Photos and story by John McCartney

Those crazy creations from back in the seventies called Zingers attract fans of all ages. So, it is no doubt that these wild cars were the big hit at this year’s World of Wheels 65th Annual O’Reilly Auto Parts Houston Autorama car show in Houston Texas.

Zingers which were created by Dennis Johnson for a Detroit Autorama model show. From Johnson’s creations Bob Larivee Sr contacted Chuck Miller and Steve Tansey to build full size creations of Johnson’s model. In the 70’s these cars were seen at all of the custom car shows, however they have all been hidden away for many years. Even back in the day over the history of the World of Wheels shows in Houston these creations never made a appearance.

At this year’s show held at the George R. Brown Convention Center all six original Zingers were on display much to the delight of all that attended the show. The Zingers are owned by Champion Auto Shows Inc. and John Sbrigato of TV Show Cars fame as well Mario Colasuonno of Dead Man’s Curve Car Club.

In addition to the Zingers fans could check out the Surf Fink a one of a kind of creation of the famous Rat Fink on a surf board built by Mark Glaz. Along with the Surf Fink fans could check out some classic muscle cars, wild rat rods and customs.

Caribbean Queen a great restored 1975 VW Bus was a great eye catching display which featured a mermaid who could be found coming out of the water right by the side doors of the bus.

A few low riding clubs brought out their crazy cool lowriders which were on display. These wild rides complete with outstanding paint and tons of chrome.

Not to be outdone by their four wheel counterparts, the wild two wheels creations were on display. From wild pedal bicycles to motorcycles once again outstanding paint and chromed out drew fans to check out them out. 70’s style choppers could be found mixed in with all of the motorcycles as well. If you are in Texas you are sure to see trucks of all shapes and styles and at this year’s World of Wheels there was plenty to go around.

Entertainment you want it you got it at this year’s edition of the show. From a great pin up girl contest, music of all styles, dancers you name it you could see it here for your enjoyment. A giant swap meet complete with all sorts of crazy cool stuff for you to check out and buy. If you looked real hard you could even someone that looked a lot like Santa Claus but we know that could not be as Santa is way up in the North Pole.

World of Wheels in Houston Texas really had something for everyone. However, when it came right down to it everyone had a really zinging good time with everyone’s favorite from the past those wild Zingers. Put it down on your calendar to check out the O’Reilly Auto Parts Houston Autorama when it comes back around to Houston, Texas you never know what blast from the past you might see on display for your enjoyment.