Twenty-two years of hosting a one day hot rod and custom car show that shows no sign of slowing down is definitely something to brag about. Furthermore, a show that attracts spectators from all over the world, invites some of the most iconic show cars, race cars, motorcycles and their builders, as well as international automotive journalists is truly a prestigious and must-attend event. Such a gathering brought Rod Authority half way around the world to Yokohama, Japan.

Mooneyes began organizing the show so that it could give its customers an opportunity to showcase their cool hot rods and customs, but once the Mooneyes crew began inviting some of the U.S.A.’s most influential builders and their one-off creations it opened up the flood gates for enthusiasts to check out unique builds from both east and west.

Besides the great vehicles that are on display the welcoming hospitality and kindness that the Japanese offer guests make this show truly special. Mr. Shige Suganuma, the owner of Mooneyes, is a gracious host. He walks the show from beginning to end making sure to personally greet and thank everyone and to ensure that things are rolling smoothly.

Rod Authority arrived at the Pacific Auditorium in Yokohama on Saturday morning so we could check in and snap shots of the cars before the big crowds filled up the building day-of.

Later that evening, after all the cars were setup, the Mooneyes crew hosted their famous “Little Get Together” party that included burgers from the famous Moon Cafe and live music.

Sunday morning came quick and we were excited to head over to the show. Making our way around, some of the finest hot rods and customs that Japan has to offer were on display. Every isle showcased amazing cars and trucks. Japan has a very immense and diverse car culture. The Yokohama show is definitely evidence of that.

Mooneyes Rolls Out The Red Carpet 

Every year the show has a theme and this year’s was, “Mild and Wild Customs of the 60s.” Mr. Suganuma wanted to provide a couple fine examples of 1960s styled customs so he invited Edgar Hernandez and Jack Fields of Starlite Rod and Kustom from Torrance, California. He requested that they bring their two famous cars–Jack’s ‘60 Ford Starliner aka “Agent Orange” and Starlite fabricator, Erik Hernandez’s ‘60 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88 dubbed “Electric Lemonade.” Edgar, Jack, and Erik are members of The Autoholics Car Club.

The Mooneyes crew set up a facade at the show resembling the Starlite shop and it was in front of this display that the Starlite crew exhibited their beautiful rides. Another crew member of Starlite that made it out was Malex, Starlite’s very own pinstriping extraordinaire. Rod Authority got to witness Malex laying down lines on a few cars during the event.

Fans of salt racers had the opportunity to check out a car that had seen many fast-paced miles on the Bonneville Salts Flats. Another special guest was the crew from Old Crow Speed Shop from Burbank, California. They brought their P-38 Belly-tank racer for spectators to check out.

The Locals Were Ready To Impress The Out-Of-Town Guests

Japanese customizers are no strangers to 1960s car kulture. It was obvious from the presence of many of their own fine builds. A couple of examples were the beautiful cars from The Strongers Car Club of Three Rivers, Japan.

They boast a lineup of some of the best looking kustoms in Japan including an eye catching ‘59 Chevy Nomad named “Pontiki” that features a deep emerald paint job, light green scallops, and a clean interior.

A few of the clubs other highlights consisted of a pearl white ‘47 Chevy named “Sleeper”, a mild custom ‘54 Merc named “Amethystar” with a candy purple and flaked roof, a sexy ‘62 Pontiac Gran Prix named “Grand Blue” that rolled in on wire wheels and pinstriped white walls, and finally a custom candy purple chassis that sat on Supremes. The chassis was a preview of a ‘61 Ford Starliner that The Strongers referred to as, “Next Project.”

The Strongers display featured a total of 8 1/2 beautiful cars. In addition to all the cool kustoms, there were also enough hot rods, street rods, muscle, and race cars to send you into sensory overload. 

Something For The Younger Generation

This year Mooneyes joined forces with Hot Wheels. Besides the display of their cool die-cast cars, Hot Wheels also assembled a large speedway track were all the little racers had the opportunity to compete against their buddies. There was also a large model car display.

Japanese model builders are very detail oriented and it definitely showed from the quality of the small scale race car and kustom replicas that were exhibited. The custom pedal bike display kept the older kids involved as well. Who are we kidding–we know that cool cars in any scale will attract gear heads of any age.

Besides The Cool Cars And Motorcycles

Associated with any great show is an awesome vendor lot. There were some really unique items for sale such as custom painted helmets and Japanese beckoning cats otherwise known as Maneki-neko.

There were also Japanese artists selling prints of their kustom kulture inspired art work. Of course, no Mooneyes event is complete without a booth dedicated to selling event shirts and Mooneyes gear.

Moving along, there were several other clothing lines present. Lifestyle collective, The Local Hero, was selling their new line of clothing, Klassic Society. The collective was also promoting their new book, “Life is Real 2”.

There were so many cool things but we didn’t have enough room in our suit cases. Deadend Magazine from Salinas, California also made it out and where hard at work slinging their gear to the locals.

Unfortunately, the show had to end but we still had a few days to play tourist around Japan. Rod Authority spent the rest of the week doing shop tours and hitting cruise nights, but we’ll share that with you in an upcoming feature.

After boarding a plane in Japan and flying for 11 hours, Rod Authority landed in Los Angeles Saturday, December 7^th with plenty of time to head over to Irwindale to attend the Mooneye’s Xmas Party.

Unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn’t too kind that morning and it rained for a bit. Once it cleared up we were able to snap photos of some cool rides that braved through the weather. Two car shows in two separate countries–definitely a great way to end a perfect week.

Check out Rod Authority’s exclusive gallery of the 22nd Mooneyes Hot Rod Custom Show below!