The Suede Palace is where the GNRS showcases its special hot rod exhibits. The term “suede” describes the style of the rat rods that used to be exhibited; whereas, today they are more traditional-style hot rods. The primer paint has been replaced with a more conventional finish coat. Sometimes a bit of rust shows through and there is very little chrome finish anywhere on the vehicles.

The Suede Palace is a throwback to a time when young people made do with a very small budget. Folks who favor traditional hot rods live in the past, even though they might make concessions to work in the present. Many traditional hot rodders take their love of mid-20th century cars and extend it to embrace the clothes and makeup from that time. They call it the Rockabilly Era and the music and dancing that goes along with the style is pure early Elvis Presley.

The first thing that’s evident at the Suede Palace is the energy level. The traditional hot rodders create a maelstrom of activity with lively, loud music with a jive beat that is toe-tappingly good. The young girls wear dresses that were in vogue in their grandmother’s day and their lipstick has names like Cherry, Fire Engine, Chartreuse and Ruby. They were stockings (held up by garter belts), and the guys wear jeans and black T-shirts. They were rebels at heart way back then and remain so today.

Axle Idzardi is in charge of running the place, and the crew does a spectacular job. Axle is a gruff, no-nonsense kind of guy who has the respect of all the exhibitors. Talking to Axle is like going back in time. He may celebrate the past, but the show reflects how much he embraces today.

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