The Art Of Von DutchTornado Design recently announced the availability of "The Art of Von Dutch," a 420-page hardcover book featuring more than 1,000 photos, 15 essays, a host of anecdotes from Von Dutch's friends and associates, and a detailed timeline documenting his life. One of the most misunderstood and eccentric artists of his day, Kenneth Howard, aka Von Dutch, was a uniquely talented and versatile craftsman known for his innovative pinstriping, gunsmithing, knife making, engraving, machining, sign painting, and mechanical skills.
Compiled by Aaron Kahan (Rod & Custom's new art director), Douglas Nason, Al Quattrocchi, and Jeff Smith, this long-awaited project contains the most comprehensive collection of original works by the artist ever assembled. Over three years in the making, "The Art of Von Dutch" sets the record straight on Von Dutch's contributions to American pop culture from the late 1940s to his untimely death in 1992, and serves as a historic reference for generations to come. This treasure trove is a must-have for artists, collectors, gearheads, grease monkeys, and hot rod enthusiasts.
For more information, or to purchase your copy of "The Art of Von Dutch," call (310) 202-1020, or visit www.tornadodesign.la
SAR's Mark Of Excellence AwardSteve's Auto Restorations announces the continuance of a special award at the Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona in 2007. SAR owner Steve Frisbie will present the Mark of Excellence Award to a real steel vehicle that exhibits the best in design, metal finish, and fitment at the awards ceremony on Sunday.
The award, now in its sixth year of presentation, has been awarded at all four hotrodshows.com events in Pomona, Sacramento, Portland, and Seattle. It is one of the more coveted awards presented at these events, especially Pomona, where recognition competition is the greatest. The special 9x12-inch plaque, designed by Steve and Chris Ito, is jeweler cast in pewter and mounted on heavy marble.
"It gets more difficult each year to make the best choice for my award, as the quality of the show vehicles improves every year at these events," Frisbie said.
For more information, contact Steve Frisbie at (503) 665-2222, e-mail steve@realsteel.com, or visit www.realsteel.com.
2007 Builder Of The YearThe 58th annual Grand National Roadster Show is proud to honor Pinkee's Rod Shop owner and founder Eric Peratt as Builder of the Year for 2007. Peratt will be presented with this exclusive award at the show this year, which will be held January 26-28, 2007, at the famous Fairplex in Pomona, California.
When told he won, Peratt said he was honored to be classed with previous builders who have won since he views many of them as mentors. "This would have been impossible to achieve without the help and support of the Pinkee's crew, my family, and the many great customers I have had the opportunity to work with throughout the years," Peratt said. "As all builders know, there are long days and longer days, and while winning awards isn't everything, being recognized for your achievements sure does make those longer days a little more bearable."
A three-day event, the GNRS is the longest-running indoor car show in the world and home to the coveted America's Most Beautiful Roadster award-a perpetual 9 1/2-ft-tall trophy that attracts the best roadsters from all over the world to compete in this historic annual event.
For more information, contact John Buck Enterprises at (877) Rod-Shows, or visit www.rodshows.com.
50 Years In WichitaWe invite you to come celebrate Darryl Starbird's 50th Annual National Rod & Custom Car Show in Wichita, Kansas. Starbird is going all out to make this year a special celebration, with the most bubbletopped cars to be shown in one show ever and over 20 Starbird feature cars on display. Many of Wichita's original car clubs are putting up special displays, plus the usual 400 vehicles, lots of entertainment, good music, beautiful girls, and celebrities. You and your ride have a personal invitation from Darryl, so come one, come all.
Wichita is the place to be January 19-21, 2007, more specifically, at the beautiful Century II Convention Center. For more information, call (918) 257-8073, or visit www.darrylstarbird.com.