Dazzling displays seen at 53rd annual World of Wheels

The 53rd annual World of Wheels car show, held this past weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, didn't disappoint as a visual delight for four-wheeled enthusiasts.

Setting this show apart from others in the area are the elaborate displays that accompany many of the custom vehicles. No expense is spared as countless hours and thousands of dollars are invested by owners who wish to have their one-of-a-kind rides stand out. Here are five dazzling displays that caught my eye.

1973 Plymouth 'Cuda

Bruce Haines, Greenfield, Indiana

Haines opted for a very industrial look for the exhibit surrounding his stealthy, jet-black 1973 Plymouth 'Cuda. Diamond-plate pillars stood stoically in the corners and included cutouts for Plymouth badging, which were illuminated and glowing red. All told, it was an appropriate look for one tough-as-nails muscle machine.

1963 Chevrolet Nova SS

Ronson and Teri Burton, Milton, Delaware

The Burtons went with a unique two-boundary design to showcase their 1963 Chevrolet Nova SS. In addition to outer chrome and burnt orange piping, the Burtons included an inner oval wood wall. The custom woodworking ran the entire circumference of the vehicle and hid spotlights that illuminated the Chevy's Atomic Orange paint. The striking setup was one that was impossible to miss.

1941 Willys

Dan Juliette, Kewadin, Michigan

Swooping three-dimensional pylons led spectators' eyes right up to Juliette's 1941 Willys street rod. The posts' dramatic sweptback shape seemed to simulate the coupe's curvatures. A ton of work went into getting the towers to match the car's hue and glossy shine and it readily showed.

1965 Ford Mustang

Sean and Lou Anne Ripp, Sackets Harbor, New York

Corralling the Ripp's 1965 Ford Mustang was a series of regal white obelisks. Each was adorned with authentic Mustang galloping horse badging. Chrome piping in the wheel stands and fencing complemented the ponycar's sparkling chrome wheels and bumpers. Added together, the clean, simple look made for one fantastic stable.

1967 Pontiac GTO

Russ and Janet Van Camp, Coleman, Michigan

The slender shape of Russ and Janet Van Camp's 1967 Pontiac GTO was nicely contrasted by a blocky red wall of monoliths and sloped barriers that formed it's bold display. The border's color picked up the drop-top's red-line tires and painted brake components for an added touch. It was a mixture of shapes and angles but one that many found ultra-appealing.