1949 Oldsmobile Futuramic 88 Convertible - Paul White's '49 Olds Convertible Is Built To Perfection

Focusing on the exterior, it was time for countless dramatic changes to get mapped out and for some hard-core metal voodoo to commence. Since the car was obviously top heavy and in need of some serious nip and tuck, the road map of custom updates began with a healthy 4-inch chop to the windshield and top to get the re-proportioning underway. The body was then channeled 4 inches to bring it even closer to the ground when the ShockWave's were deflated. With this completed the team focused on streamlining and sculpting the vintage steel. The redesign of the front end began with the team pancaking the hood starting with a 2-inch cut up front working to 0 inch at the rear. They nipped 3-1/2 inches from the front of the hood where it meets the grille along with an additional 2 inches taken from where the top grille bar will come into play and completed it all with 1-1/2 inches removed at the parking light. The body sides were then wedge-sectioned 3-1/2 inches rearward, wrapping up with the wheelwells being moved the same amount and the trunk lid being wedge-sectioned 1-1/2 inches. A sculpted rear roll pan, shaved and tucked bumpers, and a custom front bumper centersection seals the deal.

To bring all of the custom fabrication to fruition, Boyan Illinov at Back Bay Customs got busy dialing in all of the updates with flawless bodywork. He then loaded his spray gun with custom-blended Martin-Senour Fiesta Maroon and laid down glamorous coating of mile-deep vibe, bringing the car to life. The interior underwent a major transformation as well linking the now sexy exterior to a debonair business office. First the dash was streamlined and redesigned, incorporating a Shelby Series 1 Cobra instrument cluster, while a supercharger boost gauge was installed where the factory clock once ticked off minutes. A custom console, hideaway radio, and sculpted door panels add even more distinction to the mix. Late-model Dodge Magnum seats up front and a custom designed rear seat were treated to yards of butter soft fawn leather by ARS Custom Interiors of Norway, Maine, to give the car a memorable interior. In the final stages, Adam Clayman and Steven White get the nod for wiring and final assembly, working tirelessly to ensure the car would be ready for its debut at the 60th Grand National Roadster Show. The completed car oozes subtleness with a refined look that personifies the style expected from Back Bay Customs. Hearing Paul scream up the road working the Olds through its six-speed ZF transaxle easily sends a chill up your spine, proving this diehard custom guy from Maine is truly living the life!