Said to be one of the largest vintage car events across the globe, the National Street Rod Association invaded the Kentucky Expo Center in Louisville, Kentucky to hold the 45^th Street Rod Nationals from July 31^st through August 3^rd. This trek to The Bluegrass State marks the twentieth time the NSRA has held this event in Louisville.

Having grown considerably since the event began in the early 70s, an expected crowd of 70,000 plus visitors were anticipated to pass through the gates of the immense complex to witness this impressive collection of automobiles.

The Street Rod Nationals has been held in several different states since its origin, but Lousiville stands out with a consistently high turnout of guests. Throughout the 45 year span of the NSRA Street Rod Nationals, Lousiville, Kentucky has set records for attendance in 1988 and 1994.

Approximately 600 vehicles were in attendance during the first Street Rod Nationals that were held in Illinois, and today anywhere from 10,000 to 15,000 cars are predicted to travel from across the country and Canada to pack into the Kentucky Expo Center.

And pack in they did–for as far as the eye could see, an ocean of metal and chrome spanned in every direction. Musclecars, classics, rat rods, street rods, customs, and other rolling canvases of artwork were literally everywhere. Tents dotted the landscape and the familiar smells of afternoon barbecue filled the air, as families and onlookers of all ages milled around with wide-eyed faces at the sensory overload. Everywhere, someone was pointing at a new ride that had caught their eye and the comments of adoration filled the air–it was practically a chorus of cheer, inspiration, and wonderment.

Without witnessing the event in person, it is almost impossible to impress the sheer size of the Street Rod Nationals. The Kentucky Exposition Center is one of the largest facilities of its kind in the United States. It offers 1.2 million square feet of indoor space and 190,000 parking places–enough land to put on a car show that would challenge the most apt attendee to cover the entire show. And for this event, all areas of the complex are dedicated to horsepower, automotive history, vendor booths, activities, and so much more. This enormous event offers something for everyone: live entertainment, Women’s World, automotive seminars, and the list goes on and on. Then there’s the highlight of the event itself–you can’t forget the 10,000 plus cool rides packed into every crevice inside and out.

We chatted with Lisa Miller, Kentucky native, for a few minutes on her first experience at the Street Rod Nationals. “This was the first time I’ve attended, but my husband Bobby has been several times. I sincerely hope I get to go back! As I’ve said to nearly everyone I’ve discussed the event with, I was totally blown away by the sheer number of cars there. There are awesome hot rods as far as the eye could see! The constant parade of vehicles cruising the grounds was a treat, especially since, even after nearly nine hours of walking, we still didn’t make it around to see everything.

I also liked the fact that some considerate soul thought to set up Women’s World for the ladies. I, myself, am a tomboy, so all the jewelry and purses fell off my radar, but I did have a custom stainless steel ring made, tool and die stamped right in front of me, by a talented, local gentleman. Aside from the cars themselves, the swap meet was my favorite happening. Much like a flea market, there was a ton of antique/unique items to dig through. It’s treasure hunting at its finest.” For future first timers, Lisa passes along a little advice, “My advise to potential attendees: get there as early as possible, before the heat sets in, wear extremely comfortable shoes, and don’t forget your camera!”

Stan Durbin, from Georgetown, Kentucky has been attending the Street Rod Nationals for several years with his club: The Rod Kings. “I have been attending the NSRA Street Rod Nationals since 1998. A lot has changed over the years, but it is still one of the best street rod events in the nation. It is a time to catch up with old friends and check out the new trends in the rodding world. My club the Rod Kings has been in the same spot since 2005 and we always host a meet & greet for members of the Jalopy Journal online forum aka, the HAMB.”

The Rod Kings had a host of awesome rides with them as well. Durbin shares, “This year, our club had a ’41 Ford pickup which we used to haul tents and tables, a 1930 Model A sedan , a 1930 Ford Model A coupe , a 1936 Ford sedan , a 1951 GMC pickup, a 1957 150 sedan, a 1941 Plymouth coupe, and a 1937 Ford truck.”

When you’ve walked ’til you can’t walk anymore, pull up a lawn chair, or simply pop-a-squat on a curb and watch a parade of past decades of automotive history roll by. Were it not for the modern architecture in the horizon it would be quite easy to be transported to days gone by as the voices of musical icons echo through the grounds from the loudspeakers, and creamy colors and gleaming chrome glisten under the sun from every direction.

Classic Instruments Pro’s Pick Winners

Several awards are given out during the event, and we have the lowdown on the “Pro’s Pick” winners. Sponsored by Classic Instruments of Michigan, these are elite, sought after awards and are presented at each NSRA event held across the country. We offer our congratulations to the following winners of the “Pro’s Pick”:

• Dion Willcox – Australia – Black 1932 Ford Roadster
• Kevin Suarda – Ohio – Blue Willys Coupe
• Chad Adams – Georgia – Grey 1932 Ford Roadster
• Sheri & Steve Tracy – Tennessee – Yellow 1955 Chevrolet Wagon
• Jack Sheppard – Georgia – Silver 1962 Corvette
• Ron & Deb Goodwin – Tennessee – Blue 1932 Ford Roadster
• Don Nickleson – Tennessee – Orange 1969 Pontiac GTO Judge
• Mike Johnston – New York – Black 1935 Ford Coupe
• Mitch Bock – Kansas – Grey 1957 Chevrolet 210

Spectators, Exhibitors, And Vendors Alike–More Than One Way To Enjoy The Show

There are several different ways to enjoy the view of the 45th Street Rod Nationals: a casual spectator, an exhibitor, or a vendor, just to name a few. Luke Coomer enjoyed the scenery of the car show as a member of the Somernites Cruise booth amongst all the other hundreds of vendors that showed out.

Coomer shared, “That was the first National Street Rod Association show that I had ever attended, and I thought I was in car heaven! When I had free time to roam, I was blown away at the masses of restoration parts and go-fast goodies to be found in the vendor area.  Don’t tell my wife, but I wish I had a no limit credit card.”  No worries Luke, mums the word!

One mans’ trash is another mans’ treasure, so before calling it a day, be sure to take a stroll through the swap meet. From lug nuts to spittoons, from steering wheels to horse saddles, there are ‘barn fresh’ finds and other trinkets to mill through. Something can be found for any member of the family, or you can even haul home the beginning of your own street rod from the multitude of rolling chassis’s to be found amongst the swap meet goods. The swap meet stands as one of the best sources for milling through piles of parts that can be used towards your next project. You get to chat with the seller, learn more about the part in question by getting an up close view, and most important you get a hands-on idea of what it is you’re trying to buy–something that the internet listing cannot provide.

If you missed out on the 2014 Street Rod Nationals, don’t fret! The dates for 2015 are set, and in order to take it all in, we strongly advise planning on browsing for more than one day. If you have a ride of your own that you want to show off, early registration is already available as well.

Witness this spectacular event for yourself and plan on a hiatus to cardinal country in the heart of Kentucky during August 6^th through the 9^th, 2015. Early registration forms and membership forms can be found on the National Street Rod Associations website. If you don’t feel like waiting, you can catch the next NSRA event, which is just around the corner. From September 12^th through the 14^th, The Street Rod Nationals North Plus will take place at Kalamazoo County Fairgrounds in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Be sure to check out the huge gallery below to see some of the awesome cars that graced the grounds at the 45^th Street Rod Nationals! To stay up to date with the NSRA’s annual show circuit don’t forget to check out and bookmark their homepage for all the latest info, registration forms, and everything else you need to plan your next Street Rod Nats vacation with the friends and family.