WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Street Rods Come to Town

Street Rods Come to Town

Essex Junction, Vermont - September 18, 2009

About the same time the rain rolled into town-- heads were turning at the Champlain Valley Expo.

"A little rain we got a big umbrella," said David Laney, of Mt. Pleasant, N.C.

Over 1,600 street rods and their drivers are in town for the 16th annual National Street Rod Northeast Nationals.

"A little something for everyone, it's a great family event," said Jim Rowlett, of the National Street Rod Association.

This is the 12th street rod convention this year for the Laneys, who have driven all over the country, from Bakersfield, Calif., to Burlington.

"You get to see all different kinds of cars and you get to meet your buddies that you've all over the years everybody changes their cars a little bit over the years and you want to see what they've done," said Laney.

A street rod is defined as being made before 1949, but modified for today's highways.

"We not only have street rods here this weekend, but this event is open through 1979 so you will see 50s, 60s, muscle cars, customs, a lot of different kinds of vehicles," Rowlett said.

David Laney has years of blood, sweat and tears in his 1939 Chevrolet Coupe, not to mention thousands of dollars.

"It's got a fat man front end, Monte Carlo rear, 350 crate engine, 400 turbo air-conditioned, heat, electric seats, electric windows," described Laney.

These cars can come with a hefty price tag-- anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000.

"It's worth a fortune to me," Laney said.

And he's looking forward to sharing his priceless pastime this weekend.

Click here for more information on the Northeast Nationals.

Beth Parent - WCAX News