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The Story of Amelia Airflow
By Poppa Wheelie

The garage smells like oil and old leather, the kind of scent that’s comforting in its way, a smell I’ve lived with for so long it feels like home. I lean back in my chair, eyes wandering over Amelia’s blue curves, still gleaming under the garage lights. Seven coats of Porsche Yachting blue, each one sanded smooth as glass. She’s nearly perfect, as perfect as anything I’ve ever built with my own two hands.

I didn’t expect this project to take up so many years of my life. But, looking back, I suppose it’s no surprise. Anything worth doing always takes more time than you think it will. When I first saw Amelia, abandoned in that boneyard outside the museum, I didn’t see a wreck. I saw a chance. A chance to bring something back from the dead, to take something forgotten and make it new again. It wasn’t just a car. It was my future, my legacy.

I didn’t do things the easy way. Never did. I grafted that old DeSoto body onto a 1989 Mercedes chassis, making it fit piece by piece, like assembling a jigsaw puzzle with missing parts. Had to widen the body four inches at every door pillar, taper cut all four fenders, and mold the nose piece to the cowl. Hours of cutting, welding, grinding—hours that turned into days, months, years.

The car used to stand tall, 68 inches at the roof. Now she’s 54, sleeker, more streamlined. I trimmed four inches off the body below the grille and trunk, shortened her by a foot when I took the original bumpers off. The front end’s fixed now, so the hood opens forward instead of up. That was a tough call, but it was the only way to make the grille work. I’d never admit it to anyone, but it wasn’t about making her perfect by today’s standards. It was about making her mine.

Amelia’s a little bit of everything. She’s got a 2.5-liter fuel-injected engine from a Mercedes station wagon, overdrive automatic, independent suspension, disc brakes all around. The headlights? They’re from a 2004 Mini Cooper. Bumpers came from a ‘59 Oldsmobile. I had to give her what she needed to stay on the road, but the heart of her—the soul—she’s still a DeSoto. The emblems, the grille, the door handles—they’re all original, as if she never really left the past behind.

It wasn’t all me, though. Couldn’t have done half of it without Scotty. My best friend. The man could weld anything, and he’d show up with a six-pack and his welder just about any time I called. Scotty never cared how long the project dragged on; he just loved the work. Loved the challenge. I swear, every time I look at those welds, I can hear him laughing, telling me to pass him another beer.

I turn and look at the picture on the workbench. Cheryl, standing there, her hand on her hip, that amused smile on her face like she couldn’t believe I’d actually bought the damn thing. I’ll never forget that day. “What are you going to do with this old wreck, Clancy?” she’d said, shaking her head. But she’d known the answer already. Cheryl understood me better than anyone ever did. She knew I had to fix things, bring them back to life. We always talked about taking Amelia across the country when she was done, driving her down those wide-open highways, just the two of us, like we used to dream about when we were young.

But life, it doesn’t care about your plans. Once I got cancer, the days got harder. I kept at the car, bit by bit, not because I thought I’d finish, but because it felt like the only thing left to do.

That’s the thing about projects like this—they give you something to hold onto when everything else is slipping away. Amelia became more than just a car. She became the bridge between my past and whatever time I’ve got left. When I’m working on her, it’s like I can feel I’m keeping some part of my life alive, even if it’s just in a garage that smells of oil and sweat.

I run my hand along the door, feeling the smooth surface, knowing every inch of her like the back of my own hand. All the little details—the flush-mounted glass, the fender skirts, the handmade running boards—things nobody else would notice, but things that matter to me. She’s been rebuilt, piece by piece, just like I’ve tried to rebuild myself. And like me, she’s not the same as she once was. But that’s okay. We’re both still here. Still standing.

I think about all those nights spent with Scotty in this garage, working late into the night, talking about everything and nothing. About the days when Cheryl would bring us sandwiches and cold drinks, smiling at our stubbornness, but always cheering us on. The memories, they’re all wrapped up in this car. Every weld, every turn of the wrench, every inch of paint. It’s all a part of them, too.

Tomorrow, I tell myself. Tomorrow, I’ll take her out. I’ll get behind the wheel, start the engine, and let Amelia do what she was always meant to do—run. Maybe I’ll take her out on the open road, see if the old girl’s still got it. But there’s a part of me that knows the truth. Time’s running out, and I might not get another chance.

