Grand National Truck show trip!

I want to start by thanking the Rod Shows family for allowing me a media pass for the first Grand National Truck show.

Normally when I head down to a show in LA it's with a group of guys or with family, so concessions have to be made. Wether its where you stay or where you eat the more people you're with the more restrictions are in place. So with this being a solo trip and me having enough extra time to really hang I decided to check a few things off the list.

Top Rank Importers.

If you are close to me in age then you can probably close your eyes and remember the virtual garage you had in the early Grand Tourism games. Top Ranks lot and warehouse looks a lot like that. Packed to the gills with Skylines Supras Evos and other assorted JDM oddities. I immiedatly was kicking myself for not having visited sooner. Big thanks to Aaron and all the guys at Top Rank. They really rolled out the red carpet for me. Not only did I get to see cars I just normally wouldn't have accesss to. They pulled a few out and let me see if I fit. Spoiler, holy shit I do!! I sat in an R32, R33 and a MK4 Supra! Now all I have to do is figure out how to put one in my garage!

After leaving Top Rank I shot out to Mat Farrahs West Side Collecter Car storage.

His first location located in Culver City is a custom built building for the storage of automotive awesomeness. I have seen it from the outside on previous trips but this is the first time I have been able to get inside and guys... Holy crap this place is impressive. Each wall has a set of 4 car tall stackers some two deep each slot filled by something interesting and cool. from an early 911 with under ten thousand miles to Lambos, Ferraris, Chevelles and even a Mercury Cougar. Matt is living the dream! As cool as the Playa Vista location is. It certainly has its limitations. there is only two outside parking spots and no street parking to speak of. It's a limitation of the location and one that probably makes a lot of sense for the more famous or more in and out style clientele.

Car guys however, well we generally like to hang out. If that's you his new second location called South Bay is probably more your speed. Located in Gardena Matt has a sprawling parking lot and two large buildings. There is plenty of room to spread out and have an event. In fact while I was there talking with Matt he was fielding calls setting up cars and coffee events for this location that I am sure are gonna be must attend events. Both sites have concierge services including on site detailing and even assistance with servicing and close by maintenance recommendations.

I want to say a big thanks to Matt Farrah and his West Side Collecter Car storage guys for taking the time to show me around and talk shop. It was greatly appreciated.

After Leaving the second location I headed to The Petersen! I won't go on and on about The Petersen as I have many times before. Other than to say it was pretty funny when I got home I was sent a pic of a very distinctive supercar. A purple with neon yellow highlights Zenvo. there can't be more than two of these in the world in this color combo and he was commenting how wild it was. To which I responded oh yeah I was just sitting next to that car dipping a chocolate chip cookie the size of my head into and equally delicious Hot Flat white coffee. Dude thought i was joking until I sent him the pics! only at The Petersen!