On the ground at the 2015 Street Machine Nationals

Cars on the cruise circuit at the 2015 Street Machine Nationals.

From 1986 through 1998, the Street Machine Nationals was one of the most popular events held annually at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois. Like many such events, it became a victim of its own success, and local complaints of excessive noise and beer-fueled antics forced the cancellation of the event in 1999. After a 14-year hiatus, Family Events brought the somewhat kinder and gentler venue back to Du Quion in 2013, and the show has wasted no time in rebuilding its audience.

Tony Netzel brought his hard-to-miss ’61 Plymouth Belvedere down from Duluth, Minnesota.

Les Schwank’s “Burgundy Baron” GTO wears a body turned around 180 degrees.

We traveled to this year’s event to slay cones in the Craftsman Comet, but safety concerns (namely a small course area, inadequate runoff and sketchy pavement) forced the cancellation of the autocross event. Despite our disappointment, the weather was perfect to walk the grounds and shoot the cars that caught our eye, from obscure Lloyd subcompacts stuffed full of 427 V-8 to dual-cowl phaeton-ish T-buckets (and everything in between).

A late-1950s Lloyd Alexander with a non-stock 427 beneath the hood. And in the cabin.

This upside-down  Ford F150 drew plenty of stares.

Look for a few features on cars seen at Du Quin in coming issues of Hemmings Muscle Machines, but in the meantime, enjoy this gallery from the 2015 Street Machine Nationals.