Hot rodders have come to expect a lot from modern muscle machine builds. They want classic American sheet metal paired with updated ride, handling, braking, and comfort characteristics. And they want big power without compromises. That usually means a modern fuel-injected engine that generates impressive
Back in early 1986, Marine Corporal Dave Erdmann was standing in the Chevrolet dealer lot looking over a maroon ’86 Monte Carlo SS he just finished test driving. As he looked past the salesman and over the roof of the Monte, Dave noticed a light
(After talking to Jim Thomson, the owner of this restored 1968 Firebird, we thought it would be fun to let him explain the history and features of this Pontiac!) Back in high school in New Jersey in the ’70s, before I was old enough to drive,
Small projects (just a repaint and updated interior, please) frequently turn into full-blown rebuilds in the hot rod and old car world. Sometimes it’s a plan that grows and evolves. Often, though, the small-project prep work uncovers the need for a more significant change in
It’s not how you start but how you finish. You regularly hear a version of that motivational message from parents, coaches, and workplace supervisors. Marv Struiksma’s 1951 Studebaker Starlight coupe’s journey from backyard restomod to its current condition as a standout custom proves the wisdom
Imagine ordering a car and then waiting 45 years for delivery. That’s essentially what Bryn Williams did before parading his custom 1955 Chevy Nomad as a finalist for the Meguiars West Coast Goodguys d’Elegance award in Del Mar. Bryn bought the Nomad in 1972 and
If you’re of a certain age, or if you or spend time browsing early-’60s hot rod and custom magazines, you’ll immediately understand why Nicole Baird’s America’s Most Beautiful Roadster-winning ’32 Ford is an excellent tribute to the show cars of that era. From the color
Cory Kozlowski’s grandfather drove a 1937 Ford in the late 1940s. His father spent time in one, too. So, when the British Columbia resident decided a few years ago to sell his Camaro and Nova to finance a ’37 Ford as a tribute to the
It seemed like a good idea at the time. Eight or nine years ago, Danny Santoro found a 1955 Chevy Bel Air with a straight axle front suspension and a blown big block for sale. It was a good looking and really clean car that seemed
Danny Shaffer is a successful rancher, a longtime hot rodder, and a Ford fan. So, it only makes sense that his stable of custom vehicles would eventually include a vintage Ford Ranch Wagon in it. This ’57, recently finished by Ironworks Speed & Kustom, certainly
