For decades, the World of Wheels car shows have been synonymous with incredible automotive works of art. The shows are held all over the United States and in Canada. Some of the biggest names in custom cars have featured their cars at these shows. I always have a great time at these shows and was fortunate to attend the Chicago World of Wheels event this year. It had been several years since I attended a World of Wheels show, and I am glad I did. 2023 marks the 60th anniversary of the show, and it was filled with some incredible rides.
The Show
Each year, the Chicago World of Wheels brings together incredible cars, car clubs, vendors, and celebrities for an epic event. During the event, the pinstriping organization “Chicago Brushmasters” raises money for the Ronald McDonald House charity through an art auction.
The organizers do a really good job of keeping things fresh. With a show like this, I never know what to expect, and it is safe to say I was not disappointed.
The Vehicles
It’s hard to describe the cars on display, given the sheer variety. The show brought out everything from showroom-stock classics to wild customs. From iconic to avant-garde, there’s something for just about everyone.
Car Clubs
A cool feature of the show is the car club displays. Car clubs throughout the area brought their cars to be displayed together. As with the rest of the show, the variety was staggering.
Cycle-Rama—The Motorcycles
The Cycle-Rama motorcycle show is a show-within-a-show at the Chicago World of Wheels. I saw a mixture of custom Harleys and sport bikes and, not to mention, plenty of chrome. It’s a great way for builders to showcase their work.
Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! Remembering U.S. 30 Dragstrip
For many years, the U.S. 30 Dragstrip drew fans from all over Northwest Indiana. Although it’s been closed for decades, many people have fond memories of the racing action they experienced there. Everyone from drag racing icons to locals competed at it. This year, the 2023 Chicago World of Wheels gathered together many of the cars that had competed there for a display honoring the historic track.
Walking through the display was like stepping back in time. You can’t help but love the names given to these classic cars, such as “Staged Fright” and “Red Light Bandit.” I even saw an artist hand-painting a name on the side of one of the cars in the display.
Ed Roth Cars
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you’ll know the significance of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth. The custom car builder and cartoonist created some incredible automotive works of art that helped define the 60’s show car scene. His “Ratfink” cartoon character continues to be a hot-rodding icon, appearing on countless cars and t-shirts. This year, the Chicago World of Wheels featured a couple of his wild-custom cars, an incredible recreation of one of his cars, a large surfing ratfink figure complete with a blown V-8 attached to the board, and one of his personal cars, a 1970s Honda Civic.
Orbitron
A great example of one of Roth’s space-age designs, the Orbiton features a bubble top and a color tv.
The Mysterion
Also on display was a painstaking re-creation of Ed Roth’s Mysterion. It sports twin motors, twin transmissions, and twin rear ends. Interestingly, the Mysterion features a single seat with a central driver position.
Tweedy Pie
Tweedie Pie, A heavily-modified Ford Model T, features pinstriping and a 1957 Chevy Corvette engine with six carburetors.
Ed Roth’s Honda Civic
This Honda Civic was one of Ed Roth’s personal vehicles. It’s also a rolling canvas featuring a giant Ratfink painted on the hood, along with pinstriping.
The Surfink
The Surfink, created by Mark Glaz as a tribute to Ed Roth and Ratfink, features a large Ratfink figure atop a surfboard complete with a blown V-8 engine.
George Barris Cars
Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in custom cars and movie/tv cars was the iconic George Barris. His creations stole the show in countless tv shows and movies. On display at this show were some of his iconic creations, plus his trademark jacket.
The Batmobile
The 1960s Batman tv show was a bonified cultural phenomenon, and the Batmobile was right there along with it.
The Munster Koach
The gothic Munster Koach functioned as the family car in the classic 1960s television series The Munsters.
Wrapping Up
It’s always nice to have a car show relatively close by, especially a world-class one like the World of Wheels. It’s one of those places where you can walk and walk and still be surprised by what you are seeing. I’m looking forward to attending another World of Wheels.
Ever been to the World of Wheels or know of a car event I should go to next? Tell me about it in the comments!
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