Refining Icons – Enhancing Classic Rides at American Legends Hot Rods
When Tony Arme opened up American Legends Hot Rods in Phoenix, Arizona, it seemed like a logical step in his car-building career and has led the way to a number of eye-opening builds. Besides his own Ferrari-powered ’68 Mustang – a Goodguys 2019 Griot’s Garage Muscle Machine of the Year finalist – Tony and his team have built several other Goodguys Top 12 finalists, multiple SEMA Show vehicles, and a wide array of award-winning rides. They recently settled into a new, larger facility and have their sights on modifying and crafting many more incredible vehicles.

Tony’s personal car is this radical ’68 Mustang “Corruptt Mustang“, which has caused quite a stir since hitting the scene a couple years ago thanks in part to a twin-turbo Ferrari engine under the hood.
- When this Nova came to American Legends, it already had fresh paint and other cosmetic upgrades. American Legends is updating the mechanicals to match with Heidts suspension components and a Whipple-supercharged LS3 backed by a Tremec five-speed.
- One of the first builds to put American Legends on the map was Khaos, a ’34 Ford pickup for cus-tomer Ed Scarla that was a finalist for the Goodguys 2017 Scott’s Hot Rods Truck of the Year Early award.
Like many builders, Tony became interested in cars while watching his dad and family work on their family cars. Besides the typical DIY maintenance, Tony’s father was always tinkering on the cars and showing Tony the way. Arme bought a ’68 Mustang while in high school and fixed it up to be a reliable driver with help from his dad. He has even managed to hold on to this Mustang throughout life’s changes and moves.
- The owner of this ’55 Chevy sedan delivery has had it since 1979 and rebuilt it once himself decades ago.
- He’s having American Legends update it with a Roadster Shop chassis, LS3 power, and a few other subtle mods to make it a more comfortable long-distance cruiser.
Tony figured that automotive repair was a good career path and enrolled into the automotive program at Mesa Community College in Arizona. After taking most of the courses offered in the program, he left and took his first job in 2004 with a local hot rod shop.

This ’66 Chevelle is getting the full treatment – RideTech suspension upgrades, a twin-turbo LS2, and a variety of subtle custom body mods, including modified bumpers and custom taillights. Should be a high-impact machine when it’s done.
- Custom fabrication and metalwork services allow American Legends to tackle a wide range of one-off builds and projects.
After a short stint at his first shop, Tony moved to another Phoenix-area shop where he honed his skills over eight years and eventually worked his way up to shop foreman. He then moved on to another shop in Scottsdale, Arizona, but a shift in management direction made him think a little harder about what his next move would be. As he built his resume, he reasoned that everything was a stepping stone toward better things. And as he closed the bay door at one shop, another door opened.
With the encouragement of his coworkers, Tony decided to test the entrepreneur waters and in March 2017 he opened the garage bays at a 5,600sq. ft. shop that he called American Legends Hot Rods. Within three weeks he had 18 cars in the confines and many past customers looking for him to craft some metal magic. Actually, four co-workers from the previous shop where he was employed came over to work with him at American Legends.

The American Legends team, from left to right: Brandon Johnson, Charlie Sullens, Tony Arme, Jona-than Williams, Gerald Murphy. Not shown are Chris Arme and Casey Arme.
The shop does just about everything on hot rod and vintage car projects, from basic repairs and mechanical upgrades, to custom fabrication and complete builds. The shop’s services have been in strong demand since day one, and the team has been successful enough that earlier this year Tony moved the business to a new location with 8,900 sq. ft. to allow for expansion.

This ’57 Chevy is getting the full build treatment with a Roadster Shop chassis, subtle body mods, and an LMM Duramax diesel engine cranking out 650hp and an incredible 1,500 lb. ft. of torque!
Build styles vary somewhat from project to project, but Tony said the shop’s broad goal is to bring American classics a little more up to date. “We like to build what it was originally, but more refined,” he said.

Big power, an aggressive stance, and a refined, subtle exterior are going to make this ’67 Chevelle a standout. It’s getting a 962hp Wegner LS3 engine, Bowler-prepped T56 transmission, and a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis among its many mods.
A good case in point is the custom ’57 Chevy “Bill Air” for a local dentist that took two years. How about a fuel injected 572c.i. big block making over 600 horsepower while sitting on a Roadster Shop chassis? The car gained attention at the 2017 SEMA Show, including being recognized at the Hot Rod Industry Alliance dinner. Tony noted that the car was very nice, “but built to drive,” which is a balance he strives for with all of the shop builds. He explained that he wants to make the driving experience better with these vintage cars – a strategy that has kept customers coming in.

The “Bill Air” is a ’57 Chevy project that earned the shop some attention thanks to a Roadster Shop chassis, 572c.i. big block engine, and a variety of subtle mods to enhance its classic good looks.
The shop is working toward the possibility of doing paint work in-house soon and can do some light upholstery work as long as the build doesn’t require a sewing machine. Arme enjoys working with customers who come in with a concept, which makes it easier for him to gauge their intentions and desires. He says he likes to “create something most won’t want to do.”
Like his Mustang, dubbed Corruptt. Tony has owned the car for 14 years and it actually sat for ten years before he decided to go all in on the build. You might understandably notice that engine first. Tony thought outside the box and instead of keeping a Ford in a Ford, he squeezed in a Ferrari F430 V8 and added twin turbos. Look closely and there are tons of body modifications, as well, including some carbon fiber accents and a top chop. He took it out to the 2018 SEMA Show and in the Battle of the Builders he made the Top 100 and also won the Best Toyo Tires SEMA Car Build. This is in addition to being a finalist for the Goodguys Muscle Machine of the Year.
- A Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis, GM LT4 engine, and custom ground effects and bodywork are just a few of the tricks that will help set this ’68 Camaro apart from the pack when it’s finished.
The American Legends team now includes five full-time members, one part-time employee, plus Tony’s wife, Casey, who runs the front office. The team enjoys working on different builds and stretching their skills to push the limits. When we visited the shop recently, we saw several Chevelles and Tri-five Chevys lined up, but also a ’72 Datsun 240Z and a dune buggy along with an ’83 Range Rover Defender 90. They’re definitely keeping the work eclectic. Tony says he enjoys doing what he is now doing and looks forward to “straying outside the lines” with future American Legends builds.
- This 240Z is sure to be a fun canyon carver with LS3 power and an updated coil-over suspension. Custom flares will help contain the wide wheel-and-tire package.
- This ’71 Bronco was nearing the end of a frame-on rebuild when we visited. It had been treated to a rebuilt drivetrain, fresh bodywork and paint, and a custom interior to make it a more enjoyable driver for its owner.