offering a unique and memorable way to spend the weekend.
Some 300-plus roadsters were on hand both Friday and Saturday and always presented a great spectacle for hot rodders and viewing public alike.In addition to the main attraction, the Specialty Parking area featured 300 to 400 cars from 1974 and older, including pickups, classics, hot rods, kustoms, and other special-interest vehicles. This area provides a massive car show within the more significant event, allowing attendees to admire various unique and rare rides.
The swap meet area is a treasure trove of rare parts, accessories, and memorabilia for hot rod enthusiasts. With over 800 swaps and dozens of manufacturers set up along vendor row, attendees can spend hours browsing through the offerings, searching for that elusive piece to complete their restoration project or customization.
Those who arrive in town early can also take advantage of open houses at renowned shops like SO-CAL Speed Shop or Stoker’s Hot Rod Factory, adding to the overall experience of the weekend. With the perfect roadster weather, the weekend was memorable and enjoyable for all those who attended.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, the L.A. Roadsters Father’s Day Swap Meet & Show is an event that should be on every car enthusiast’s bucket list. Don’t miss the opportunity to join this legendary gathering of classic cars, hot rods, and custom rides.
The vendor area offered several dozen manufacturers who showcased their hot rod wares. Always a favorite is the Brookville Roadster booth. This year, we noted several dozen roadster and coupe bodies were picked up and taken home to begin new projects.
It’s not like we all haven’t seen the Lil’ John Buttera “white” roadster before, but since it’s my favorite it gets preferential treatment. Many thanks to Karpo Murkijanian, the current owner and, more importantly, caretaker of this iconic roadster.
Yes, it is a roadster show, but the Specialty Parking allows for all sorts of very cool hot rods, such as this 1967 Camaro, complete with a “could it be a big-block Chevy?”
Sid Chavers was on hand for those wishing to get “up close and personal” with his famous Bop Top. His booth was also a great meeting place for rodders to swap stories.
The custom chop-top Merc has a full complement of Classic Instruments, a Vintage Air A/C system, and a tilt steering column.
Another 1967 Chevy is this Chevelle with big-block badging, but we found an LS beneath the hood.
Should you like customs, we found this very kool-looking 1956 Olds 88 with chrome wheels and wide whites resting comfortably outside the Longboard … a great spot to get food and drink on a warm afternoon.
Model A (1930-1931) roadster resting on A framerails is powered by a small-block Chevy and a stock dash outfitted with Classic Instruments gauges. Steelies have 5.50-16 rubber in front and in back a pair of 7.00-16 Firestone Deluxe Champion rubber directly from Coker.
Jim “Mouse” Richey brought out his flat black 1950 Ford custom, complete with a 3-1/2-inch top chop and neatly shaved. A small-block Chevy powers it with a TH350 and Ford 8-inch rear spinning 3.55 gears.
We like this New Design GMC 1948-1955 First Series pickup, which is neatly done and resting on its air suspension.
If you like your V-8 big and with blowers, how about this 1955 Chevy Gasser complete with a roots-style Mooneyham blower resting on a big-block Chevy?
The always-popular 1932 Ford three-window coupe is a “hot-rod red” color with BFGoodrich P235/75R15 rear rubber and front rubber measuring 145SR15.
Another member of the Bengochea family is Pachi, a Fuelers member, who was present with his 1929 Ford highboy roadster, complete with bomber-style bench seating, a very large-diameter 8-grand tach, and 160-mph speedo. Oh yes, three pedals!
All hot rodders like Chevy El Caminos. This 1965 has a 327 with fuelie heads, four-speed, 12-bolt rearend, power steering, and brakes. We also like the chrome five-spokes.
Don Smith of Claremont, CA, was on hand with his 1930 Ford highboy roadster, complete with a four-cylinder equipped with a Miller Hi-Speed head. Roadster is in the Cam Twirlers of Pomona Valley.
Dave Bengochea’s 1932 Ford highboy roadster bears the club plaque–Fuelers … Winnemucca, NV.
Another 1931 Ford is this black roadster pickup with a louvered hood resting over the big-block Chevy. Johnny Mac of Paramount, CA, mounted a pair of 31×12.50R16LT Hoosiers and a pair of P195/70R14 Toyos to give it that great hot rod stance and look.
Gary Boler of Costa Mesa was on hand with his Deuce highboy, which packs plenty of punch with the Hilborn-injected and Danekas-blown Chrysler Hemi.
A favorite is the 1961 Buick LeSabre, which has its original motor and trans, including power steering and brakes, and a Ford 9-inch, already positioned. It was for sale, making a great starting point for any hot rodder.