OK, looking for a little reconnaissance info here. A friend told me to record this show on HD Theater about hot rods because he noticed something familiar in it.

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5161/5244628345_238cce7a50_b.jpg
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5244628647_a6b114668b_b.jpg

In the show, they were talking about a SEMA show that took place in the 1960's. SEMA's web site has pics from a show in 1967 that has all the other pics from this TV show in it except for this one. Judging from the clothing and hair styles, these pics above look like they're from the early 70's.

Logically, considering the timeline, Lucas went to one of these SEMA shows (it's a known fact that he was into car racing before becoming a film maker) and saw this thing on the show floor. He then probably took pictures of it, made sketches or even got in touch with whoever built it and ultimately used it as the basis for R2.

Anyone got any more info on this? Anyone know exactly when & where it's from or who would know more about it?