Very nice Paucho.... but this thread is about old(er) photos of custom cars. Lets rule out digital photos for this one... there are plenty other threads where those can be added. More like this.... George Barris and Bob Metz with the Dream Truck after Metz did the new finned rear fenders. Keith Ashley Collection Or a bit newer... also from the Keith Ashley Collection But they are all scanned images.
OK, I'm trying to jump start this thread again. Here are some new photos from my collection. These are all from 2 polaroid photo albums I bought, and seems to be taken in Iowa around 1956. If you recognize any of the rides that would have been cool as I'm trying my best to recognize them. First out is a two-toned unchopped Merc A nice Oldsmobile with Packard taillights. I really like this one. Note the special grille bar with angled spinners: Another Olds, this one has been recognized thanks to Justin Kudolla. The car belonged to Norman Wesp, and was featured in at least Rodding and Re-styling February 1957 A mild chevy A plymouth: And the last one for now
The Merc in the middle was,and is now a NJ car.Barry Mazza had built that back in the mid 80's.It was sold to a guy in Conn,which in turn was sold to a collector back here in Jersey.
Fantastic photos Sondre... thanks for bringing this one back. Here are a few from some photo albums I bought recently... Sam Barris built El Capitola... Barris Shop in 1957 Hirohata Mercury with 53 Caddy Sombrero hubcaps... Kopper Kart at an outdoor show...
almost ready... In primer Barry with the Mercury at a New York City outdoor show... Very special photo! Restoration work in the 90's... at this point the then owner tried to convince everybody it was the real Bettancourt Mercury built by Ayala/Barris... But we all know its a near clone. Restored, and shown with other real Barris Customs at Amelia Concours. Even George Barris said it was the real deal then!!!
You want early Kustoms? How about 1917? August 18, 1917. Racecar driver Barney Oldfield in the cockpit of his Golden Submarine at the Sheepshead Bay "speed carnival" in Brooklyn. And as she looks today...
That was Springfield, OH around '83-'85? I was a teenager there and little did I know that this was about the pinnacle of the resurgence of customs. Oh sure there are great shows nowadays, but this was different, its just not the same now.
Not advertising for anybody, but the Black Panther custom 50 Chev is in the HAMB classifieds right now. I wish I had some money.
Thanks for the tip, it's nice to see that the car is still around. It's not my favorite '49 Chevy custom, but I really hopes that somebody buys it and restores it back to the way it was!
I've been working on my Merc Library have a lot of Merc Pictures to post. When I get through posting them I'll post my other Kustoms. I wish I could go back, a lot of Good Times... Merc Deuce Reunion Wichita... Americruze Springfield Mo Merc Deuce reunion Ft. Smith Ark Hang Dice Nats Merc Deuce reunion Merc Deuce Reunion Wichita Americruze Last Merc Deuce reunion
Todays kustom Pics Hangin Dice .. KKOA 20th Spectacular Merc Deuce Reunion Kelly Puckets Merc On the way up to Springfield, Mo. Americruize Merc Deuce Reunion Wichita
Hangin Dice .. Custom Rodder mascot not HAMB friendly but still kool. Merc Deuce Reunion Springfield, Mo. Americruize Johnny Young from Tulsa built this Merc. I enjoyed watching it go through the build process. Years ago I thought it was bad ass. Today Id have to change some things. It would make a kool 60s style kustom. Merc Deuce Reunion Wichita Roger Wards Merc Happy Trails, Mick
Last batch today..... Ark City , KS Joe Bailon built this Merc. The Merc was for sale cheap that weekend. I wish that I would have bought it. The Merc didn’t have windows, so it was a roadster. For the guys that made the Show in Ft. Smith, the weather was always perfect. (Hot) if my memory is correct the guys wife wasn’t a happy Kemper. Merc Deuce Reunion Wichita Doug Thompson Merc Happy Trails, Mick
Cool pictures, I like the rootbeer brown one at the bottom the best.it just needs some fat whitewalls and take off the iroc mirrors, but that is a nice clean sled.
Mick, Those photos bring back so many memories. Back in the early 80's I was able to get my hand on the 1983 Custom Cars issue that Hot Rod magazine had put out. (not an easy thing to find over here in the Netherlands back then) I knew already that I loved Custom Cars. But that magazine showed me the things I really loved. In a lot of the photos some really great cars appeared only in the backgrounds... and now with your photos I finally see them up close (well as close as it can be) And other angles on the cars that made it in this magazine. I used that magazine all the time to get inspired for my custom car model car building, and took it everywhere with me. One day it was on our coffee table when my sister bumped over a full cup of thee, and the magazine was soaked... I spend hours getting it dry again... of coarse the pages where ripples and stained after that... not much is left of that particular issue, but luckily ebay got around, and I found a new copy.... Loved that magazine. But your photos are even better... thanks
The Jalopy Journal
