17th Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show

HCS2008 Sunday December 7, 2008 at Pacifico YOKOHAMA

It was the 17th Annual Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show held on the first Sunday of December in Yokohama, Japan.

In 2008, gas prices fluctuated on the rise and we thought it would have an effect on the number cars and bikes being entered. Although it was a difficult year for everyone, attendance was at an all time hight and included no only entrants from within Japan but guests, vendors, motorcycle entrants, pinstripe gathering participants from all over the world including USA, Switzerland, Germany and many other countries. Pacifico Yokohama was packed all day with people.. From the start, with the gates opening at 9:00AM, and lasting the entire day, enthusiasm was in the air. The highlights of this year’s Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show were driven in to their display positions immediately after the gates opened. Below, in the order of the time schedule, are introductions of each attraction.

Guests Ride-in Grand Entrance

Leading the way was Beatniks member James Hetfield’s Rick Dore built 1953 Buick Skylark, known as the "Skyscraper" with a Hi-Tech sounding motor and smooth body. Many of the Beatniks members were there together as well.

So-Cal Speed Shop’s Jimmy Shine built, Todd Haas owned 1957 Chevy Gasser all the way from Florida. A nice little burnout in front of the gate on its way in excited the crowd. The sound of this car was awesome too!

The first pair of motorcycles came following the Gasser. It was 4Q Conditioning Max Schaaf and Jasin Phares from Oakland, California. They are the first guests to ever create an actual display around their bikes. It was a personal touch of their own style, and spectators couldn’t get enough of it.

Tom "FAST CRACKER" Foster
When the promo reel DVD was first being made they had a difficult time keeping up with the speed of Tom Foster’s bike. Coming into the show, he displayed some of that speed. First time to Japan and HCS, he said the express way roads are so smooth he would love to open up his bike on it.

With gold leafing on the tank and fender, a long vertical twisted sissy bar and various relics and touches, Mark Drews early Shovel made quite an impression.

Professional custom painter and Sinners member, John Edwards showcased his silky candy colored Harley that featured a set of rare handle bar risers. It was John’s first time to HCS with his own bike but people already knew about his skills as he had painted a few HCS entries in the past.

His second time to HCS, Rico Fodrey returned to Japan with this 70′s styled Harley.

Third time HCS guest this year was Cole Foster of Salinas Boys, from Salinas, CA. Each time Cole has brought something completely different and styled to the highest degree. Stunning paint work and color combination really sets this Panhead off.