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		The 28th Goodguys West coast Nationals was by far the largest Goodguys show No Limits has attended this year. It was a feast for the eyes (and at the Nitro Fest -- ears as well !) Any Downloadable Files Associated with this Article (Click on the file name to download it)
Goodguys 28th West Coast Nationals -- August 22-24, 2014
Click on the Thumbnails Below to Enlarge Goodguys West Coast Nationals, August 22-24, 2014 Pleasanton, CA No Limits eMagazine staff - reprint with permission only  The 28th Annual West Coast Nationals was a massive affair. On Saturday the 23rd, I estimated there were more than 3,000 rods, customs, muscle cars and trucks in attendance. There were machines literally everywhere in the sprawling Alameda County Fairgrounds. This was the third California Goodguys event No Limits eMagazine has attended this year in Pleasanton and was, by far and away, the largest. While many of the registered vehicles were seen at earlier shows, this National had a very large contingent of non-traditional car/engine combinations. The strong showing of tri-five Chevys and sbc-engined hot rods were overwhelmingly in attendance, but we saw Cadillac, early Oldsmobile, Buick, flatheads, even a Hudson as well as early Chrysler Hemis. There seemed to be a small resurgence in Y-block Fords from the 50’s as well. In addition to these fascinating cars, there was a special exhibit of “Woodies” and (a real favorite of the No Limits staff) a Nitro fest featuring three, back-in-the-day, nitro burning dragsters that “fired up” and made noise and nitro fumes for the crowd – awesome!! We arrived on Saturday to absolutely perfect California weather–bright, clear and warm. Given the massive amount of cars, we prowled the “back-forty” where the overflowing numbers of cars were parked. It was here we saw some of the most creative machines. How about a supercharged flathead powered '36 Ford 3-window coupe–a real blast from the past, and looking a “bad” as ever !! Or a '49 Caddy fastback coupe powered by a mid-'60s Caddy. Then there was a luscious '32 Ford 3-window, full-fendered car powered by an injected early 354 Hemi–very cool! Out back we spotted a primered '31 Ford on '32 rails powered by an early Olds with a J2 tri-power setup. A personal favorite was a number of very well restored 1958 Chevy Impalas. These cars are often overlooked after the tri-five years and into the '60s, but they are sharp and when done right, really cool. In addition to the phenomenal array of cars, the Goodguys had an incredible array of vendors. To show how the “old school” part of our hobby is growing, a number of vendors displayed parts for early Ford flatheads, “nailhead” Buicks and other '50s car engines. The swap meet had just about anything you might be looking for and tons of tempting parts you didn’t know you needed!! We left that Saturday after two good doses of the nitro fest–the Masters & Ritchers rail from the early '60s; the Ewell-Bell-Steckler & Olsen rail from the late '60s and the Speed Sport roadster from the '50s brought back fond memories of our youth at places like the old Lions strip in Long Beach, CA or US 30 in Gary Indiana. We were THAT CLOSE to the fuelers !! Alas, our trip back to the Sunday finale was interrupted by the Napa earthquake. While no damage was done at the Nationals, the quake did keep us at home checking for damage. But, the 28th West coast Nationals left us looking forward to November's Get-together–hopefully the 442 will be ready for that event. Click here to see all the photos of the event: Click here to see all the Award Winners from the West Coast Nationals:   There were "Woodies" of every brand at the show. This is a supercharged flathead Ford in a '36 3-window coupe. A slick '49 Caddy—I want this car! Just one of several 1958 Impalas. Need speed parts for early V8s and flatheads—here's your store. Oh smell the nitro and hear the hemis roar!!