A classic car is a beautiful thing to behold

Photo by Donnell McAllister

The 2009 Houston AutoRama brought cars and spectators in from all over the country and included this wild 1932 Ford coupe that greeted patrons as they entered the main entrance, giving them a taste of all that was to come.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

It wasn't just classic automobiles at this year's AutoRama. Classic motorcycles were welcome as well. This beautiful 1949 Harley Davidson FL is owned by Barney Johnson of Cypress.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

You can't have a classic 1932 Ford Coupe without a wild paint job. Deep black paint and flame colored scallops give this car a perfect '50s hot rod look.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

The musclecars, while not having as large a presence as previous years, were still holding their own. This meticulously restored 1968 Boss 302 Mustang took home Best in Class honors.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

Proof that anything can be cool, this heavily modified cloud-scraping Datsun truck was a crowd favorite.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

The Hellions of Houston Car Club brought out this gorgeous late-'40s Kustom. Its bright chrome grill, flawless pearlescent paint and tasteful striping looked fantastic under the lights of the George R. Brown Convention Center.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

This hemi-powered '32 Ford Hi Boy roadster is a 2009 Autorama Finalist - and for good reason. The attention to detail and craftsmanship was unmatched.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

This insanely radical 2002 Camaro SS is powered by a 588-cubic-inch, twin-turbocharged hemi-engine making more than 3500 hp, more than any other car at the show. Owned by Justin Curry of Houston, this Camaro took home Best in Class honors, following the old saying, "the best show cars are race cars."

Photo by Donnell McAllister

Dusty Davis of Houston showed off this stunning metallic green and silver 1932 Ford Coupe. Its gracious lines and perfect stance gave it a look that only a classic Ford hot rod can pull off.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

Another Autorama 2009 Series finalist was this 1967 Chevrolet Nova SS, owned by Keith Dobbs of Franklin. Not only did the Nova have one of the most extravagant displays of the show, it also had the best looking undercarriage. There wasn't an imperfection anywhere to be found on this highly detailed hot rod.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

Brian and Giana Ganos and Jim and Ann Hubbell of Wisconsin traveled all the way to downtown Houston to show this beautiful example of a 1956 Chevy Bel Air Hardtop.

Photo by Donnell McAllister

This absolutely perfect 1946 Chevy Pick Up was brought all the way from Evansville, Tenn., by owners Gene and Earlene Elpers. The beautiful custom two-tone light green paint captured everyone's attention to this 2009 Series Finalist.