24th Annual New Years Day Garage Tour Jan. 01/09
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24th Annual New Years Day Garage Tour
Jan 1, ‘09
Story and Photos by: Roger Rohrdanz
For 24 years Larry Wood, the Hotwheels guru, has taken his friends on a tour of his favorite garages. This year the “Garage Tour” stopped at 11 garages. Hot Rods & Hobbies, Elwood’s garage, Richards Hot Rod Shop, So-Cal Speed Shop L.A., Glen’s Garage are in Long Beach. Carroll Shelby’s garage and Scott Tuppers “Unreal” Drive-in and Tucker’s are in Carson. Moto Art, McCluskey’s and Sun International are in Torrance.
Elwood’s has some very cool Hotwheels “stuff”. Richards Hot Rod Shop is a working garage full of lots of cool “works in progress”. Glen’s Garage had vintage cars and parts presented in a museum quality setting. Carroll Shelby’s private garage was modest, but his engine shop was exciting. The next garage was Tupper’s “Unreal Drive-In”. As we entered the garage it was dark inside, on the far wall a movie was playing and 38 hot rods and special vehicles are facing the screen. It takes a minute to realize we’re in a drive-in movie with a concession stand in the back serving popcorn and goodies. A video game room is in a house by itself. This is a special place to house a collection of cars. Then we headed to Tuckers Garage. Oh my gosh! I have never seen so many porcelain and neon signs. Before Kenny passed away, he amassed an amazing collection of gas station equipment, unique vehicles and old race cars housed in 3 garages in his backyard!! I don’t know how to explain Moto Art, it’s “art made from aviation history”.
Thanks to these garage owners for opening up for us on New Years Day!!