Still, looking at her now, gleaming in the garage light, I feel something close to peace. She’s done, or as done as anything ever gets. And that’s enough. Whether I take her out or not, she’s alive again, breathing through those old steel lungs, ready to roll.

I close my eyes, letting the memories wash over me, the laughter, the work, the love, all of it tied up in this car. Amelia Airflow, my final masterpiece. She’ll outlast me. And somehow, that feels right.

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1 year ago | [YT] | 3

Show Time

Which of these Hot Wheels would be the most painful to step on? 🤔
Cast your vote for most painful Hot Wheels and share your thoughts in the comments📝

#hotwheels

1 year ago | [YT] | 6

Show Time

Event Report: 2024 SUNDRE CAR SHOW
by: Poppa Wheelie

Hey there, cruisers and cool cats, gather 'round ‘cause we’re taking a ride down memory lane with the 2024 Sundre Car Show! That’s right, it all went down in the heart of Sundre, Alberta, Canada, on June 30th, the fifth time this fine town has hosted this rockin’ event.

Now, dig this: 148 cars rolled in, showing off everything from ratty rat-rods to beautifully restored classics, rare muscle cars, slick trucks, some pocket rockets, and get this—a killer Ford Focus RS, one of only 550 made, packing a mean 400 horsepower punch! That’s right, this show had it all, baby!

The folks showing off their rides came from all over: Sundre, Red Deer, Sylvan Lake, Edmonton, Calgary, and Cochrane. It was a real mix of motorheads, all coming together to share the love of chrome, paint, and pure horsepower.

And what’s a car show without some tasty grub? The food trucks were on-site, with Kodiac BBQ serving up some of the best burgers and beans this side of the Rockies. Man, you could smell those burgers grilling from miles away!

The day started out a bit soggy with some drizzling rain that lasted a few hours, but hey, not even the weather could dampen the spirits of these dedicated car lovers. Everyone stuck it out, and by the afternoon, the skies cleared up, leaving a perfect backdrop for these beauties to shine.

And what a way to end the day—with a Drive-In screening of the classic film “American Graffiti!” 38 entrants stayed in their cars, tuned in, and took a trip back to the golden age of cruising and rock ‘n’ roll.

Now let’s get to the main event—the awards! Here’s who drove away with top honors:

Top 5 Awards:
1941 Willys - Jerry Cloutier
1968.5 Ford Mustang GT - Kim Van Tighem
1956 Ford Crown Victoria - Matt Ancelot
1942 Chevy Pickup - Sherry Falconer
1948 Diamond T - Chris Aldrich

People's Choice Award:
1969 Chevrolet C10 - Darren Sharpe

Mayor's Choice Award:
1950 GMC Pickup - Jim and Carol Ada

Oh yeah, it was a day to remember, a real celebration of metal, muscle, and mayhem. So here’s to the 2024 Sundre Car Show, where the cars were cool, the people were cooler, and the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll was alive and well. Until next time, keep those engines revving and your radios tuned to the sweet sound of the open road. This is Poppa Wheelie signing off, saying, “Keep on cruising, cool cats!”

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1 year ago | [YT] | 1

Show Time

Event Report: 2024 MOONEYES JAPAN STREET CAR NATIONALS

Well, all you groovy cats and cool kittens out there, tune in and turn up that dial, ‘cause we’re diving headfirst into the far-out world of the 2024 Mooneyes Japan Street Car Nationals! That’s right, straight outta Odaiba, Tokyo, Japan on the 12th of May, the 36th Annual Mooneyes Street Car Nationals revved up and roared louder than ever before, man!

Picture this, baby: over 1,000 righteous rides, gleaming and shining under that Tokyo sun. A whopping 18 pinstripers were there, laying down lines smoother than a rock ‘n’ roll groove, while 140 vendors at the Swap Meet had the scene buzzing with parts, paint, and all the gear a gearhead could dream of. It was the biggest turnout ever, a real barn burner, man!

And hey, you won’t believe this, the MOONEYES Project Car made its grand debut! The TOYOTA 60 model PRIUS rolled out for the very first time, sporting those Special MOON DZUS FASTENED SHALLOW DISCS. Talk about a futuristic flashback! This was one slick machine that had everyone’s head turning and jaws dropping.

But wait, there’s more! This shindig wasn’t just about showing off some rad wheels; it was about bringing home the gold, baby! This year’s awards were something else, with 19 top honors handed out. Seven came straight from the MOONEYES crew and twelve from the coolest magazine companies around.

