This year marks the 50th anniversary of Blackie Gejeian’s Autorama car show in Fresno. With over 250 cars, the Autorama proved to be the best show yet. Traveling all across the country, Gejeian pulled out the most spectacular cars in the nation.
The show took place in the Valdez Hall and the Fresno Convention Center’s Exhibit Hall in downtown Fresno. From a 1957 Ford Pick-Up to a 1955 Chevy Bel Air, every sort of car was on display. Also on display was a 1973 Lincoln, one of six made by famous car builder Bugazzi. The car was once owned by Frank Sinatra and Sammie Davis, Jr. from the Ratpack.
Gejeian began the show in 1958 and has put on the show every year since, except 1999. Through the years, thousands of car lovers have been able to view cars impossible to see otherwise.
Both buildings were filled wall to wall with cars and mechandise booths for souvenirs from the event. Cars were not the only vehicles on display this year. There were also custom motorcycles and even a model horse made from car bumpers. One of the oddest cars to hit the floor was a 1955 Ford Bubbletop, which looked like a vehicle straight out of the Jetsons.
Not all the cars were fancy and clean cut, however. A 1962 Chevy Impala could be heard blasting old school rap songs throughout the exhibit hall. The gangster image of the car was a hit for all viewers at the show.
Cars from California to Florida were all on display and hand-picked by Gejeian. However, his personal collection outshone every car on the lot. His 1911 Model T was the oldest car in the building. His 1917 Ford T won America’s Most Beautiful Roadster in 1977.
My favorite car in the show was a 1948 Chevy Roadster. An orange paint job and reconstructed frame made it obvious that every part of the car had been restored with modern parts. This set the vehicle apart from the other cars.
Most cars were surrounded by past awards won and outlandish decorations. Also were pictures of what the cars origionally looked like and how they appeared while under construction. Probably the most improved car was a 1967 Camero Roadster with painted flames running down the sides.
The 1947 Chevy pickup may have looked familiar to viewers because it once graced the cover of Classic Trucks magazine. There was also a 1937 Terraplain pickup model on display, one of 16 cars in a collection.
Overhearing some talk about this being the last Autorama show by Gejeian, it is obvious Fresno is not ready to let go of the event. Hundreds of people showed up to the event despite the current economic status and busy schedules. The car show has become a staple event for the community and would be greatly missed by the city.
Regardless of the future of the show, this year’s event exceeded expectations and could easily be stamped the best one yet.
The next show will take place in Houston, TX on Nov. 26-29. However, Gejeian’s Autorama is not the only local car show. Auto fans can also check out monthly car shows at Bentley’s Market on the corner of Friant and Fort Washington. Shows will take place this month on April 5, 23 and 30. Check their calendar for future dates.
For more information, visit the April 7, 2006, article Motor Trend showcases prototypes in Fresno.
