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Bowties On The Beach
Hotrods N’ Heroes Turned Huntington Beach Into A Chevy-Heavy Stretch Of Noise And Color
BY JOHNNY HUNKINS IMAGES BY THE AUTHOR & NICK LICATA
C

ar shows in Southern California always seem to carry their own rhythm, and the gathering on Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Huntington Beach had that familiar pulse from the moment the first Chevys rolled onto the blacktop. Hotrods N’ Heroes, presented by the 42 Foundation in partnership with Qruisin PCH, set the tone early with a show field built around community as much as horsepower. The Foundation’s mission—supporting law enforcement officers, their families, and the broader SoCal community through financial assistance, youth programs, and outreach—gave the event a sense of purpose that resonated across the lot. With first-responder displays lining the perimeter and the Pacific breeze drifting through the aisles, the day unfolded with the kind of energy that defines Southern California car culture.

Chevrolets formed the backbone of the weekend, and the variety was impossible to miss. Nearly an acre of Tri-Fives from the Bel Air Car Club created a vibrant mid-century corridor, each car polished to perfection. Christopher Hernandez’s dual-quad big-block 1955 Gasser, complete with a flip-top front end and a Two-Lane Blacktop attitude, drew steady attention. Full-size fans gravitated toward Scott Toth’s Twilight Blue 1962 Bel Air bubbletop four-speed, “Hek-approved,” and every bit the part of a dual-quad 409 bruiser. Camaros brought their own flavor: Jon Henson’s bright red ’69 in the New Gen Wheels booth, with its Whipple-blown LS, five-speed, and 20-inch steelie-look billet wheels, was a major standout, while ACP Editor Nick Licata found himself drawn to the LSX-powered Butternut Yellow ’67 from Higgins Rod and Custom, a build that blended classic lines with modern punch.

Chevelles and Novas rounded out the Chevy presence with equal strength. Travis Grieje’s LSA-inspired 1970 Chevelle in the New Gen booth showcased the kind of detail and execution that rewards a slow walkaround, while Danny Hauze’s Sequoia Green 1972 Malibu proved how effective a well-sorted driver can be with its 383 small-block and Pro Touring stance. Chris and Erin Deppe’s 1967 Chevy II “Novacaine,” a former ACP cover car built by the crew at Old Anvil Speed Shop, continued to draw long stares with its attitude and craftsmanship. Across the board, the Chevys didn’t just show up—they shaped the character of the weekend. They reflected the passion of the builders and owners who brought them out, all while supporting a cause rooted in gratitude, community, and the people who keep Southern California safe.

Mint green and white 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air parked in lot.
Dark blue 1968 Camaro featuring a silver stripe and custom wheels.
Black 1955 Chevy Gasser with its flip-top front end tilted forward.
Bright orange 1964 Chevelle Malibu with the hood open at show.
White 1967 Chevy II Novacaine restomod with gold mesh wheels.
Candy red 1955 Chevy Gasser with a front moon tank.
Colorful row of Tri-Five Chevrolets lined up along palm trees.
Silver 1968 Camaro showing off its modern fuel-injected engine.
Butternut Yellow 1967 Camaro with open hood and black nose stripe.
Glossy black 1970 Chevelle with its hood open in parking area.
Side view of a Twilight Blue 1962 Bel Air bubbletop.
Gold-colored 1955 Chevy Gasser named Bad Neighbor with green headlights.
Deep maroon 1969 Chevelle SS with its hood raised for display.
Matte black 1964 Chevelle with modern wheels and front spoiler.
Blue 1972 Chevelle featuring a large Whipple supercharger on engine.
Profile of a Sequoia Green 1972 Malibu with five-spoke wheels.
Bright red 1969 Camaro with black rims and white stripes.
Dark metallic gray 1970 Chevelle with its hood open.
Light blue 1964 Chevelle four-door sedan parked near the beach.
Dark navy blue 1969 Camaro with gold five-spoke wheels.
Yellow and white 1955 Chevy Bel Air with modern custom wheels.
Orange second-generation Camaro with black stripes and open hood.
Row of customized classic Chevrolets parked in the sunny lot.
Red 1969 Camaro with its hood open in a seaside lot.
Silver 1967 Chevy Nova with its hood open showing engine.
Rear view of a black 1969 Camaro SS during sunset hours.
Grey 1968 Chevelle driving past other show cars in Huntington Beach.