2003 Western Antique Truck Nationals - Old-School Finery

The Antique Truck Nationals is always a popular spring show in Southern California, and it has been around for many years. The 19th annual show was again held on the grass athletic field at California High School in Whittier, California. This year's event was staged by the Southern California Chapter of the American Truck Historical Society, and the money raised went to Cal High's extra activities. For $3 each, the entire family could enjoy a great show of old trucks and big rigs, and walk around to talk to owners who really love showing off their vehicles. There are always several fire trucks which the kids can climb into, put on a fireman's hat, and ring the big brass bell. For those more interested in pickups, there's always a good representation of both restored early models and those that have been street-rodded.

If you live in the SoCal area and want to spend a few hours taking a close look at the earlier days of the truck world, plan to attend next year's event. The next event will be very special, since it is incorporated into the American Truck Historical Society's 25th National Show and Convention held at the California Speedway in Fontana, California, May 27-29, 2004. It is sure to be a great show with vintage trucks of all types arriving from around the country. Yes, the show will be staged inside the speedway so you can enjoy walking around the infield of a major speedway, looking at more than 1,500 early trucks. We plan to be there and hope to see many of our readers there as well.