Hey
Reader

​
Below are the
latest news and updates
from your friends at Kustomrama

---

KUSTOMRAMA NEWSLETTER NO. 195

---

---

Summer is here, and with it, the much-anticipated season of sun, fun, loud hot rods, and ground-scraping customs has officially begun! I recently had the pleasure of kickstarting this season by attending the Flying A Garage Invitational hosted by Atle Eriksen. Nestled on the serene border between Sweden and Norway, it was a fantastic party that set the perfect tone for the upcoming months.

In just three weeks, I'll be diving deeper into the season’s festivities by helping organize the 14th annual Coupe Devils Rod & Kustom Bonanza. Working alongside my buddies and fellow members of the Coupe Devils car club, we’re gearing up to bring another unforgettable gathering to hot rod and custom car enthusiasts across Scandinavia. While times have changed, and recruitment isn't quite what it was at its peak 20 years ago, our passion and excitement for hosting this event have only grown. We're all looking forward to sharing this experience with you and creating memories that last a lifetime ;)

Mark your calendars for June 28th! We can’t wait to see many of you at the Bonanza Show, celebrating the spirit of the season with great cars, great people, and great times. To make sure no one misses out on this spectacular event, be sure to click here to attend our Facebook event, and please help us spread the word by sharing it. Every share helps us keep the community vibrant and connected.

Here’s to a season filled with the roar of engines, cold beers, good stories, and the warmth of community. See you at the Bonanza Show!

Best summer wishes,
Sondre Kvipt
Editor, Kustomrama

Bill Jerry's 1932 Ford Roadster

Bill Jerry, a hot rod enthusiast from Jay, Maine, started working on this iconic hot rod in 1949. Back then, he raced around town in a chopped and channeled 5-Window Coupe. In 1951, he shifted his focus from the Coupe, acquiring a damaged 1932 DeLuxe Roadster body that he channeled over the coupe's frame, creating a sleek, low-profile masterpiece. The roadster underwent several modifications, including a custom metallic green paint job and a meticulously crafted interior with yellow boat cushion seats.

In the early 1950s, Bill actively raced the Roadster, continually upgrading its performance. Notably, he installed a blown 296 CI engine, which, despite never being fully tuned, showcased his dedication and skill. As Bill transitioned to running his transmission repair business, the roadster was stored and eventually sold in the mid-1960s.

The car suffered neglect until it was rediscovered and restored by Peter Bennett in the early 1990s. Bennett's careful restoration preserved much of the roadster's original charm while reviving its mechanical prowess. The car, now featuring a flat gold paint job and a newly built 1939 Mercury motor, continues to turn heads and capture the spirit of early hot rodding. Click here to dive deeper into the story of this East Coast Hot Rod on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Looking for Info: Gabe Naccarato's 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe

In the heart of 1950s New Mexico, Gabe Naccarato's 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe was a hot rod that supposedly turned heads with its unique modifications. This chopped and channeled beauty, once a well-known sight on the streets, has a storied past marked by periods of dormancy. Today, it has journeyed from New Mexico to Colorado, with a quick stop in Texas, but much of its history remains shrouded in mystery. Gabe needs your help to piece together the story of this captivating hot rod. Click here to dive into the full story on Kustomrama and share any clues or information you might have about its intriguing past.​

Comment

Canceled: The 2024 CKOS Lead Parking

We regret to inform our Scandinavian readers of significant changes within the Customs of Sweden organization, affecting this year's events. After ten years of dedicated service, including hosting the esteemed Lead Parking event since 2017, Niclas Backman, the event organizer, has announced his resignation. This leadership transition coincides with the decision not to host the Customs of Sweden show this year. Very sad news, and we understand this news is a disappointment for many who look forward to the annual showcase of Sweden's finest custom cars. However, we remain optimistic about the future, and we eagerly anticipate the return of the Customs of Sweden show next year, hoping it will bring even more spectacular automotive artistry to the forefront. Keep up the great work, guys. Thanks for keeping history alive!

Comment

New Collection Added: The Milt Mallory Photo Collection

We are thrilled to unveil the Milt Mallory Photo Collection to our Kustomrama Newsletter readers. Donated by our esteemed contributor and friend, Milt Mallory, this collection provides a unique window into the spirited days of early automotive racing. Recently unearthed and labeled merely as "Nevada," these photographs likely chronicle the adventures of a car club or a close-knit group of enthusiasts at the Cal-Neva Dry Lakes races.

The Cal-Neva Dry Lakes have been a pivotal site in the history of auto racing, where car clubs from Nevada and California converged to test the limits of their custom-built machines against the stark, flat backdrop of the lakes. These races not only pushed the boundaries of automotive engineering but also fostered a community bound by a shared passion for speed and innovation. Captured in these images are the moments of intense competition, the camaraderie of friends tuning engines and sharing tips, and the relaxed downtime that bonded these racers together.

