Hot August Nights
Written by Keith Fudge

Last August, Dennis Gage had the opportunity to revisit one of his favorite events:  Hot August Nights!  This celebration of classic cars and rock and roll music began in 1986, and each year the show has gotten bigger and better!  Held downtown on historic Virginia Street in Reno, Hot August Nights has something for just about everyone!  After he arrived, Dennis spoke with Don Schmid, Executive Director of Hot August Nights, who told him that this event is all about classic cars and rock and roll music from the 1950s and 1960s.  Don said that there were more than 5,000 cars registered for this year, another 1,600 on the waiting list, and 5,000 more collectible cars that were cruising the streets.  Don also told Dennis that there were plenty of things to do at the event including a swap meet, sock hop, prom night, show-n-shine, cruise-ins, and plenty of rock and roll.  With all these groovy cars lining the streets, Dennis could no longer contain himself and decided to do some cruising of his own to see some of these great rides.  So, with cars on their minds, Don and Dennis took to the streets!

First, Dennis ran into Bond.  Yes, James Bond and his really cool 1965 Chevelle Malibu SS.  James told Dennis that the car is basically original except that he has added some new gauges.  Dennis pointed out that 1965 was the beginning of muscle for Malibu.  This car is a clear example of that trend because it houses a 396 cubic-inch big block under the hood.  James said that he drives the car everywhere and it is a true “Bond” car!  Next up was Chuck Fuller and his sweet customized 1951 Mercury.  This baby is long and lean and has been chopped 7 inches in the front and in the rear.  Lowered and equipped with an air-ride suspension system, this sleek machine features a $ motif for the lights and sports a license plate that proclaims that this car is “Allhers.”  The interior is covered in grey and purple leather, and the dash is hand built.  Residing under the hood is the tried and true Chevy 350, and the flame theme on the exterior paint carries on in the chrome surrounding the engine.  With a DeSoto grill and frenched-in headlights, this custom cruiser is as cool as it gets!  Richard Moczkowski, Sr. is the proud owner of a 1963 Olds 98 Sports Coupe/Convertible.  This one is a lot of car, 19 feet and 6 inches to be exact!  What started out with a top no longer has it!  Richard said that he was wanting a summer convertible, so he found this car and cut off the top and chopped 7 ½ inches off the windshield.  The next things to go were the windows.  When he had the interior redone, they simply wrapped the door panels up around the top of the doors.  This car is really sleek and clean and a bit nostalgic as Richard added a vintage-look 9-inch steering wheel as a tribute of the influence of early hot rod legends such as Ed “Big Daddy” Roth.  Under the hood is a stock 394 Oldsmobile V-8!  Richard, this is one cool cruiser!  Soon, Dennis ran onto Rudy Hindelang who had a pair of vehicles on display that you would just have to see to believe.  First, Rudy showed Dennis a 1961 Chevy Impala bubbletop!  Rudy’s wife bought this car brand new in 1962.  However, the cool factor has definitely increased with age!  Rudy told Dennis that everything on the car was a bolt-on accessory as to not compromise the car’s original state.  On the interior, leather seats from a Chevy pickup were installed, and new gauges were also added.  There is also a custom stereo that is pushing 4,200 watts of power!  Under the hood resides the original 409 V-8, but it has undergone some changes in the form of extensive chrome work including the fender wells.  Also, the original 409 now sports dual quads instead of that single four-barrel carb that came from the factory.  Next, Rudy showed Dennis his sweet custom 1957 Chevy truck.  This hip-hauler has had everything imaginable done to it including raising the bed 4 inches and chopping the top 3 ½ inches.  The truck has also been extended and has suicide doors!  Skulls and flames adorn the custom paint.  On the inside, there is an all-metal custom dash as well as another killer stereo system!  Under the hood is all business with a 540 cubic-inch big block with an 871 Teflon blower system.  Rudy said that the truck makes 1,200 horsepower!  Wow!  Finally, Dennis found Michael Schaal and his stunning 1956 MGA.  Michael said that he has owned the car since 1959 and that it is very close to its original condition.  The car is part steel and part aluminum and still has the original dash, gauges, and steering wheel.  Michael added a chrome roll bar for a nice touch.  Under the hood is a 1,500 cc, four-cylinder engine, and this car actually has a functional crank start!  Awesome!

We had a great time in Reno for Hot August Nights because there is truly something here for everyone!  If you would like more information on the event, give a look on the web at www.hotaugustnights.net.  That’s it from The Biggest Little City in the World.  So until our next trip, “Honor the timeless classics.  Happy Motoring!”