The2001 Lower Left Coast Model Car Show was touted as a "Modeling Odyssey" by lead model car executive Darryl Gassaway and his plastic professional staff, and we found out how true that was this past March at the Al Bahr Shrine Auditorium in San Diego, California. The event attracted some of Southern California's best model builders and you better focus your eyes on the pictures that we selected here of the numerous top-notch lows that were unveiled on that super Sunday.
Model entrants had 18 categories from which to enter and 17 tables on which to lay down their prized possessions. The annual contest sprouted classes from Novice and Custom to Modern and Vintage Lowrider. There was even a Miscellaneous group for those wildly creative folk. And the award titles are just as thrilling with compliments for Best Paint Finish, Best Interior, Best Engine Detail and more.
So just what was so special about this year's magnificent odyssey with 87 entrants unboxing 397 models built with intricate detail? The answer is the detail that has been taken to a new level by model authorities like Mike Tellez, Alfred Grijalva, Donald Valdiviezo, Anthony Rios and Angel Soler. But those guys better not go home, watch TV and rest on their laurels because scale builders like Angel Galvan, Gavin Roberts and Oscar Flores are cruising bumper to bumper right behind them.
LRB's top photo pro Reinaldo took on the challenge of capturing the model odyssey on film and no doubt delivered some fantastic images of cool crafted models. You can rest assured that LRB is ready to cover model shows both large and small. Model builders can email LRB and check in with Darryl at d-gas2000@home.com for more info on next year's Lower Left Coast Model Car Show.
 We couldn't believe the quality...  We couldn't believe the quality of this Chevy Caprice wagon. |
 In the contest was this '39...  In the contest was this '39 Chevy two-door coupe replicating Michael Tovar's May Lowrider Magazine cover car. |
 This convertible '60 Chevy...  This convertible '60 Chevy Impala was named "The Redlight Special." |
 The incomparable Anthony Arebalo...  The incomparable Anthony Arebalo crafted these two exalted models, a '50 Chevy trokita and a '41 Chevy pickup. |
 Parked for all to see and...  Parked for all to see and video tape was this purple and gold '59 Impala. |
 No amount of high-quality...  No amount of high-quality paint, chrome and glue were spared in making this radical '57 Chevy. |
 Sharing the contest table...  Sharing the contest table with the best West Coast modelers was this '58 Chevy hardtop with patterns on the roof. |
 The lens focused in on this...  The lens focused in on this red and white '58 Impala convertible. |
 Mike Tellez removed the factory...  Mike Tellez removed the factory wood indentations on his blue '39 Chevy. |
 The 2001 Model Odyssey was...  The 2001 Model Odyssey was a highly challenging event. |
 Willie Ramirez, Jr.'s '50...  Willie Ramirez, Jr.'s '50 Chevy pickup is the "Chariot of Fire." |
 Mike Tellez' '41 Chevy pickup...  Mike Tellez' '41 Chevy pickup was a real crowd pleaser. |
 Pro builder Henry Espinosa...  Pro builder Henry Espinosa say he's back out with his "Wino '39." |
 Alfred Grijalva's red Lexus...  Alfred Grijalva's red Lexus sets a mean standard for competitive imports. |
 You can't step on this awesome...  You can't step on this awesome Bug. |
 This flaked-out '61 Impala...  This flaked-out '61 Impala came straight from the hobby table. |