Something old, something new, something turbo? TJ Akins was blending the traditional style of a ’36 Ford with air controlled suspension technology and LS engine power. Not only did the coupe retain the electronic fuel injection of the LS, but a little extra kick was added thanks to a rear mount turbo system.

Boerne Stage of Center Point, Texas, simply listed his pickup as a Show Rod. From the looks of the header heat, the truck sees some driving time to boot.

A 1953 Packard Clipper with a straight-8 Thunderbolt? You gotta love the different stuff that shows up in Austin. Joel Brahain made the drive from Lubbock, Texas.

Some people paint flames, others sculpt flames. Mark Basaldua falls into the latter category and cut flames from metal and fit them into the fenders of his ’49 Pontiac to complete a 3D feel.

Jealousy oozed from our pores when we spotted Elmo Howe’s ’60 drop top Sunliner. The body lines combine curves with fins and contrasting the red interior called to us to drop right in and hang out (though we resisted).

About an hour and a half west of Austin, you’ll come through Fredericksburg. This is a quaint little town with German bakeries, breweries, bed and breakfasts and one incredible custom ’30 Ford. We’d like to see Doug Reeves cruise through his town in this eye candy green coupe with the Nailhead singing sweetly.

Neal Dezcotti of Texas City, brought out this incredible ’54 Ford. Imagine driving down the two lane Texas hill country sitting in that cloud?

We were completely digging this smooth satin ’55 when we spotted it from a distance and it just got better the closer we got to it. The stance, the chrome reversed wheels, the custom bumpers and tail light lenses, topped off by an interior from mid ‘60s era Impala complete with the console and stick to boot! Then we noticed it was owned by George Poteet. Not a surprise as we seem to like every one of his cars.

Not too far away, the ’54 Chevy of Houston based AJ Jones stopped us in our tracks. AJ nailed the stance with the wide whites combined with subtle touches throughout for a perfect execution.

We were happy to see the shop truck from Bruce’s Rod Shop at the show though we didn’t get to say hi. These guys helped us out in the hotel parking lot six years ago when the intermediate bearing on the driveshaft of our ’62 Biscayne gave up the ghost. We still owe Bruce for a ride to the parts store.

The ’50 Nash of Ron Roberts had a great look with the satin black and red combo. The interior, wheels and even the grille followed through on the scheme.

We’re not sure how long the Continental Club has been around, but the wall behind the bar has plenty of stories that should be – but probably never will be – told. The Continental Club serves as ground zero of the Round Up and provides great music all weekend long.

You don’t see many ’63 Buicks that are as clean as Ron Nordquist’s Wildcat. The Woodlands, Texas resident also belongs to the Houston Buick Club, so we’re sure he knows of a few more classics floating around. The 401 was rated at 325hp in the Wildcat which was actually its own model that year (instead of part of the Invicta options).

Brian and Vicky Perrenot recreated their family’s Competition Coupe and Sedan dragster that Brian, his brother Travis, and their Dad, Fred, built and raced in 1961 and 1962. The new Gizzle Hopper is built around a 430 Lincoln that mirrors the original with parts like an Isky 505C roller cam, Schiefer clutch set up, Joe Hunt mag, Hilbourn 4-port injectors, and a Weiand 671 huffer.

Here’s a guy that was doing exactly what the Round Up was created for – having fun with your car. Or, in the case of Jerry Tyler, his truck. A big ’55 Ford truck. Jerry was at the show all day then was making laps on Congress with his bakers truck in tow. Tow on Jerry!

This black ’57 Ford Ranch Wagon came from Pflugerville, Texas, with James Fletschman behind the wheel. Though it wasn’t a long haul for James, the 2-door wagon was built to drive with the addition of a factory EFI’d 5.0L providing the power.

No one said your car had to be a custom, rod or have rust at the Lone Star. Mike Jone’s ’58 Bel Air was a knock-out with its restored appearance. Looks like he added some parts such as an aluminum radiator and AC to combat the Texas heat along with an alternator and power brakes to make the ’58 a better and more fun cruiser! Nice to see the 348 too.

Hoist up the front end, ditch the bumper and hub caps and just like that, Will Guidry had his ’57 210 post ready to hit the strip.

La Carrera Panamericana here we come! Stan Dufek has his ’53 Ford ready to take on the 1900 miles of grueling desert roads that once made up the race that ran from 1950 – 1954. We didn’t see Stan around to ask if he’ll take it to the rally that runs in October 2012. (By the way, Fulwiler Ford was a big Ford dealer in El Paso, located on Texas Street of course.)

Satin, shaved and stripes are the way Merc’s were meant to be and Casey Staples got his ’50 just right.

There’s nothing humble about this ’55 from Humble, Texas. Straight axle with a cross ram feeding a small block. The fender well headers were easy to access if Ronald Morrison was ready to cruise Congress uncorked.

We didn’t find Radell Taylor Jr to ask, but kind of figure he has a thick clear coat on this ’48 Fleetline, especially since he lives in Houston where the air seeps with humidity.

D-100 Dodge from 1961 was on the road again thanks to Charles Hawk.

Rich and Malana Cordova made the haul from Colorado Springs with their low and very green Cadillac. The ’60 had a list of custom touches inside and out.