Thom Taylor, hot rodder and artist for decades, was asked by Autobooks in Burbank to sign copies of his new book Kustomland and it went as can be seen in the photos. Thom tells us, "I am always stunned at the depth and breadth of what's there, so it's the perfect place to attract somebody interested in meeting a car-related author. This time I conned custom paint legend Larry Watson, whose work is predominantly featured in Kustomland, to join me." As it ended up Thom and Larry had a great time and signed a lot of books.
Jay Leno frequents Autobooks, and did so back in '96 for Thom's epic first signing-driving up in his 1914 Mercer Raceabout-one of the most collectible cars in the world. This time was no different-and in the same car, yet. Thom gave Jay a signed book, and in turn he invited Thom to his Big Dawg Garage the following Monday to do a video for his web site jaylenosgarage.com.
Jay then proceeded to give Thom a quick tour of the site at the Autobooks front desk computer, with customers asking him for autographs and to please swipe their credit cards and give them a receipt as Jay and Thom stared at the blank screen of the slow computer. Two girls with some books and wallets out ask, "Jay, will you check us out?" Jays reply, "Girls, I checked you out when you first walked in." You gotta love a hot rodder with a sense of humor.
For background and as reference Thom was fortunate enough to get Sam DeKruyf to bring his 1958 Impala all of the way from Palm Springs. Sam's the perfect person for this because not only does he have a car that perfectly represents the era and spirit of the book, but he actually had a 1958 Impala in Bellflower that Watson scalloped back in the late 1950s. And he's been friends with both Watson and George Barris for over 50 years.
Thom brought along the person who painted Sam's car, who happens to be a close friend of his, Pete Santini.