Here we go again!  At the request of a few of our dedicated readers, this is the third and final (I swear!) post on the Cabin Fever Car Show in Knoxville, Tennessee.  While the two previous reports (1, 2) gave you a good idea of what the show was like, hopefully this one will tie up any loose ends.  Given that it is difficult to whittle down the number of interesting cars that are at a show to a manageable amount for a Barn Finds post, more than a few deserving cars didn’t get covered in the previous installments.  With this final lap,  you will see some of my favorites and a few I think you may like.  So, one last time, grab a hot beverage and head to your favorite chair for a final look at a fantastic show featuring the most interesting cars and trucks in East Tennessee.

The first two pictures feature two of the most famous cars in American automotive history.  The first car, owned by Butch Capps, is a very highly detailed replica of the Shelby Cobra that Dan Gurney and Jerry Grant drove to a class victory in the 1964 Targa Florio.  Unfortunately, Dan Gurney passed away this past weekend, leaving behind an incredible life in motorsports.  This Cobra was a reminder of just how brave race car drivers from this era had to have been to strap themselves in, knowing that the scant safety provisions would likely do little to save their lives in the event of a crash.  For Gurney to be a giant among these men, both figuratively and literally, speaks to his talents and courage.

The other icon pictured above is a 1940 Ford coupe, owned by Caleb Cox.  1940 Ford coupes are the first car you think of when the subject of moonshining comes up.  This all original coupe may never have been piloted by a ridge runner, but it did look the part.  This stylish coupe was also one of the most difficult cars to photograph at the show, as it always had a crowd around it.  By the looks of the crowd, it was as if Mr. Cox was handing out samples of Popcorn Sutton’s finest.  I loved looking at this car, as it is rare to see a prewar Ford in such fine unrestored condition.

1967-1972 Custom Sports Chevrolet trucks are favorites of many readers and this freshly restored 1970 C-10, owned by Lynn Harris, had many fans.  Everything about this truck looked as if it were new and it shined like it was still under the lights of the Chevrolet showroom it was purchased in.  This was a highly optioned truck with power steering, power brakes, and air conditioning.  It was also for sale so if you are interested please let me know and I will forward to you the owner’s phone number. If I was in the market, it would already be mine.

Another one of my favorites was this finely restored 1935 Ford Deluxe Coupe, owned by a gentleman named Junior Shelton.  Looking amazing under the lights in black with Apple Green wire wheels and pin stripes, these coupes are gorgeous from any angle.  They are also favorites of some of the more professional Great Race participants, particularly for their Flathead V-8 power and partly for the roll down rear window that some of these coupes were equipped with.  When you are travelling across the country in the summer driving an antique car, you take any air flow you can get!

One of the neater displays was this surf ready 1962 Volkswagen Beetle, complete with a window mounted “swamp cooler.” For those who are unfamiliar with these contraptions, they were an early form of air conditioning.  Using the slight cooling effect created by water evaporation, they were a popular aftermarket accessory in the time before widespread availability of factory air conditioning in automobiles.  Owned by Tyler Anthony, this car looked decked out for a long trip to the beach and both the accessories and the pin striping were fascinating.

1940 Fords are understandably popular in Tennessee and this is another one that caught my eye.  While the photographs didn’t really capture the slight purplish hue in the well prayed paint, this car looked spectacular under the lights.  Regrettably, I did not catch the owner’s name, but I wish I could give them proper credit for building a very subtle hot rod that would be easy to live with and drive.  Sometimes, builders go a little overboard and their creations look better than they drive.  While I wasn’t lucky enough to drive this one, from the comfortable seats to the reliable drivetrain, this one had all the makings of an enjoyable cruiser.

From the rear, you can see just how deep the finish was, and how well the car was built.  The slight rake is evident in the picture, and it is just enough to give the car a proper stance.  Coupes and convertibles are often the builder’s first choice, but this tudor sedan holds its own surrounded by a room full of stunners.

Another favorite was this 1968 Camaro, owned by Gordy Noe.  This SS displayed the beautifully simple lines that made early Camaros such classics.  I’m amazed at the prices these first generation cars go for and it shocks me that even junkyard rejects are bringing prices far out of relation to their decrepit conditions.  Hopefully these cars are being restored to the high standards of this Camaro, as this one was a treat to see.

Finally we come to a very unique 1947 Ford pickup, newly acquired by Bill Hogan.  Mr. Hogan was kind enough to tell me the unique story of this custom hauler.  It seems that this truck was owned and customized by a gentleman in the San Diego Prowler’s Car Club in the sixties. It was also the subject of an article in Popular Hot Rodding back in the day.  Powered by a 347 Pontiac V-8, this truck is virtually untouched from when it cruised down the main drag in San Diego way back when.

Well, I hope I didn’t overwhelm you with too many photos. As a reader commented concerning a past car show post, sometimes it is nice to see vehicles that started out just like the ones we feature on the website. The passion felt for these vehicles is what keeps our hobby alive and the pictures you see are testimony that passion can pay off if we keep working towards our goals.  I am working with a new DSLR camera, and I am especially appreciative of any suggestions readers may have to help me become a better photographer.  Thanks for your supportive comments. Maybe I’ll have another show to report on in the coming weeks.  Stay warm and start making plans for car shows in the spring!