Slap bracelets, Walkman radios, and Reebok Pump sneakers have been a number of of the numerous memorable symbols of the Nineteen Eighties and Nineteen Nineties. It was a time of wealthy tradition, shiny colours, and distinct cars.
RADwood – an occasion that first launched in 2017 – has the period cornered in relation to celebrating the tradition of the Nineteen Eighties and Nineteen Nineties. The time period “traditional automotive” usually evokes psychological pictures of Chevy Bel Airs and Plymouth Furys. But as time strikes on, the definition of “traditional” strikes with it. Some folks – myself included – discover it somewhat surprising to comprehend {that a} automotive from 1982 is now 40 years outdated.
While RADwood has gone on to span varied elements of the nation in its five-year historical past, certainly one of its signature annual occasions is held in Southern California. This yr, for the second time in a row, the American Honda headquarters in Torrance hosted the occasion. I registered my 1994 Acura Legend GS six-speed sedan as a part of the “Royalty” contingent as a result of its greater $100 entry payment meant extra outstanding parking and earlier roll-in.
The journey started on the western outskirts of Phoenix, the place I met up with fellow RAD road-trippers in a 1987 Honda Civic Si, a 1989 Mazda MPV, a 1989 Mazda MX-6, a 1993 Honda Accord coupe, a 1989 Acura Integra LS, and a 1998 Ford Contour SVT. Fellow motorists and bystanders loved seeing us alongside Interstate 10 for the 400-mile trek, I’m certain. We paused for a bunch picture at an deserted fuel station in Desert Center, California.
American Honda’s campus in Torrance was the right venue for this system. The music, vogue, and popular culture of the Nineteen Eighties was alive and properly, with hits from Madonna and Duran Duran setting the temper over the grounds. My buddy Becky had her hair crimped for the event, and others wearing leggings or observe fits. Honda’s hospitality included meals vans, leisure, and posters. I took the chance to wander the grounds and reconnect with many associates – lots of whom I hadn’t seen for the reason that RADwood present a yr in the past. Some of my favourite automobiles included an authentic and well-preserved Infiniti Q45, a 1993 Mercedes-Benz 500SL with a uncommon five-speed handbook transmission, and really clear FJ80-series Toyota Land Cruiser.
On show in the course of the present was Honda’s newest iteration of the venerable Civic Type R. A protracted-time tuner favourite, the Type R was obtainable in Europe lengthy earlier than it first got here to the United States in 2017. Since then, it has turn out to be a well-liked platform for efficiency upgrades and customization, akin to a modern-day muscle automotive. The all-new 2023 mannequin yr Type R will include a turbocharged 2.0-liter, 315-horsepower engine.
RADwood chief Art Cervantes took the stage later that afternoon to assist conduct an awards ceremony. In addition to distributing awards for the highest automobiles in varied classes, particular recognition was additionally given to the “raddest dressed,” which went to a few wearing what seemed to be period-correct promenade apparel. Best of present went to an extremely uncommon (and really deserving) white 1998 Ford Explorer Saleen XP8 pushed by Nick Roshon.
My 800-mile round-trip journey was 100% well worth the effort and expense. I’m desirous to see how RADwood grows and evolves within the coming years. Stay tuned to the RADwood website for a calendar of upcoming occasions.
