Darryl Starbird’s 45th Rod & Custom Show was held in Tulsa, OK in February. This was the 438th car show that he has organized in his amazing career as a promoter, photographer, writer and yes, car builder.  Over one-thousand cars, trucks and motorcycles filled the cavernous Quick Trip Center, with just enough room left for a monster truck show.  Musical group “The Pushrods” kept everyone’s toes tapping with its covers of famous fifties songs.

As you would imagine with this many cars, there was a broad representation of styles.  From period customs to street rods, from traditional hot rods to vintage racers, from modern muscle to low riders to high end show cars, you could find it all here.  Historic cars including Dave Stuckey’s Lil’ Coffin, Bill Cushenberry’s El Matador and Elden Titus’ Vampyre were on display.

The attraction of his show is the grand prize $20,000 award to the winner of the “Fine Nine” competition.  This year’s winner was Scott Whitaker with his 1949 Mercury “Merrodder”, featured on the December 1993 cover of Hot Rod Magazine. Scott also brought along his vintage racing inspired 1932 Brookville DynaLiner. Congratulations to Scott and everyone who participated in the show.

Side Note: SRM understands not only is Scott the winner of this show, but he also enjoys the car on the road. Scott drove the car from Ohio to Vegas for SEMA, and SRM was told he even did a burnout before entering the building. A fifteen year old car with road rash won a prestigious award, just goes to show you can do more then admire your car!  Scott you’re  a double winner in our book, congratulations!