Spreading the Gospel of Traditional Hot Rods and Customs.

Meet HotRodLadyCrusr.

Now, you may be asking yourself: “Who?” or “Huh?”

“Cynthia is my legal name,” explains Cynthia Sheldon of Redford, Mich. “But, I've never really used it, since it's also my mother’s and grandmother’s name. And, I've always been called by one of my middle names, Denise. I answer to Cynthia, Cindy, Denise… or Cynthia Margaret when my mother is mad!”

But, Cynthia adds that she is best-known, in the hot rod world, as HotRodLadyCrusr or the shortened version: HRLC. 

HRLC is a member of the H.A.M.B., an online community of hotrodders that have gathered together to share their knowledge and passion with each other; she joined the network in September 2002 and chose to use the name HotRodLadyCrusr, when signing up to be a member of the online club. 

The H.A.M.B. message board is a part of the Jalopy Journal. According the Web site, “the Jalopy Journal was formed… to spread the gospel of traditional Hot Rods and Kustoms to hoodlums worldwide… We wanted to be the voice of the working man, a tool in the toolbox of the guy that does it himself, and a place where citizen journalists could show the “big-time” media a thing or two. We haven’t done it all yet, but we aim to in time…”

HotRodLadyCrusr is very active within the H.A.M.B. network. She contributes to the forum by posting “adventure stories,” that include many photographs from her journeys to car shows all over the country. 

She also documented the entire build up of the 1947 Oldsmobile Series 66 Convertible, named “Big Olds,” by posting updates to the site—a tradition that was started by Steve Hendrickson, former editor of Rodder’s Digest and H.A.M.B member.  Steve, the once-owner of the Olds, featured “Project Big Olds” regularly in the magazine.  After HRLC purchased the vehicle from Steve, in 2001, she was given the chance to continue the project, and move forward in documenting the project for hotrodding enthusiasts to follow.

She says she drove the vehicle “as-is” for four years (and “as-is” did not include windows, paint or interior); however, with the help of fellow H.A.M.B. member, Mike Howell, HRLC turned Big Olds into the gorgeous car that “he” is, today.

And, Big Olds gets around. HRLC brings the Olds to over 30 shows, each year.

“Even in the winter,” she says. “I fly to Pomona…to Texas. I have three weeks of vacation each year, and I make good use of it.”

HotRodLadyCrusr is excited to get out to Billetproof's 6th Annual "Motor City Mania" in Detroit, this weekend. She will be at the Goodguys’ 19th Hot Rod Nationals, in Indianapolis, the following weekend. She adds that she is most excited for the 2009 Holley NHRA National Hot Rod Reunion, held in Bowling Green, Ky., towards the end of June. 

Typically, HRLC makes three to four out-of-state shows, each month.  Her “big” vacation of the year is Bonneville Speed Week, held at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. She will then venture to Oregon and Washington for two other events, before going to the H.A.M.B. Drags in Missouri.

“One hundred percent of my disposable income goes into this hobby… my car and events,” she says.

HotRodLadyCrusr also owns another 1947 Olds Convertible that she bought from a woman in Philadelphia, in May 2008.  The car was not listed for sale; but with a tip from a fellow H.A.M.B. member, HRLC was able to contact the owner and negotiate a deal; currently the vehicle is sitting in a garage and will be a future project. 

HRLC has owned over two dozen specialty vehicles, since she bought a 1968 Camaro Convertible, at the age of 16—ranging from muscle cars to Corvettes to street rods.  She notes that she has always had at least one convertible in her stable. HRLC’s passion is traditional hot rods and customs.

When asked what keeps her so involved in the hotrodding hobby, without hesitation, she answered: “It’s the people.  Cars are second. People come first.”

Story by: Becky McLaughlin