Rod Authority

When it comes to customs, music, tattoos, and gals all gathered in one amazing venue – you really can’t top Ink-N-Iron. This year was the 9th annual Ink-N-Iron tattoo and custom festival, which takes place down at the Queen Mary in beautiful, Long Beach, California.

Regardless of which poison you pick, and where your tastes may take you, there was an overwhelming selection that would definitely excite your senses from all angles.

Not only is the astonishing view of the monstrous Queen Mary, the beautiful water, and the amazing Long Beach skyline quite a task to take in all at once, but all of the fashion statements and lavishly adorned people are quite a spectacle as well. This convention is packed and doubles as both an art gallery of sorts alongside a full-blown community festival.

The huge show field was filled to the brim with vintage iron from all over the southwest, including heavy-hitters from individuals and car clubs alike, such as; The Renegades, Locos Banditos, Severed Ties, The Cavaliers, the all female club known as The Black Widows, and much more. Not just a vintage car show, this custom festival hosts 3 floors of over 250 Tattoo Artists from around the world.

So if you were in the mood for a one-of-a-kind piece to match your one-of-a-kind custom, there was plenty of talent on hand to fulfill even the most detailed requests.

Outside on the main stage were over 45 bands who played throughout the weekend, including The Misfits, Suicidal Tendencies, Buck Cherry and Pennywise.

And if that wasn’t enough, there was The 3rd annual Pole Dancing show, a Burlesque show featuring Michelle L ‘Amore, The Kulture Klash Art Show, and always a major crowd favorite, the Pin Up contest. Definitely nothing short of a 12-ring circus, and everything you would expect from the west’s premier festival.

This year’s Motorama show really took you back in time with a 1960′s car show feel. Displays included Barris Kustom City with a 1950′s facade that recreated the Barris Altantic Blvd. shop. In addition there was also a recreated 1949 Mototrends cover with its 1930′s ranch style house and the same car used in the original shot.

Another crowd favorite was The Wall Of Legends with 3 dimensional hand casts of 25 influential builders and artists such as Gene Winfield, Sam Barris, and Bill Hines all holding their tools of the trade. These men forged the custom car scene in their day and are still influencing the builders of today.

All in all this year’s Ink-N-Iron festival was a blast! So many gorgeous classics, customs, gals, and more – a true assault on the senses and one we won’t soon forget. Whenever you mix history making customs, legendary custom builders, and the likes of us common folk it’s sure to make for memories that will last a lifetime.

We’ll see you there next year in June. Also, we want to give a very special thanks to our friend and fellow photographer Tracy Grant for the excellent camera work. Stay tuned for more hot rod and pinup action from Tracy, right here on Rod Authority.