Features Kustoms blues? I need to see some kustoms....

Aussie car built by Dave Hill

 

Quick story about George Liddle and his "Baracuda" 1955 Chevrolet. every car show that George went to (at least in the late 50's, early 60's), he drove the car. No trailer, no car hauler. I remember going with a group of custom car guys ('61/'62), from George's shop, early Sunday a.m. If I remember correctly, there were about 8-10 customs and/or hotrods. George led the caravan from the South suburb shop with his teal metalflake '55 Chevrolet, and we all headed to Morton Grove, Il for a one day show at the local Dodge dealer. George's car was the most radical of the group, and he got a spot on the show room floor, along with a couple of other radical cars from Northern Illinois/Southern Wisconsin.

Other cars lined up in the service department and also the cleared out used car lot. I remember Bob Dzemske from Milwaukee was there with his lincoln 2 door hardtop. Anyhow, George's "crew" carried a lot of white sand,plastic and bricks to make a little pond under the Baracuda, along with live goldfish. As a teenager, I was in total awe at the team effort that went into this little one day show, and all for a trophy. Seems like there may have been some $$ for best display and best of show, etc.

George owned a body shop (also did fiberglass boat repair), but not too many people knew of George's passion for customs. In fact, a friend of mine worked for George for several years, and never knew anything about the '55 Chevrolet. I have no idea where the car is now. Maybe hidden in George's garage at home?

Several years ago, George turned/sold the shop to his nephew, who continued with collision and boat repair. I spoke with him once on the phone, asking about George and the "55 Chevrolet. At that time, George was retired and I requested (and left my phone number) for George to phone me and tell me more about those day, but it was never to be. I suppose by then, it was another era/chapter in his life, and there was no interest in looking back. In any event, George left a memorable impression on a 15 year old kid with a mini bike.

 

CCR 2018

 

CCR 2018

 

CCR 2018

 

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Voo Doo Larry's Mercury CCR 2018

 

CCR 2018