Hey all, I've been having a look through the february '64 'car craft' magazine and was wondering 'bout 2 cars in particular from the "10 best customs" list/pictorial......... The 1st is Tats Gotanda's (bill hines built) '59 chevy impala,now i'm sure not too long ago someone told me this car had been found in original (well worn)condition,is thhat right? It was blue over a white pearl base,frenched antennas,custom grille,mad plush interior with swivel front seats and a tv set(!) side exhausts and a hydro set up,and a chromed- out engine.......If anyones' got some now pics or back in the day i'd just love to see them,lovely car....... Similarly lovely ride sharing same article was a '51 chevy of cort elliott,body mods by jack williams......had top chopped 5inches,58lincoln quad headlights and custom tube grille (sounds like a fair bit of work in itself!) '56packard tailights over '56chevy bumper,painted pearl burgundy,anyone know if this british columbian car still exists(or again any now/then pics)? Ta for any help peeps,figured someone might remember these.........
I think the first one is the Buddha Buggy. If I am not mistaken, the original owner just dropped it off at Bill Hines' shop for a complete resto. Can't help with the other one, but maybe check with Rikster. His custom site is second to none.
Court Elliot's car still exists. It is in the Vancouver, BC area and is owned by Terry Kong. Terry has been its caretaker for years and it spent a couple of years stored in my shop when I lived on the coast. The bodywork was done by Jack Williams and he is still alive. The car needs a restoration to its former glory, but shows up now and then at Vancouver area park and sits. I don't think I have any pics saved on my computer and my scanner is down rite now. Pat
Here's a thread with the -59... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=79976&highlight=bill+hines
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