With the recent surge in poker popularity-tournaments seemingly run round the clock on cable TV-it's little wonder the phenomenon has spread to the indoor car show circuit. Rick Perry, the promoter of the San Francisco Rod, Custom, and Motorcycle Show, recently raised the ante by having two different amounts of cash that could be won by the owner of a show-winning car.

Perry has always covered his bases by awarding a top d'Elegance prize to winners in three different categories-Rod, Custom, and Motorcycle-helping to assure him that the best vehicles in the country will compete. Yet Perry implemented a new payout structure this year to push the stakes a little higher. This year, if you won your division with the d'Elegance Most Elegant Rod award, you received $2,000 plus other prizes. But if this event was the debut of your vehicle, you got a bonus of $5,000. If you wanted to hedge your bets, you could still be eligible to win one of dozens of other awards, or at the very least just show up and have a good time!

The San Francisco Bay Area has always been a hotbed of rodding activity. It was once crowded with indoor winter shows, but now only Perry's remains. Given the exclusivity, it's a safe bet that the cars on display-chosen from among hundreds of applicants-will be a sight to see.

Of course, indoor shows always bring a little showbiz razzle-dazzle to the table, too. Featured attractions, whether they're cars or TV stars, have always factored into the indoor show scene. This year, stars of the big and little screen were in attendance, signing autographs and talking it up with the crowd. Chip Foose, star of TV's "Overhaulin'," drew cars for everyone in line. Much of the original "American Graffiti" movie cast (including Cindy Williams) signed autographs and talked about the film that made such a huge impact on American culture.

But the event wouldn't be happenin' if it weren't for the 500-plus vehicles filling the huge Cow Palace facility, which boasts 300,000 square feet of display space. Nearly every style of car was featured, and even the suede crowd got space in some of the outside buildings (Perry was the first promoter we know who invited the "rat rod" contingent indoors several years ago). It's a different way of seeing things when you're out in those buildings, and that's just the way those folks like it!

We've shown you Steve Frediani's...        read full caption We've shown you Steve Frediani's outstanding '51 Ford convertible before (Steve swears he'll let us photograph it for a feature soon). With its Ford Torino windshield, 2-inch chop, folding top, and lengthened doors, the car again wowed the crowds and judges at its first San Francisco showing, winning the d'Elegance Award for Most Elegant Custom.

Brian Nieri's wicked '57 Cadillac...        read full caption Brian Nieri's wicked '57 Cadillac looked good in black suede in last year's Paso Robles coverage (November '05 issue), but looks fantastic in its new candy gold finish. Dubbed the Phat Caddy, this cool custom sports Stude Golden Hawk fins, a 4-inch top chop, and 20-inch Boss rollers.

Speaking of fantastic Cads,...        read full caption Speaking of fantastic Cads, Ray Scales' '47 looks a mile long in its House of Kolor Candy Garnet finish. Oz Welch did the exquisite paint and bodywork, while Devine did the interior.