Every year the Grand National Roadster Show staff puts forth an exhaustive effort to assemble a historical collection of vehicles surrounding a specific theme. This year the team’s efforts were dedicated to Customs: Then and Now housed in Building 9.
To accurately capture how customs have evolved through the years, cars were placed referencing the decades in which they were built, starting with the ’40s era gracefully flowing rearward capturing the essence of the ’50s and ’60s and beyond, culminating with more recent builds of the last decade.
By taking fresh steel from Detroit as a base and adding their own unique flair for design restyling, custom builders illustrate how creative sculpting can take factory forms to a whole new level. It’s obvious that as the decades passed both custom builders and automakers were influenced by each other’s creative efforts.
Restyled by Westergard in...
Restyled by Westergard in 1948, Al Lauer’s ’41 Cadillac owned and restored by Kurt McCormick, featured subtle modifications like sleek fade-away fenders and a Hall top.
Working your way though the exhibition you were treated to restyling from countless historical designers beginning in the ’40s with flowing lines from Westergard and Coach Craft to Barris. There were a number of custom competition coupes on display, including the Pierson Brothers’ ’36 Ford and Doug Rice’s ’39 Ford, proving that you could possess both stylish looks while also being competitive at the racetrack. Along with the ’50s and ’60s came larger bodied cars allowing builders like Winfield, the A-Brothers, Hines, Starbird, Watson, Jeffries, Valley Custom, and Wilhelm to let their creativity flow. Then add in a formal meet-and-greet session, which gave you the chance to talk with many of the custom world’s legends. This, combined with a well-designed tribute to Larry Watson, and you could have spent the entire day in Building 9.
The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a chance to see everything from the Skylane Motor Special, to the Hirohata Merc, the Aztec, Alcorn Merc, and Calori coupe under one roof was worth the price of admission alone. The amount of work taken to locate and assemble this breathtaking group of historical customs deserves a heavy tip of the hat to all those involved, including Alex Axle Idzardi, Rik Hoving, Jeff Neppl, and Luke Karosi, who worked tirelessly with the GNRS staff to make it all happen.
We can’t wait to see what’s in store for Building 9 come the 2012 GNRS.
Jack Calori’s ’36 Ford coupe...
Jack Calori’s ’36 Ford coupe (owned by Jorge Zaragoza) showcased updates, including a 3-inch chop, ’39 LaSalle grille, and Buick teardrop rear skirts.
From the October ’49 cover...
From the October ’49 cover of Motor Trend, Norman E. Timbs’ Special (owned by Gary and Diane Cerveny) featured a dramatic two-piece aluminum body with groundbreaking style.
Kurt McCormick’s ’41 Buick...
Kurt McCormick’s ’41 Buick Roadmaster convertible restyled by the Pisano Brothers/Barris for Herb Ogden, looked like it was going 100 mph standing still.
On the cover of Hot Rod in...
On the cover of Hot Rod in April 1952, Glen Johnson’s ’37 Ford coupe (from the Bortz collection) looked great with its chop, channel, and custom frontend.
The Dick Fowler ’38 Ford coupe...
The Dick Fowler ’38 Ford coupe owned by Vicki and Chris Idzardi is a true survivor car that was originally built by Sam and George Barris in 1946.
Duane “Speedy” Pedroza proudly...
Duane “Speedy” Pedroza proudly displayed the wicked Carson-topped ’39 Ford his Grandfather Bill Pearce started customizing from the early ’40s through the ’50s.
The custom-bodied Skylane...
The custom-bodied Skylane Motor Special (owned by John and Angela Crego) created by Leroy J. Viersen Jr., graced the cover of Motor Trend in June 1951.
Jack Walker’s recreation of...
Jack Walker’s recreation of the Barris-built ’52 Buick known as the “Blue Danube” was a knock-out with its glamorous paint, and dedication to the original design.
The Pierson Brothers’ stylish...
The Pierson Brothers’ stylish ’36 Ford custom competition coupe (owned by Jim Bobowski) was the Russetta points champion in 1948.
With killer looks, Doug Rice’s...
With killer looks, Doug Rice’s ’39 Ford coupe, now owned by Don Richardson, made itself known on the streets as well as the salt and the drags.
One of the highlights of the...
One of the highlights of the weekend was the chance to meet with many of the custom world’s legends, including Gene Winfield (left) and Bill Hines.
Restyled by Bill Bowman for...
Restyled by Bill Bowman for George Kilger, the Gator ’51 Chevy coupe incorporated plenty of custom touches combined with pale gold vibe making it a standout.
Without a doubt Bob Hirohata’s...
Without a doubt Bob Hirohata’s legendary Barris-built ’51 Merc owned by Jim McNeil, captures ’50s-era customizing at its finest.
Larry Watson’s groundbreaking...
Larry Watson’s groundbreaking ’58 T-bird (owned by Roger O’Dell) combined his exquisite panel paint style with restyling by Barris.
Bill Carr’s mind-blowing Barris-built...
Bill Carr’s mind-blowing Barris-built Aztec ’55 Chevy, restored and owned by Barry Mazza, set the custom car world on fire with its radical restyling.
The soul infused by Jerry...
The soul infused by Jerry Daman into the recreation of Junior Conway’s memorable ’50 Ford coupe is evident at every corner of the car from its modifications to its color.
With absolutely perfect proportions...
With absolutely perfect proportions at every angle, Jeff Neppl’s ’50 Merc is the last one chopped and customized by the legendary Dick Dean.
If John Saltsman’s radically...
If John Saltsman’s radically restyled Atomitron ’49 Studebaker pickup didn’t make your pulse race there was no hope for you.