I had the great fortune to purchase a radical custom 1951 Ford that was touched by Barris and Roth. Most of the work was performed by Art Maimbourg of Tulsa, OK. I understand he was especially fond of customizing fibergl*** cars and started doing so at a very young age. He added some fabulous features to the car I have. Does anybody have knowledge of his involvement in the hobby? I will get some photos up soon.
I believe he now lives in Sand Springs. I rode to Bartlesville in Art's shopped 34 three window circa 1953. It snowed on us on the return trip, and his wipers would not move the weight so he drove with his window open and reached out to clear the snow. My first road trip in a hot rod!
I drove the **** out of it tonight and took it to a small Cruise-In. Of course it was a big hit. Drove it on I-90 on the way home. Now to clean off the bugs and put it away for safe-keeping
perhaps the car is a female? actually, the top comes OFF, as it is a roadster, not a convertible. I usually prefer the top OFF, versus DOWN, anyway. Car or girl
went on a fifty mile run, including some time on the freeway. Hammered the corners until the tires squeeled. Great driver. Starts at the touch of the key, hot or cold. The reception at Cruise-In was wonderful. Lots of head scratching and questions.
He use to be in the Club Tulsa Wheels, I was a member also. HE was building this car for one of his granddaughters as I remeber. He built a 1961 Chrysler in to a ElCamino Style that I alway wish I could have seen. I only seen pictures of it. He also had a 51 Ford or around that year that was converted to a ElCamino style it had a 413 or a Hemi init Not sure. He also had a 51 Henry J that he put on a 80s Chrysler Front wheel drive complet frame. Anyhow if anyone knows his address I would like to write him or call him. If you have away of getting ahold of him, I have a 1956 Dodge 2 door Hardtop Its white and Gold. I have not seen him for 15 years or so because I moved to OKC area. I'm slure that he would remeber my car, even though it was not a real custom. I just had a couple of bolt on things to make it look better. I alway though that he was a great guy.
I hope one of you Oklahoma guys can alert Art to the fact that his old custom is now back in the daylight. Please tell him it is a blast to drive and that his work is phenominal. I hope he is as proud as I am.
Art is one kool guy, I've always loved this kustom and it was on my "wanna own someday" list. Enjoy driving it around, I know Art did and he will be happy to know someone else is enjoying it. Art drove it to the Stray Kat 500 a few years ago. Very Kool!! You have been blessed. Happy Trails, Mick
thanks, Mick. I am likely going to hold off on showing the car until the KKOA show in WI later this summer. fortunately, I have a couple others that I can drive.
Had the absolute good fortune of getting to meet Art today - he came to our shop and was interested in doing some car swapping , - Absolute great guy , great stories - truly humbled to meet the man !!
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