Check it out, here’s the roll call of the righteous:

MOON VOOM Award went to the 1970 Chevrolet Camaro, owned by the one and only Mr. Yamazaki.

MOON LOOK Award hit the 1967 VW Type-I from Andy's Rod Works, owned by Mr. Yamamoto.

MOON COOL Award was a double whammy with a 1963 Ford Galaxie owned by Mr. Yoshiyuki and a 1964 Mercury Comet from Mr. Ryouji at Deuce Factory.

MOON GOOD Award for the 1971 Datsun 240 Z by Skipper, owned by Mr. Koura.

MOON ZOOM Award celebrated the 1986 Nissan D21 Hardbody from Hara Store, owned by Mr. Takashima.

Long Distance Award hit not one but two BMWs from Korea: a 2005 BMW E46 M3 owned by Mr. Lee and a 2000 BMW E38 740iL by Mr. Kim.

Early Bird Award went to the classic 1970 Barracuda 'Cuda 440-6, owned by Mr. Amimoto.

A-Cars Award honored the 1965 Ford Mustang from Avante auto service, owned by Mr. Kuwashima.

Burnout Award revved up the 1940 Lincoln Zephyr by Paradise Road, owned by Mr. Jef.

Custom Car Award was all about the 1992 Suzuki Jimny from Rise Kustom.

Custom Trucks Award recognized the 1995 Nissan D21 from Mr. Akashi.

Ignite Award fired up for the 1973 Isuzu Faster, owned by Scramble’s Mr. Harashima.

Fly Wheels Award was picked up by the 1936 Ford Pickup from Janis Car Service, owned by TT&CO., Mr. Matsui.

OUTDOOR あそびーくる Award lit up for the 1982 Mercedes Benz 230E from Mr. Ishikawa.

Let's Play VWs Award cheered for the 1973 VW Type-I from Soyama Seisakujyo, owned by Mr. Fujii.

Stance Award celebrated the 1995 BMW 530i from Yaita Auto Works, owned by Mr. Ishioka.

Street VWs Award gave props to the 1951 VW Type-I from Body Shop Teru, owned by Mr. Fujikawa.

高速有鉛DX Award crowned the 1972 Nissan Gloria, owned by Mr. Ishii.

Daytona Award tipped its hat to the 1966 Chevrolet Chevelle from Alaws, owned by Mr. Kumagoro.

Oh yeah, it was a gas, a real blast from the past and a flash of the future all rolled into one smokin’ hot day. So keep those engines running and your radios tuned, ‘cause this is one event that’s got us all in overdrive. Until next time, keep the pedal to the metal and the spirit of Mooneyes alive! Keep cruisin’, cool cats!

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#Everybody #scn2024 #jdm #旧車 #アメ車 #mooneyes #carshow #swapmeet #mooneyesstreetcarnationals
#streetcarnationals #36thscn #ムーンアイズ #ストリートカーナショナルズ #ストリートカーナショナルズ2024

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1 year ago | [YT] | 2

Show Time

Matchbox Update 06/10/24

75TH ANNIVERSARY ROADSTER:
Matchbox x MotorTrend 1949 Kurtis Sport Car

Our top story tonight: Matchbox has partnered with MotorTrend to release a 1:64 scale model of the 1949 Kurtis Sport Car. Yeah, because nothing says "high-performance roadster" like "fits in your hand."

Designed by racecar engineer Frank Kurtis, the original 1949 Kurtis Sport Car was customizable to buyers' specifications. Now, with this new Matchbox edition, you can customize it too... by deciding which shelf to put it on.

This model honors the car that graced the first-ever MotorTrend magazine cover in September 1949. You know, back when magazines were a thing people read.

The Matchbox car features the same paint and upholstery colors as the original. Because if there's one thing collectors demand, it's historically accurate tiny upholstery.

They’ve even added a MotorTrend license plate to celebrate the magazine's 75th anniversary. It's the perfect way to say, "Happy Birthday, MotorTrend! Here's a car you'll never drive."

The car's body is a dark green ZAMAC, which is just a fancy way of saying "green metal." For those who care more about materials science than driving.

The wheels are classic 2-piece small silver wheels with whitewall tampo. Perfect for when you want your toy car to look like it just rolled out of a 1940s toy factory.

