Exactly, Kurt. I know there's a temptation to add graphics to a custom to raise its bling factor and get more attention, but on a car as beautiful as this one, I think that understatement is best. While I am not a taildragger purist, this one needs to be more level -- maybe an inch up in front and an inch down in back. I don't think I've ever seen it in black, but I like it. The stance looks better in this picture, too. As long as I'm being picky, I'd prefer to see a different grille treatment. But so what? It's f***ing gorgeous.
I saw the car in 1990. As I recall it, it was a sort of black cherry/rootbeer color, but it had ghost flames. In Rod Powell's post above, he says that it was black at one point.
WOW!! That car is spectacular. I dig the use of stock 46 grill on the top and bottom, but wonder what it would look like with a caddy grill from that era....hmmmm or an olds grill.
I lost track of this one I used to eyeball it at Paso, Don't think he has been to Santa Maria with the different color yet. I like Black, although the orange looks good. Roger
I don't think I said it was black. The car was repainted after some problems with the Tangerine. Adolfo Martinez painted it a Black Cherry type of pearl. It was a very dark color and to some people it may have appeared to be black. I thought the Tangerine looked a bit cheap with all of Butch's fine bodywork. I preferred the darker colors it has been repainted. RodP
Maybe I mis-read you, Rod. I thought you were saying that it was black between the orange and brown versions. Doesn't matter; it's a great car in any color, but I'd prefer to see it in a solid dark color.
yes, the car is in north jersey and is driven regularly. the body work is stunning and i've found myself walking around the car for what seems like hours several different times.
Harolds car has been back east for 10 to 15 years now. Bob sipes from the kansas city area did the interior, the design has been copied many times since. Harold was a big supporter of kkoa, went to many of the events nation wide. The photo with the blend job was taken at the holland michigan show, i have a pic of the car in the same spot. Hard to get a good shot with all the trees around.
Wow, what a thread and full of fantastic Kustoms and their history. I've just been through all 67 pages. Mind blowing , thanks to all contributors..
Kind of OT but also on topic.... Anybody else have any of these old KKOA Harold Olson posters? This one go's back to the 1980's and has hung in my garage (garages) for years that's why it looks like it does.
Alexander Brothers Adonis... not the best quality photo... but I like it anyway. Johnny Zupan 1950 Mercury with next to it the Buddy Alcorn Mercury. Modern Grecian. Jim SKonzakes (Street) showing his Golden Sahara II Dont know anything about this Chevy... but I think it looks pretty cool. White socks where popular back then! 51 Mercury with an attitude!
Here are two photos of the car in black primer.... Personally I never cared for it to much... So many things going on It distracts me from the overall look. It was even called Alley Oop back then already.
I know ,im just playin.I actually really dig the main lines on the car but I agree with Rik,it does have a lot going on and it kind of takes away from it.
Wow Rik,another open hood.Im starting to notice there are plenty of customs with their hoods open in a lot of these pics.I dont like it but it was more common then I first thought.
What engine did the Bettancourt have in it anyway? That bumper looks pushed up... great thread...that Adonis pic is great!
You have to remember, Alley Oop was built in the 80`s. Very common build style to that era. I liked it in primer more than after they painted it whie. It looks better with the hood and trunk shut of coarse. ---Jeff- the hoods are only open just a bit- not all the way like most people. Just enough to see all the chrome.
Looks to be an Olds Rocket engine in the Zupan Mercury. I think the bumper looks pushed up because of the Kaiser guard bends upwards slightly from this angle.
More with open hoods... and no I still don't care for it Photo from the Barry Mazza Collection Subtile hood opener. Photo from the Barry Mazza Collection
Rik, Do you think this is the same car that was once owned by one of our members here in Lake Havasu City. That was before I moved here and he sent me this photo for our website ..... I think it says "Arizona Kid" on the door. The background in your photo looks more like Arizona and I wonder if those are Dutch flags or just look like them.
It sure looks like the same car. Exhaust tips are in identical location. Well red white and blue is the dutch flag... perhaps they had a different purpose where the car was photographed... it sure was not in the Netherlands, or perhaps there was a Dutch theme at the show... and everybody was wearing wooden shoes? It does not really matter... I though it was nice.. and the car is really great. Good to see another photo of it. Still it needs some nice white wall tires.
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