Pine Tree Jamboree 2026

We’re the English family, a New Hampshire family shaped by curiosity, creativity, and a deep love for the old ways. Our story isn’t just about cars; it’s about the time we’ve spent together, the challenges we’ve pushed through, and the pride that comes from building something as a family. Early hot rodding runs deep in our home, shaping our days and the way we move through the world. It’s become how we grow together, stay connected, and carry our family’s history forward.

Eli grew up surrounded by early Fords and traditional hot rodding long before it was popular again. What started as a childhood curiosity quickly became a lifelong obsession, not just with the cars themselves but with the history and stories behind them. He has always believed in authenticity: real steel, original craftsmanship, flatheads, period correct details, and preserving the lineage and personality of every old car he touches. Long before Traditional Speed & Custom had a name, Eli was rescuing forgotten hot rods, tracking down survivor cars, collecting rare early Ford parts, and learning to rebuild the old ways. His approach has always been simple: do it right, do it traditionally, and honor the people who built this world before us.

After 22 years in the autobody and restoration industry, Eli opened Traditional Speed & Custom, LLC in 2013, starting in a one bay chicken coop attached to the barn. No matter how far the shop has come, the heart of Eli’s work has always remained the same, craftsmanship, honesty, history, and an unwavering love for the culture.

Eli and Lisa met 27 years ago on a blind date, the kind you don’t forget, when Eli pulled up in his 1955 Ford Fairlane, classic and unapologetically him. It set the tone for the life and family they would build together. Lisa didn’t grow up in this world, but her interest, and eventually her passion, grew as their family did. Her first antique, a 1929 AV8, became more than a car. It became the project that brought them together one bolt at a time, teaching patience, pride, and connection. Today, Lisa lends a steady hand in the background of both the shop and Pine Tree Jamboree, helping with the behind the scenes pieces that keep things moving forward when it matters most.

Alden and Isaac grew up with tools in their hands and flatheads in their ears. From the time they could walk they were participating, watching, learning, and eventually taking on their own projects with the same determination and pride that run through our family. Both boys attended their local technical high school automotive program, giving them formal training to match the years they’d already spent learning beside their dad. Alden continued on to complete the welding program at Manchester Community College, adding fabrication skill, precision, and craftsmanship. He brings a steady, thoughtful approach to every project, whether he’s rebuilding components, problem solving through a tricky fit, or helping keep the workflow on track at the shop. Isaac is also a strong part of the daily operation at Traditional Speed & Custom. He brings his natural mechanical abilities into the shop and balances the work in a way that strengthens our whole team. He’s also building his own transportation business, a path he began after completing a homeschool vocational program. His determination, creativity, and drive have shaped him into a young man who brings possibility into every project.

Together, the boys built the Homeschool Hot Rod, a defining project that deepened their understanding of traditional hot rodding and solidified their commitment to the family craft. They represent the next generation of the English family legacy, builders shaped by history, hard work, and heart.

From the chicken coop beginnings to the full traditional hot rod shop it is today, Traditional Speed & Custom has always been a family shop, a place where early hot rods are respected and restored the right way, a home for period correct craftsmanship, and a space filled with ideas, tools, noise, learning, frustration, pride, and connection. It continues to specialize exclusively in early, traditionally styled hot rods, flatheads, period correct engines, vintage chassis, and handmade parts, along with metal shaping, fabrication, welding, and show quality paintwork. It’s where the family spends their time, builds their memories, and keeps this culture alive.

Pine Tree Jamboree was created from a simple idea: give early, flathead powered, pre 1954 hot rods a place to run, and give builders a place to belong. It was never meant to be the biggest or the fastest; it was meant to be authentic. A celebration of backyard ingenuity, early drag racing, and the spirit of the people who built this culture long before any of us. Pine Tree Jamboree is a period correct, flathead only event that honors the hand built, low budget, home grown nature of early hot rodding.

What started as a simple idea has become a tradition that now shapes the entire year for our family. It’s more than a race; it’s a gathering of families, builders, spectators, and friends. A living representation of everything we value: history, craftsmanship, community, connection, and family. We've always said this is the people’s race. Kids wander the pits, families ask questions, and everyone shares stories the way this culture was meant to be passed down.

And as we like to say, “It’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.”

We’re a New Hampshire family who loves this culture, honors its roots, and believes this history deserves to stay alive. And even though we’re not perfect and life has thrown its share of obstacles our way, this year brought us closer than we’ve ever been, reminding us what really matters.

Eli, Lisa, Alden, and Isaac English
Traditional Speed & Custom LLC
Pine Tree Jamboree, The ½ Fast Hot Rod Races