50th Annual Indianapolis World of Wheels - Web Exclusive

The maroon body and killer flames on Jerry Duke's Deuce gave it loads of character especially when combined with a stock lid, un-split bones, right-on rake, and Houdaille shocks.

One of the most talked about hot rods on the show floor was Bill Bronson's historic '32 Ford roadster. Sporting its patina'd sheen, weathered interior, and 2-pot Fenton urged Flathead, it ran 120.96 mph at El Mirage in '48. Even cooler is that it was the giveaway car at the '51 Indianapolis Auto Show and has been owned by the Bronson family since '53.

The Bronson family has been involved with hot rodding since the early 50's and their dragster is said to be the first of its type built for racing in the Indianapolis area. Originally campaigned as a rear-engined belly tank first with a Flathead and later with a Hemi (still in the car today); it was converted to a slingshot dragster in '65.

The more you looked at Mike Vancil's roadster pick-up the cooler it got. Tom Culbertson gets the nod for melding a '30 Chevy cowl to a Ford sedan midsection, and wrapping it up with a custom bed. Vivid lime shine and load's of eye-candy make it a standout.

John and Susie Cooper's "El-Tiki" '29 Ford roadster fresh from the stables at Culbertson's Hot Rods and Customs brought the full show-rod spirit to the Motorama with its amazing fabrication, effervescent vibe, and perfect execution. Packed with a '56 Olds V-8 settled into a custom double-tube chassis by Culbertson's, it sure made its mark.

Some customs just ooze sex appeal and John Crain's '54 Mercury Sun Valley coated in House of Kolors candy pearl pink. It featured custom rear quarters, skirts, peaked front fenders, and plenty of eye catching touches

Loaded with style and looking like it was melting into the pavement, Mike and Jim Lanning's '51 Merc had a heavily hammered top complimented by incredible attention to detail and custom body fabrication. Laced with serene yellow and creme glamour, it was without a doubt one of the hottest customs of the weekend.

Chrome reverse wheels and aggressive slicks set the tone for performance in Chris Vannarsdall's '30 Ford pick-up where a dual-quad fed Chrysler Hemi made sure that a healthy amount of power linked to a Frankland quick change would transfer the power.

With all of the hard work completed, Phil Allen's bitchin' '50 Chevy Fleetline was ready for a dip in the paint bath to bring out the best of it's stoke body mods.

Ford sedans don't get any neater than J. D. Keith's souped-up '31 Ford with its nasty six deuce-fed 401ci Nailhead bolted to the 'rails, hard chop, split bones, and powder blue suede body wrapped with period-perfect white scallops

With plenty of gangster tough good looks, Dean Jannes' '50 Ford coupe was looking fine rolling on chrome reverse wheels complimented by wide whites while bubble skirts, lake pipes, and a searing white interior sealed the deal.

Covered in polished gold suede and hammered so hard it looked like it was screwed into the pavement, Rick Marks' and Brad Utterback's '30 Ford coupe was reeking evil with its excessive chop, deep channel, and heavy rear kick.