On the weekend of January 25, 26, and 27, the Cincinnati Convention Center held the 42nd annual Koi Auto Parts “Cavalcade of Customs” car show. Brilliant chrome and exquisite paint were not spared on the show floor. The lights of the Convention Center reflected off shades of chrome yellow, Rangoon red, bright orange, and, of course, hot-rod flat black, to name a few. The quality of the automobiles was first-rate, and the “Cavalcade of Customs” would have it no other way.
Prior to the show, owners who wish to enter their car in the show first have to submit quality pictures along with information about the automobile. The show committee then reviews the photos and if deemed satisfactory, the car then has to meet all quality requirements before it is allowed into the show. If a car does not meet the standards, it, along with its owners, will be asked to return home. Needless to say, there are no jalopies at the “Cavalcade of Customs.”
The variety of cars was endless. The Cincy Street Rod club proudly displayed their many cars, such as one of my favorites, a 1948 Ford convertible as well as several 1930s hot-rod Fords.
There were exquisite Ford mustangs on the floor, a beautiful red 1965 convertible, a wild blue modified fastback, a stunning black 1980s Saleen Mustang, and a tastefully modified 1986 Mustang hatchback that the owner named “Orange Crush,” due to its bright orange finish and orange details throughout the engine compartment and interior, not to mention the undercarriage.
There were a few low-mileage original cars, such as a 1980s Chevrolet Camaro with only 16,000 original miles, a row of finely restored Pontiac GTO’s, and the selection of Mopars was definitely scarce, but a couple Dodge Chargers could be admired.
Modified sport-import cars seemed to be the automobile of choice this year at the Convention Center. No expenses were spared on these cars. Wild paint and custom interiors along with big diameter chrome and painted rims make these cars very popular among young people. Lots of attention goes into the little motors of these cars with modifications such as bigger intakes, turbo-chargers, and healthy shots of nitrous oxide. A green Mitsubishi Eclipse seen in the recent film “The Fast and the Furious” was the featured car at the show this year and attracted much attention among enthusiasts and spectators alike.
The show lay out was wonderful and all of the automobiles were exceptionally nice and well done, making this year’s “Cavalcade of Customs” another great success.