Just about anyone can put together a car show; just throw a few flyers in car windows and tell people where to be. You are bound to have a couple cars show up. However, it takes a whole lot more than that to create an extravaganza that everyone from around the country hears about and is willing to cruise cross-country to attend.

Just ask John Wells and he will tell you it’s no walk in the park to organize a massive show. You may have heard that name before in the custom scene. For a couple of years he has been one of the key people in the success of the Torque Fest show in Iowa. Now he has his hands on a new show that cannot be described in just one word. The Iron Invasion was a complete celebration of all things that could be brought together with a traditional car show.

After the Hunnert Car Pile came to a successful end last year, John told us he had hoards of people and car clubs asking if he could find a way to bring the same type of show back into the Chicagoland area. He went to work getting insight from others and most of all he talked to the Chrome Czars who ran the Pile Up to find out if they would not only be ok with him creating a show similar to theirs, but also if they would support it. The answer was an overwhelming “Absolutely”.

And so it happened early in October that we made our way north to what felt like the frozen tundra of Woodstock, Illinois for the first ever Iron Invasion. Being from the Mid-South we weren’t quite expecting to get up there on the coldest day they have had this year so far. We thought there was no way this would be a packed out show with the expected 44 degrees and 15 mph winds cutting through us.

We couldn’t have been more wrong! When we showed up at the McHenry County Fairgrounds in Woodstock around 9am the show area was already packed full of cool customs and traditional hot rods. The spectator lot was quickly filling up and people were coming in from all directions. We could already hear the sounds of rockabilly music playing in the grandstand, that’s right, it’s going to be a good day.

Once we were able to catch up with John we had to ask how he was able to pull something like this together on the first year. John told us, “The clubs were the ones that made this happen.” He went on to tell us that he was amazed at the support and help the car clubs in the area gave him. Clubs such as the Tin Butchers who ran the swap meet as well as the Chrome Czars who inspected vehicles to be sure they were period correct.

“Mitch Huffington and the Tin Militia spent countless hours taking care of many details and had volunteers everywhere behind the scenes,” John said. This isn’t something that can be done alone and it seemed as if Tom was able to excite an army of people to make this such a success.

One thing we noticed was the quality of cars that were covering the fields in the fairgrounds. Even though there were strict restrictions for this pre-’65 show, they didn’t just kick the “newer” guys out and tell them to go home. There was a separate section created just for them, right next to the show. But for the 686 cars that did make it into the traditional show area, you were able to drool over everything from the rusted out sedan sporting open headers and open wheels to slick and low custom chopped sleds.

One thing we always notice about shows like this is you will find the guys who started building hot rods over 60 years ago hanging out with young guys sharing stories and ideas with each other. Andy, from the Five Aces Car Club told us, “This is a great car show even with the cold weather and I will definitely come back next year.” Another guy from the club, Nick said, “I’m just going to stay in my truck right here ’till next year.”

When I asked them why they like coming to the traditional rockabilly shows, Andy told us, “It’s all about history. I don’t know how many older people stop and ask me about my ’59 Edsel and say, ‘I haven’t seen one of those since I was a kid. Nick had a somewhat different take, “I’m just trying to pick up chicks, but I haven’t been too successful lately.” Well at least he’s honest ha ha.

There were separate buildings set aside for the clubs to show off their coolest rides and it was obvious they brought it big time and were ready to show off. It was like taking a step back in time and browsing all of the cars and vintage bikes. One of the specialty cars which drew a lot of talk and attention was the famous work of Art Chrisman – the Chrisman Brother’s Coupe.

John told us his “day job” is working for the Mechum Auto Auctions and as luck has it, Dana and Patti Mechum are the very proud owners of this truly amazing piece of history. John thought it would be cool to be able to have the Chrisman Brothers’ car on display and asked his boss what he might be able to do to get the car to the Iron Invasion. His boss said he had to ask the big guy, Mr. Mechum. As a guy of his stature, Mr. Mechum responded with one word, “Ok.”  And as they say, the rest is history.

If you think you can come to Iron Invasion and sit in your lawn chair and watch the cars pass by, you would have left being very disappointed. John and his crew pulled in hundreds of vendors selling everything from custom paintings to shifter knobs or for the ladies there were bags and dresses and the like. If you felt like you were a little shaggy after the pre-party the night before you could have stopped by Joe’s Barber Shop and have Chuck the Barber fix you up with that tall pomp or if you prefer just trim up the beard.

We talked to Chuck, who was at the mobile barber shop to find out why there was such a buzz about this show. “The scene in the Midwest has really taken off. I’m not sure if it’s because people are kinda recognizing tradition and simpler times or they are just tired of going to concrete lots and only looking at cars. This event is fun, there’s stuff going on all the time,” Chuck shared with us.

If your lady wanted to get all dolled up with her favorite pinup style hairdo, she wasn’t left out. The Hot Rod Honeys had a booth set up to help with some hair and makeup. By the time she was done the cat calls from the hooligans could be heard for miles. Anne, who runs Hot Rod Honeys said, “We are just a group of gals who hang out at the finest traditional shows throughout the Midwest and do other gals hair and makeup in that 30’s to early 60’s pinup-style.” She went on to say, “If we can introduce somebody else to the pinup and teach them the history of it, it makes me feel good sharing the knowledge.”

Back out amongst the 5,000 plus spectators, we noticed a crowd gathering around the fenced in infield and what we found would make some hot rodders skin turn inside out. Anyone that wanted could bring their ride out for some donut spinning and drifting fun in the dirt. It was an exhilarating display of metal and dirt. And besides, cars are meant to be driven and have some fun with after all, right?

To heat things up the Voodoo Kings pulled theirs and a few others cars into the infield to show off how they do their part to help with global warming. About a dozen cars came out and lit up their massive flame throwers to wow the crowd. Some throwing flames over 20-30 feet in the air.

The music that was pulled in to entertain throughout the weekend was second to none. There were guys that have been around since the beginning like Wayne “the Train” Hancock to some of the guys making waves now, like Adam Lee and the Dead Horse Sound Company.

And it wouldn’t be a traditional show without the pinup contest. PeekaBoo Pinups ran the show excellently with Chez Schweikert at the helm commentating and getting the girls across the stage. These girls are definitely hardcore, standing outside in the cold to show off their best pinup style for the crowd.

They showed off their best dress and talents and even though every one of them was sexy and awesome in their own way, only three could win. Miss Modified went to sultry Korin Branum, Miss Vantage was the elegant Crimson Crusher and the top vixen was the incredibly stunning Francesca St. Claire.

One very crucial piece to this show was the proceeds went to an incredible charity called Helping Hannah’s Heart Foundation. You see John has two beautiful daughters who have had heart conditions. They realized that it cost loads of money for parents to stay in hotels and such with their kids in the specialty hospitals. This fund, set up by John’s wife, Kim, helps others who have these astronomical costs to deal with. It’s a heartwarming feeling to know there are still people out there who want to help others in any way they can.

Even though it was cold, we must say this has been an incredible show and there were plenty of attractions that helped us stay warm. The Iron Invasion has left its mark on the hot rod map and we expect to hear many good things from them in the years to come. Make sure to mark you calendars and we’ll see you next year!

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