2014 Temecula Rod Run - Part I

Early in March each year, hot rods and  classic cars alike descend upon Old Town Temecula, adding to the charm of this friendly town.  The Temecula Rod Run had another successful year, and we'll be bringing you highlights from the show all week long!Main and side streets alike were packed with car-crazy show goers, who enjoyed quite a bit of sun in addition to the automotive eye candy.Early on, we spotted this '54 numbers matching Corvette, one of only 300 Pennant Blue Corvettes made that year.All-steel rods are high up on our love list, and this one didn't disappoint!The perfect license plate for this rod, no?We found the intake on this Rambler quite amusing...... and the license plate on this one was quite a good fit too!Rat rods were trending at this year's show, and we liked the spiderweb grille detail and seat choice on this one.In one of the side parking lots of the show, we said hello to one of the finest '65 Falcon convertibles we've ever seen!Get a load of the details on this '63 Nova, owned by David Fernandez.  The construction done on this race-ready rod is superb, from engine compartment to roll cage.David even had a book of photos showing the build phases of his Nova.This Dodge Woodie had to be one of our very favorite classics of the show.  From the split hood, to the fine woodwork and kitschy pillows, we loved it all!Sebastian Schmit is the proud owner of this '67 VW ragtop, which he restored back to life several years ago after the car had been garaged for 20+ years.If only this car could talk.  See the license plate?  The text "RAG ROLD" and the condition of the plate itself give us a clue to this car's story...... that's right, this car has rolled!  Rather than be ashamed of its dents, scrapes, and dings, this little VW wears them as if they were badges of honor, as if to say "I have LIVED!"Not often seen at car shows, this Dodge Dart Swinger had a charm all its own!Dropin' it low, this Mercury Monterey had more than just a sleek stance and cool curves to its credit - check out the intakes, artfully placed in the hood...Okay, we're cheating a bit here.  We found and photographed this same Olds 88 at last year's show, but we just couldn't resist snapping pix of it again - it's just so darned photogenic!Talk about a gift from the heart!  This Ford Fairlane was a gift from Larry to his beloved Bebe.  Does Larry know how to give the perfect gift, or what?  This two-toned Fairlane was superb!A flat black Lincoln Continental with the coveted suicide doors AND a 32 valve V8?  Yes, please!The extra-sharp fins on this '62 Cadillac Coupe de Ville, owned by Remi Tristan, were DIVINE!Part I finishes with this sleek Studebaker, the inside of which was just as impressive as the outside.  Notice the bullet-nosed detail in the center of the steering wheel?  Design genius!You know we have more cool cars coming your way - stay tuned for more this week!