By Athena Mekis
Special to the Signal Tribune
Eye candy appeared in many vehicular shapes during last Sunday’s Sultans Signal Hill car show. From the looks of things, the Sultan himself invited Dave Heady, the owner of a 1952 Hudson. This Hudson combines unique aspects that many other car owners should envy. The engine is completely original.
This “Creeper” has a very loud voice because it has no pipes or mufflers. The car looks ready for a paint job, but keeps the unfinished gray look for one reason, Dennis Lil’ Daddy Roth’s pin striping. Roth and his family have been hot-rod themed artists for more than 50 years. The roof and visor sport Ed Big Daddy Roth’s metal flake. The paint looks like glitter from thousands of flash bulbs snapping as the Hudson wins the stock car race, which happened in 1950, 1951 and 1952. Impressively, the door panels are covered in old license plates. It’s as if Heady and the Hudson have become one as the spirit of an old traveler.
The 18th annual Signal Hill car show consisted of quality cars and trucks older than 1976. The barbeque grilled all day, raffles were drawn periodically, and special awards were given at 2 p.m. Johnny Rocket & the V-twins played rock and roll hits like “Ain’t No Cure for the Summertime Blues.” The car show’s proceeds benefited Signal Hill’s youth programs.