Taking a Different Look

This weekend, I had the pleasure of attending one of the few auto shows left this year. As a proud owner of two collector cars, I genuinely appreciate the passion and heartache that come with ownership. These shows resonate with me not only as a car collector but also as a photographer. There’s something exhilarating yet challenging about capturing the essence of an auto show. You really have to adapt to the environment; the layout of the cars, the crowd, the unique signage, and the backgrounds all influence the shots you can take. I’ve learned to embrace tight cropping and to experiment with low and high angles. And when an entire car doesn’t tell a compelling story, I focus on capturing details that spark interest.

It made this visit even more rewarding having my fourteen-year-old grandson by my side. Being a part of the video game and smartphone generation, he views the world through a different lens—literally and figuratively! He’s an amazing kid and his fresh perspective brought a new energy to our outing. I let him take the reins as we meandered through the show, and he had a ton of insightful questions about the older cars. To him, they all seemed ancient—even our 1992 Fox Body Mustang that we drove there!

Following his curiosity led us to cars I might have otherwise overlooked. We stumbled upon a fascinating 1912 electric car with a tiller steering and then to the awe-inspiring "Hillbilly Caddie" that caught his eye. He was fascinated by this quirky Caddie’s stance, with its custom duelly rear wheels and a huge diesel stack sticking out of the fender. I could imagine the Cadillac dealer shaking their head at the modifications, but my grandson was all in. His excitement for those unconventional features opened my eyes to their charm—elements I might have dismissed as odd in the past.

Now, for those who might not know, this Caddie falls into what’s known as the rat rod category. In simple terms, a rat rod is a highly personalized car that prioritizes functionality over flashy looks. It reflects the creativity and thriftiness of its builder, often pieced together from parts spanning several decades of automotive history. Think of them as the creative rebels amid a sea of polished show cars—bringing a sense of fun and individuality to their owners and the spectators alike.

It’s easy to see why my grandson was drawn to this kind of vehicle. It feels like a creation straight from the imagination of a teen—bold, expressive, and utterly unique. Rat rods push back against conventional norms, representing a kind of freedom that resonates not just with teenagers, but with anyone holding on to their youthful spirit.

In all, it was an eye-opening experience for both of us—a wonderful day filled with connection, curiosity, and good old-fashioned admiration for the art of the automobile. I can’t wait for our next adventure and to see what other hidden gems we might uncover together!

If you wish to see other photos taken at this show go to

https://www.flickr.com/photos/minolta102/