19th Annual East Coast Indoor Nationals by Shaun Smith

19th ANNUAL EAST COAST INDOOR NATIONALS :
Another Outstanding Collection of Quality Cars

When I first arrived at Cow Palace in Timonium, MD, I realized I was in the classic car hobby’s holiest cathedral. At a time when our economy isn’t the best, but our hobby is the strongest, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But, it only took a few seconds for me to completely forget about the world around me and to focus on America’s pastime.

The East Coast Indoor Nationals does just that. With the presentation of the superbly high-octane quality of American vehicles manufactured before 1973, this show is definitely on the map and off the charts. In fact, it is the largest of it’s kind on the east coast, and possibly the entire nation.

Millions of dollars under one roof. Just shy of 300 vehicles in the show, there was easily millions of dollars worth of classic cars in this one building. “That’s the goal,” stated David Cohen, who organizes and runs the event. “We have had major magazines come in here and say that this is the greatest group of quality cars they have seen!”

Indeed, that is an exciting remark to hear after spending all year long hand-picking these tire squealers. “I was sometimes attending three shows during the same weekend,” Cohen said.
Also on hand were nearly 85 vendors. Leading the pack with sponsorship was Flemings Ultimate Garage, whose lineup of quality cars matches their passion and excitement for this hobby.

Also sponsoring the East Coast Indoor Nationals was Salvo Auto Parts, Auto Spa, Allogram, Inc., Bob Davidson Ford, Auto Round-Up Magazine, Cruising Magazine, and 98 Rock. "Without these sponsors, this show could not happen and the Toys For Tots Campaign wouldn’t exist, so a big hand goes to our sponsors,” Cohen emphasized.

Cars showed up from South Carolina, Connecticut, Ohio and all of the states inbetween! Now, let’s talk about quantity. I met Jerry Brewis from Pasadena, MD who owns 61 cars. The six he brought to the show were immaculate: ‘32 Ford Hi-Boy, 1916 Phaton, 1932 Ford Roadster (Boyd Cottington’s car), 1937 Ford Oze, 1939 Ford, and a 1933 Ford Roadster. “I never sell, I just collect,” Brewis made clear. Brewis has two museums that contain rods, vipers, corvettes, street cars, muscle cars, and trick trucks.

I also had the opportunity to meet R.J. Morgan who owns Backyard Auto Body. R.J. was with at the show helping his pal J.W. Grodt display an awesome 1960 Impala. R.J. did a complete frame-off restoration on the customized Impala. For more information on Backyard Auto Body or how you can get some restoration done on your ride, see their ad on page 35. An absolutely breath-taking 1960 Cadillac Eldorado was displayed at the show. Bob Harrison from Lutherville, MD is the proud owner.

There were also many Chevrolet Impalas, Plymouths, Chevelles, Rat Rods and a couple of rarities including a 1934 Packard and a 1946 Pontiac Streamliner “Woodie” Deluxe Wagon.Also eye-catching at this year’s festivity was the Maryland State Police display, which featured a 1949 Ford truck, a 1968 Ford C8, and an authentically-restored 1971 Ford. Alumni Harold Harbold and Jerry Scarborough owns the collection. Also featured at their display was a history of the MD State Police force that showed pictures of Harleys and Ford cars, an old license plate collection, and a recruiting booth. It was very interesting meeting these guys and also learning that they are dedicated Round-Up Readers!Cohen and his wife, Nancy, are the main promoters of the show and put a lot of time and effort into it--and for good cause: “We love it, the charity combined with the passion of this old car hobby!”

It was the first year the event featured a lineup of motorcycles, which was an added bonus to the 8,000-plus spectators who came through the doors that weekend.

Cohen traveled all up and down the east coast searching the country's best at shows like Myrtle Beach, NSRA York Nationals, Syracuse Nationals, The Lead Sled East, Wheels of Time, the Charlotte Goodguys Show, East Coast Regional Drags, and dozens of others from DE, NJ, PA, VA, and MD.

The Street Cars of Desire, based out of the Baltimore, MD area, hosts this show. For more information on their club, visit http://www.streetcarsofdesire.com/. For more information on the East Coast Indoor Nationals and next year’s event, visit http://www.eastcoastindoornats.com/ or call 410-628-6262.For more information on car shows, cruises, and swap meets, visit Auto Round-Up’s website at http://www.auto-roundup.com/ or call 304-884-7641.

See you guys next year and have a great holiday season!