Vintage rock music and the rumble and roar of amazing machines filled the air on the Colorado River as the 22nd annual Roddin’ on the River car show rolled into Laughlin, NV. Hundreds of spectacular entries were on hand to entertain and inspire thousands of spectators over the three day event. As is their custom, the River Cruizers Car Club of Bullhead City, AZ again came to Laughlin’s Riverside Hotel and Casino to present this charity event that has become a tradition in the community.

Creamsicle Cruiser

Bill Yoakum’s 1951 Ford Victoria is obviously a sweet ride. For starters, his boulevard confection is coated with an Orange and White exterior color scheme reminiscent of a favorite treat we used to get from the neighborhood ice cream truck.

But the flavor goes much deeper than that. Comfort, style and performance can be found throughout this exceptional cruiser. A remote entry system gives you access to the elegantly appointed beige and gray interior which has been redesigned to provide all the modern amenaties. Fortunately, all of the updated comfort and climate adjusting mechanisms are mounted below the stock dash. so the Ford’s dashboard retains its original integrity.

A potent Ford 351 Windsor motor, automatic trans with overdrive and a beefy Ford 9-inch rear end with 3:56 gears propels this fabulous chariot smartly down the road. Power disc brakes, power steering and upgraded suspension pieces ensures that sweetheart doesn’t go where it is not pointed.

The customized Ford ‘fat man’ front clip along with vintage spinner hubcaps on wide white walls harken back to the early cruiser days of hot rodding. To add to that look, all body seams are filled and the front and rear bumpers are molded into the body panels. Front directional lights are recessed into the fenders and the taillights are frenched.

If you’re looking for a turnkey nostalgia cruiser, this may be the car for you. It is for sale for $34,900.

Stude-rolet or Chevy-baker? 

The front license plate of this 1922 Studebaker wants to make sure that you do not confuse this car with a Ford! John and Donna Smith of Garden Grove, CA brought out their gorgeous and rare four-door hot rod that keeps all of its original Studebaker emblems. 

Vintage looking wooden dashboard and steering wheel highlight the interior while the Studebaker “trunk” hangs off of the rear. This unique ride is powered by a blown small block Chevy engine so it does have something in common with most Ford hot rods.

Mopar Thru and Thru 

Mopar fans were goggle-eyed at the sight of the Mango Orange 1948 Plymouth Coupe owned by Philip Georghiou of Glendale, AZ. Not only was it stunning in its appearance and presentation but it also houses a Mopar big block under the bonnet. A cause for celebration for the Pentastar devotees to be sure.

The Plymouth’s bodywork is meticulously done with all the body seems filled and all the gaps perfected. Front and rear bumpers have been shaved as have almost all exterior chrome pieces. Only the glistening trim rings on the head and taillights and the exhaust tips remain.

The interior is a marvelous combination of old and new featuring vintage style speedometer gauges set within the custom dash. The interior color scheme is a comfortable mixture of browns and beiges that are elegant and posh.

Tradition and Innovation: The Hot Rod Legacy

The 1930 Ford owned by Ron and Judy Bruins of Lake Havasu City, AZ is an unusual combination. This traditional looking rod is powered by a Chevy 409 which is not a common sight. Taking this a step further, the big “W” motor is fed by a homemade, dual-quad manifold which looks like it might be somewhat more at home on a Corvair!

Upon further inspection, the set-up is rather ingenious. Note the skull adorned bowtie emblem mounted on the linkage pivot. When the foot is buried in the throttle, the skull faces the driver. We wonder if thats a warning to the pilot or to egg him on?

High Living Meets High Performance

David Sierra’s 1948 Olds 4-door sedan is the very definition of plush in this or any era. The understated but elegant Black Cherry exterior color looks to be a foot deep and contrasts spectacularly with the glorious chrome that has been brilliantly preserved. If you take a closer look though, the odd chip and road ding can be found. That’s because this magnificently done machine is actually driven often!

The interior is a well done mix of old and new with modern creature comforts and electronics added to the incredibly opulent design cues of the late 40’s. It’s a treat to see the original door and window winder handles being retained. It looks fantastic with the original chrome trim and vintage knobs on the dash. Acres of passenger room are de rigueur inside an automobile of this strata. Unless you’re an NBA Power Forward, there’s hardly any need to bend your legs while sitting in the rear seat. Rich velour upholstery covers comfy front and rear bench seats that have been upgraded to gently caress 21st century posteriors.

Lest we forget, this Olds is not an original restoration; hot rodding is at the very core of its existence. Serious horsepower is delivered by an Olds 455 through a Turbo 400 trans. Of course upgrading the systems that keep it under control is also a smart idea.  Suspension modifications and 4-wheel disc brakes have also been added for that extra modicum of performance, safety and reliability.

Philanthropy through the Hot Rod!

22 years worth of mixing automotive passion with community service has enabled the River Cruizers to assist the charities in the river communities to the tune of nearly half a million bucks! That’s an amazing accomplishment especially when you consider the amount of work that goes into staging just one of these big shows. You have to admire and appreciate the dedication that this group of hot rod, custom, and muscle car enthusiasts has for their sport and their neighbors.

There are lots more photos in Rod Authority’s exclusive gallery below so check them out!