With the winter months just behind us, our forbidden truck fantasies are finally being realized in Southern California's Lake Perris Fairgrounds. This annual truck and car show kick-starts truck enthusiasts to uncover their winter projects, which have been secretly stuffed in their garages since November. Sunday, March 9, 2008, marks the day these show trucks congregate for their yearly inauguration into the show season. From import Minis to domestic heavy-dutys, these trucks finally expose their flashy paint and immaculate interiors eagerly waiting to be recognized by the judges.
Entering the show grounds, you are greeted by a fleet of vehicles that graced the hallways of SEMA last year. The caliber of these trucks is truly stunning and worth noting. More specifically Vince Lombardi's crew cab Chevy Silverado, which was so close to the pavement not a single finger could fit between its body and the ground. Every square inch has been touched by paint, billet, or chrome. Its two-tone paint scheme, smooth body lines, and soft tan interior make one question how this roomy four-door could ever want to be used as a truck.
A lot of new projects also cropped up. Such as an air-ride-equipped, bare-metal chop-top Toyota Tacoma with what seemed to be a Bel Air-inspired rear body. It was astonishing to see this bodywork come together yet manage to still look good. Which brings us to an important aspect about what to expect if you'd like to compete in the show.
It's hard to get noticed with so much competition around you; however truly unique to this event is the amount of creative customizations the owners put into their projects. Uncommon mods are the force that drives the camaraderie between each other's personalities and rides. Time and again you'll leave each row of cars with a smile or an idea of what you might want to do on your ride. For instance, where else will you see a slammed Chevy Luv with flame-thrower exhausts coming out the rear of the cab? Or how long have you wondered what Range Rover headlights would look like on an old Nissan truck? You'll never fail to be amazed as to what people will come up with next. Forbidden Fantasy provides just that.
Looking toward the center of the assembly, a bevy of heavy-duty trucks line the showgrounds, overshadowing their proud owners and families. Some almost leave you wondering how the owners actually get up or set up a load.
With lifted trucks, all the bells and whistles are usually featured in the suspension. Powder-coated leaf springs and chrome shocks gleam on their lowered brethren. The variety of Forbidden Fantasy astonishes many spectators since they see a bit of everything from lifted to lowered and whatever other goodies they might sport. These lifted haulers are also usually shown with their weekend toys -- matching motto bikes or ATVs and sometimes even boats.
For 11 years, Forbidden Fantasy has provided a venue for Southern Californians to show off our trucks. Whether it be a new billet piece or a complete truck overhaul, the show provides us with opportunity to complement each other's rides. As we take these memories home, we can be assured the whole Forbidden Fantasy crew will come out again next year and provide us the space to let our truck fantasies run wild.