This collection serves not just as a photographic archive but as an invitation to delve into the rich tapestry of car culture that thrived in these dry lake races. We encourage you to explore these captivating images on Kustomrama. Take a moment to step back in time, and if you recognize any of the cars or faces, we'd love to hear from you. Click here to check them out and share your stories and memories with us!​

Comment

Tony Vierra, Bugformance, The Thunderbug, and Kustomrama's Guide to Street Buggies of the 1960s and the 1970s

Pictured is a well-preserved example of a Thunderbug Dune Buggy crafted by Bugformance Inc. of Sunnyvale, California. Founded by Tony Vierra and Clay Diekmann in the late 1960s, Bugformance was renowned for its high-quality adaptations of the traditional Manx buggy, introducing the Thunderbug as a sturdier, more durable variant. Featuring hand-laid fiberglass reinforcements, molded tube infrastructure for electrical wiring, and distinctive automotive lighting configurations, the Thunderbug represented a significant evolution in dune buggy design. This particular model embodies the robust spirit and engineering ingenuity that defined Bugformance's contributions to 1960s and 1970s automotive culture. Want more? Click here to check out our guide to Street Buggies of the 1960s and the 1970s on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Summer's here, and so is the ultimate soundtrack to maximize your enjoyment! Introducing the Kustomrama June 2024 Playlist, featuring groovy tunes from Pokey LaFarge, Rancid, Lou Rawls, and a plethora of other sensational artists. Click here to give it a spin.​

Comment

Martin Bennett and the Original "The Uncertain-T" at the GNRS

Check this out! We received this great photo from our good friend and Kustomrama Supporter, Dave Willis. It shows Martin Bennett with the Original "The Uncertain-T," taken at the 2024 Grand National Roadster Show. Hailing from New Zealand, Bennett was inspired to re-create the original "The Uncertain-T" after building a model car kit of the original Steve Scott show car. Completed in 2019, Bennett's tribute debuted at the 2019 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. It was also shown at the Grand National Roadster Show in 2020 before being shipped back to New Zealand. On January 23, 2024, the hot rod community was electrified by Dave Shuten's announcement that the legendary "The Uncertain-T" had been found and was now part of the Galpin Auto Sports Collection. Shuten's Instagram revealed the car would appear at the 2024 Grand National Roadster Show and Detroit Autorama. Bennett flew in from New Zealand to see it, and we think this is a fantastic photo. History in the making. Thanks for sharing this great photo, Dave. Click here for more info and photos of Bennett's Uncertain-T Tribute Build on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Seeking the Polynesian II: A Family's Quest to Reconnect

Here's a great photo of Neil Emory and John Ballard with the Polynesian II that Leanne Hendricks shared with us. The Polynesian II is a recreation of Jack Stewart's 1950 Oldsmobile, an iconic custom car originally restyled by Neil Emory and Clayton Jensen at Valley Custom Shop in Burbank, California, in the early 1950s. Leanna reached out to us with a heartfelt email asking about the car's current whereabouts; "My husband and I are searching to find the Polynesian II. We were friends with John Ballard, and my husband, Dave, helped with this car. Dave is very interested in seeing it again. We brought our first daughter home from the hospital in it, so it has an extra special place in our hearts. I would appreciate any information regarding its current whereabouts!" We know that Jack Walker once owned the Polynesian II. Please contact us if anyone has information about the car or knows how to reach Jack Walker. This car holds significant sentimental value to the Hendricks family, and they would love to reconnect with it. Click here for more info and photos of the Polynesian II on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Diablo Speed Shop of Walnut Creek, CA

Diablo Speed Shop of Walnut Creek, California, is known for building what is believed to be the world's first fiberglass Model T body. Chris Lucas's dad, Earl D Lucas Jr., worked at the shop doing mechanical and pinstriping, so we were thrilled to find a couple of colorized photos from his collection in our inbox. The photos were taken in front of the shop, and Chris tells us that his dad is second from left in the photo above. Thanks for sharing this great piece of Walnut Creek hot rod history with us, Chris. Click here to check out the other photo on Kustomrama, and let us know if you have more info to share about Diablo Speed Shop and their fiberglass T's.​

Comment

Morten's 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria Custom

Finding out about new custom cars from our own "backyard" is always fun, so thanks to Morten Thoresen for sharing these photos with us. Morten tells us that he came across this 1953 Ford Crestline Victoria in Lillestrøm, Norway, in 1974. At the time, he was living at Kalbakken in Oslo, and the car with its Skyliner roof and 1956 Ford sidetrim really stood out. He believes he sold it to a fellow from Mortensrud, and he never saw it again after he sold it. If anyone knows more about the history of this one, we would love to hear from you. Click here for more info and photos on Kustomrama.​

Comment

How much is our automotive heritage worth to you Reader?

At Kustomrama, we're driven by passion, not paywalls. As a volunteer-run Encyclopedia, we're dedicated to keeping the history and legacy of traditional hot rods and custom cars free and accessible to everyone, everywhere. From server costs to content collection, every aspect of our mission needs fuel. Whether it's $5, $20, $50, or any amount you choose, your donation keeps the engine of history running.