The base of the car is dark green ABS with DIJ details. ABS: because Matchbox wants to make sure your tiny car can withstand all the tiny crashes.

The windows are super smoke-tinted. So, you know, it looks really cool when your imaginary driver gets imaginary pulled over.

Inside, you'll find a dark beige interior. Because nothing says "luxury" like tiny beige seats.

So, if you’re a fan of classic cars and miniature models, this one's for you. And if you’re not, well, it’s still just a toy.

That's all for your Matchbox update!

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#hotwheels #ホットウィール #Matchbox

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1 year ago | [YT] | 14

Show Time

Hot Wheels Update 05/29/24

GRAND PRIX LEGEND
Hot Wheels Elite 64 Bugatti Type 59

Our top story tonight: Hot Wheels has just unveiled its latest addition to the Elite 64 series, a 1:64 scale model of the Bugatti Type 59. You know, for people who love cars but hate driving them.

The Bugatti Type 59 was a Grand Prix legend in the 1930s, and now you can own it in miniature form. Finally, a way to show off your love of classic cars and your fear of full-sized engines.

This model features over 20 pieces and hyper-realistic details. You can even remove the engine cover to reveal... well, nothing. Because it's still a toy car, folks.

The car comes in a sleek blue color and has a ZAMAC body. If you don't know what ZAMAC is, don't worry – it sounds fancy enough to impress anyone who doesn't know either.

The wheels are custom Real Riders spoke wheels. Perfect for when you want to feel the thrill of a racecar, but your driveway has speed bumps.

The base of the car is a full metal, silver-painted chassis. Which is just a fancy way of saying it's got a really shiny undercarriage.

Inside, you'll find a warm amber interior. Warm amber: because even your toy cars deserve a little luxury.

Hot Wheels says this model is their first historical vehicle in the series. You know, because when you think "history," you think "tiny metal cars."

They've really outdone themselves this time. Now you can own a piece of Grand Prix history without dealing with the pesky issues of maintenance, storage, or, you know, driving.

In other news, Hot Wheels collectors everywhere are rejoicing. Finally, a Bugatti they can afford... and fit in their pocket.

So, if you're a fan of racing history and tiny cars, this one's for you. For everyone else, it's still just a toy.

That's all for your Hot Wheels update!

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#hotwheels #ホットウィール

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1 year ago | [YT] | 9

Show Time

Hot Wheels Update 05/21/24

Hot Wheels Transformers Optimus Prime:
The Ultimate Crossover We Didn't Know We Needed

Hey folks, big news in the world of toy cars and robots that turn into other things. Hot Wheels has teamed up with Transformers to create the ultimate collector’s item: the Hot Wheels Transformers Optimus Prime. Yeah, finally, the two biggest childhood obsessions of every 80s kid have joined forces! It’s like if your Rubik’s Cube could also solve your math homework.

Now, this die-cast version of Optimus Prime can convert from a truck cab into a towering robot. So, it’s basically the toy version of your ex who could go from zero to crazy in two seconds. They even designed the packaging so you could display it in either vehicle or robot mode. That’s right, folks. Now you can have the leader of the Autobots guarding your desk at work or, more likely, collecting dust in your mom’s basement.

And let’s talk about the features. It’s got attachable hands and an ion blaster. Because nothing says ‘I’m ready for a hot date’ like a tiny metal robot with a gun. The body color is Spectraflame red and blue, which is Hot Wheels speak for ‘we really wanted to use up all the leftover paint.’ The body type is ZAMAC, which sounds like something from a bad sci-fi movie. ‘The ZAMACs are attacking! Quick, Optimus Prime, transform and roll out!’

The wheels are Custom Real Riders wheels. Real Riders? Is that what they call us folks who still play with these things? And it’s got a die-cast chassis. Because if you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on a toy car that turns into a toy robot, it better be made out of metal that’s slightly more durable than a soda can.

The window color is light smoke-tinted. So, it’s like the Optimus Prime of the 80s, always ready for a disco party. And it’s 1:64 scale, which means it’s just the right size to be stepped on by your dad and promptly thrown in the trash.

In conclusion, the Hot Wheels Transformers Optimus Prime is here to make sure that no matter how old you get, your wallet can always be as empty as your childhood dreams.

That's all for your Hot Wheels update!

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#hotwheels #ホットウィール

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1 year ago | [YT] | 8