Mat Beck started working on project cars around 2006 while still in college, and he has had quite a few over the years. His first was a 1978 Datsun 280Z that he eventually turbocharged and updated the suspension for autocross competition. This past winter he converted his LS V8-swapped 1989 Nissan 240SX, which was setup for time trials racing, to V6-power to run the GridLife Touring Cup (GLTC) Wheel to Wheel racing series. He also autocrosses his 2023 Subaru BRZ with the Texas Spokes Sports Car Club in Austin, Texas, where he has lived for more than a decade. The following is his recap of Radwood Austin 2024.
Like so many other car lovers and DIY mechanics, most of my free time is spent in the garage working on my cars, fabricating parts and planning upgrades. If I’m not in the garage you’ll probably find me at a racetrack or autocross course. But when the Radwood show comes to town, it’s a can’t miss, and representing Tinker at this year’s Austin event made it even more fun.
The Radwood events are very close to my heart because I love cars from the 1980s and 1990s, but they’re so much more than a killer car show. Radwood bills itself as “The premiere automotive lifestyle event celebrating the 80s and 90s, and it has lived up to that hype from its inception a decade ago. For fun, attendees are encouraged to dress in the style of the era and many arrive looking like they just left the set of Miami Vice. If you want to spend an afternoon reliving the era of boom boxes and shiny parachute pants, head for your nearest Radwood event.
The second Radwood event of 2024 was held in the “Grand Plaza” of the incredible Circuit of The Americas Formula 1 track on Saturday April 27th, right behind the iconic red COTA tower. The weather was perfect as hundreds of amazing cars, from my friend’s dead stock 1986 Toyota MR2 to a pristine restored 5th generation Ford Bronco and a Ferrari F50, poured into the world-class facility.
We parked the MR2 beside an early, well-preserved Acura NSX, which is one of my favorite supercars from the early 1990s. A few cars away, a bright red Lamborghini Countach greeted spectators alongside an R34 Nissan GTR, an R33 GTR and some 1st and 2nd generation 300ZX turbos. Then my friend Dean showed up in his white Nissan 240SX. He had worked day and night for two weeks to finish the transmission swap in time for Radwood, and he made it.
One of my favorite things to see were the car clubs that turned out in very large numbers, most notably the Toyota MR2 and Fox Body Mustang groups. There were three MR2 gatherings at the show, and at least one person from each group walked over to compliment my friend’s car and talk MR2s, offering advice on upgrades and other tips about the platform. That’s what makes Radwood so special. Great bunch of people.
Radwood also brings out many restored Japanese market cars, which you don’t often see at other events. This year a local Austin enthusiast showed off his immaculate Nissan Stagea wagon, which was parked next to a rare two-tone Silvia S13.
Classic SUVs and pickups from the 1980s and 1990s are hot commodities in today’s collector car market and they were very well represented. One collection of 4x4 Japanese trucks with amazing period correct liveries were grouped together, including two Toyota HIlux pickups, a Nissan Hardbody and a blacked out 100 series Toyota Land Cruiser pulling a trailer loaded with a matching MKIV Supra. Very cool.
Another classic 4X4 that caught my eye was Ian’s all-original 80 Series Land Cruiser, which he drove down from the Dallas area with his wife and two dogs. The SUV is a true survivor and in incredible condition. Ian spotted it sitting on an Idaho farm while on a road trip with friends. He left a note in the window that basically said, “Sell me your truck please” and has been enjoying it ever since.
Everyone we talked to at the event was very friendly, and swapping stories of rescuing and repairing their aging automobiles made it feel like we had reconnected with old friends. I must have handed out hundreds of Tinker stickers, coozies and flashlights.
There are four more Radwood events to come this year in San Francisco, Tacoma, Washington, Detroit and Los Angeles. If you’re into the raddest era of car culture, I strongly urge you to attend. Tell them Mat and Tinker sent you!
