"BLACKIE" GEJEIAN has been at every GNRS since it began over 62 years ago. In addition, this true Industry Legend has produced his own show (The Fresno Autorama) for 50 years. And, the man NEVER stops !! Even though he's been in poor health for the last few years, he still travels around the country to every show he can possibly get to.
Blackie & I first met at Darryl's Starbird's Hall Of Fame many years ago. He's an old friend and one of the BEST story tellers concerning Rods, Customs, and the people that build 'em that you'll ever find.
One of THE MOST Legendary of stories concerns Blackie himself: It happened at the Grand National Roadster show in 1958 when he, Richard Peters, and George Barris, put the freshly-built Ala Kart on display.
The ENTIRE undercarriage/suspension of the Ala Kart was chromed, which had never been done before, and Blackie wanted to make sure that the audience and the judges got to see it. SO, he headed for the Women's Bathroom and proceeded to tear out the mirror on the bathroom wall to put UNDER the Ala Kart !! Ya gotta love it !
Blackie shared this story, and many others you'll hear in the months to come, in our Exclusive Interview at Darryl Starbird's house on the afternoon of the 14th Annual Induction Ceremonies, May 16th, 2009.
Listen & Enjoy ! JK
(Top Of Page: The restored Ala Kart at the 2008 GNRS. This fantastic restoration was accomplished by Roy Brizio & his Crew.)
(Above left: the best-selling Ala Kart Model Kit; Above right: the original, finished Ala Kart )