​Click here to tip today and be a part of preserving this unique legacy for future generations.​

I appreciate your support!

Best regards
Sondre / Kustomrama Founder / Keeping History Alive

What is Kustomrama?

Kustomrama is a comprehensive online encyclopedia passionately dedicated to the preservation and sharing of traditional hot rod and custom car history. With a mission to keep this vibrant history alive for generations to come, Kustomrama offers an extensive repository of knowledge, featuring over 11,716 pages filled with information and more than 30,000 photos showcasing hot rods and custom cars from around the globe. Our goal is not only to document but also to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the hot rod and custom car community, ensuring that the stories and innovations of yesteryear enthusiasts are accessible to everyone.

What is the Kustomrama Newsletter?

The Kustomrama Newsletter is our vibrant bridge to enthusiasts of traditional hot rods and custom cars, offering a direct line to the latest entries and features in the Kustomrama Encyclopedia. As a free publication diligently curated by the Kustomrama team, we aim to deliver rich insights and fascinating stories right to your inbox on a weekly basis. Each issue is packed with summaries of new stories, in-depth articles, and captivating photographs that celebrate and document the evolving world of hot rods and custom cars.

Received this newsletter from a friend? You're just a click away from joining our community! Click here to sign up for your own free subscription and never miss out on the newest discoveries and articles from the extensive archives of Kustomrama.​

Please Help Us Spread the Word!

Do you know someone with a passion for traditional hot rods and custom cars? Friends or family who revel in the rich history and vibrant stories of these automotive marvels? By forwarding this email to them, you're not just sharing a newsletter—you're inviting them to become an integral part of our dedicated community.

At Kustomrama, we believe in the power of collective storytelling. An astonishing 90% of the material we publish is sourced directly from emails and contributions from our newsletter subscribers. This vibrant exchange of photos and stories allows us to continually enrich and expand our encyclopedia, creating a more comprehensive and engaging experience for everyone involved.

The more enthusiasts join our mailing list, the broader our network of stories and contributors grows. This means more fascinating tales, more rare photographs, and a richer history for us all to share. So, in forwarding this newsletter, you're not just spreading the word—you're helping to preserve and celebrate the legacy of hot rods and custom cars for future generations.

Join us in this exciting journey. Forward this email to those who'd cherish it as much as you do, and let's build an even stronger Kustomrama community together.

What is the Kustomrama Member Community?

At the heart of Kustomrama, beyond the vast encyclopedia of traditional hot rods and custom cars, lies our vibrant Member Community. Each "COMMENT" button embedded within this newsletter serves as a portal to a collaborative space where enthusiasts like you can engage, discuss, and dive deeper into the stories that fuel our passion.

Our community platform welcomes contributors and supporters to share their insights, offer feedback, and contribute to the evolving narratives of the hot rod and custom car culture. Whether you're looking to provide additional information, share a personal anecdote related to a story, or simply express your enthusiasm for a piece, your voice is invaluable to us.

Interested in becoming an active participant in shaping the history and stories of hot rods and custom cars? Click here to join our community today. As a member, you're not just joining a forum—you're becoming part of a dedicated collective committed to preserving and celebrating the rich legacy of automotive culture.​

What is the Kustomrama Marketplace?

Step into the Kustomrama Marketplace, a specialized classifieds section meticulously curated for enthusiasts of traditional hot rods and custom cars. This unique platform serves as a bustling hub where individuals can explore, buy, and sell vehicles, parts, and memorabilia that celebrate the rich heritage of hot rod and custom car culture.

Whether you're in search of that rare part to complete your project, looking to pass on a cherished vehicle to a fellow enthusiast, or hoping to discover the perfect piece of memorabilia to add to your collection, the Kustomrama Marketplace is your go-to destination.

​Click here for more information and to dive into the Kustomrama Marketplace. Discover a world where each listing tells a story, each transaction fuels a passion, and every member contributes to the ongoing legacy of traditional hot rods and custom cars.

I have some stories or photos that I want to share with you. What do I do?

We're always on the lookout for fresh stories and photos to enrich the Kustomrama Encyclopedia and share with our community. If you have material related to traditional hot rods, custom cars, or any piece of history you believe deserves a spotlight, we'd love to hear from you!

Getting in touch is easy. You can simply hit the 'reply' button on this email to start a conversation directly with us. Prefer a different method? No problem! Email us at mail@kustomrama.com with your stories, photos, or any inquiries. Alternatively, if you're a member of our vibrant community, you're welcome to submit your material directly to our Member's Community platform.

Your contributions play a crucial role in keeping the spirit and history of hot rodding and custom cars alive. Whether it's a personal anecdote, a piece of automotive history, or a series of photographs, your shared materials help us all to celebrate and preserve the rich tapestry of this culture for future generations.

Thanks for helping us keeping history alive

Leave a Tip

Join our Family