Hey
Reader

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

---

KUSTOMRAMA NEWSLETTER NO. 196

---

---

Dear Kustomrama Community,

I hope this message finds you enjoying the warm embrace of summer. June has been a whirlwind of activity for us—end-of-school and kindergarten celebrations, family gatherings, and, not least, the 14th annual Coupe Devils Rod & Kustom Bonanza. Thanks to my brothers in the Coupe Devils car club and all who attended, the show was a roaring success, drawing even more people and cars to Blaker, just outside Oslo.

As I write this, I'm preparing for a much-awaited break; the family and I are off to the east coast of Sweden for some lazy days. We'll bask in the summer ease, recharging before we return to Norway for more lazy days. While away, I'll try to line up some exciting content for our August newsletter, but I’ll also be taking time to just breathe and be present with my loved ones.

So, here's to a fantastic summer for all of you! Enjoy the sunshine, the open roads, good friends, BBQ, and cold beers. Over and out, and have a great summer, everyone!

Best regards,
Sondre Kvipt
Editor, Kustomrama

Ed Larsen's Barracuda

In the quiet hum of suburban garages, where dreams of chrome and steel take shape, Ed Larsen's Barracuda stands as a testament to the raw passion and ingenuity of backyard custom builders. This story begins in 1953, when Ed, fueled by a relentless drive and love for sports cars and customs, transformed parts from a dozen different cars into a local legend. Through long nights and countless challenges, Ed's vision came to life, embodying the spirit of the custom car culture.

Key to preserving this legacy is Jace Larsen, Ed's grandson, who graciously shared photos and stories of his grandpa's creation, ensuring that the tale of this remarkable custom car endures. Jace's dedication brings a personal touch to the narrative, reminding us that these machines are more than just metal and paint—they are pieces of history, family treasures, and symbols of relentless creativity.

​Click here to dive into the full story of Ed Larsen's Barracuda on Kustomrama and explore how a man's labor of love became a cherished piece of custom car heritage.​

Comment

Found: Bill and Bob Glazier's 1953 Oldsmobile Convertible

They are still out there!!! A couple of weeks ago, an old Barris Kustom from back in the day just showed up for sale on Hemmings. The Bill and Bob Glazier's 1953 Oldsmobile was restyled by Barris Kustoms back in the 1950s. They drove down from North Bend, Washington, to have it restyled. Before they pointed the shaved hood back north, they had Dean Jeffries stripe it. It seems to be in a good and preserved condition, and we have heard from people that it is still in the Glazier family. After we shared the news about the treasure on Instagram and Facebook, the story went viral, and many people reached out to the seller. I think they were overwhelmed, so it was taken off the market for now...I expect it will return again soon. Click here for more info and photos on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Looking for Info: Edgar Smith's Custom Roadster

Edgar Smith's Custom Roadster, a unique hand-built vehicle from Fallon, Nevada, was constructed sometime between 1948 and 1964. This distinctive, lowslung car features a tube frame, 1948 Ford axles, and a Columbia two-speed rear axle. Originally possibly powered by a Flathead Ford engine, it now boasts a 1956 Ford 312 Y-Block engine with performance-enhancing modifications like an enlarged oil pan and Mallory MagSpark system. The roadster’s full belly pan suggests a potential history in land speed racing at venues such as the California dry lakes or Bonneville Salt Flats, though no photographic evidence confirms this. Stored since 1982, the car has traveled through California, Nevada, Oregon, and possibly Utah and is currently in Vancouver, Washington, under the care of Steven Andrews. Andrews is seeking more information to complete its history and preserve its legacy. Click here to head on over to Kustomrama for more info and photos, and let us know If you have any details or photos to share.​

Comment

Coupe Devils Bonanza 2024

Atle "Tintin Quarantino" Eriksen is back with another nice event coverage. This time, he made a short glimpse from Coupe Devils Bonanza at Blaker outside Oslo, Norway, on the 28th and 30th of June 2024. According to Atle, "It was a blast." Find out what the BUZZ is all about. Click here to check it out.​

Comment

Don Jackson's 1956 Chevrolet

This 1956 Chevrolet was exquisitely restyled by Doug Thompson at Farhner Custom Shop for Don Jackson of Concord, Tennessee. This Corvette-powered masterpiece showcases avant-garde automotive styling with canted quad headlights, a recessed grille adorned with 1959 Cadillac teeth, and sophisticated custom nerf bars. Cloaked in Pearlescent White lacquer and featuring a plush red and white Naugahyde interior, the car represents the pinnacle of 1960s custom car design. Photographed by Grier Lowry, this image from the Ray Soff Collection on Kustomrama captures the essence of customized elegance. Completed in 1961 and celebrated in Car Craft Magazine. Click here for more great photos from the Ray Soff Collection on Kustomrama.​

Comment

Dive into the sizzling beats of the Kustomrama July 2024 Playlist! Featuring electrifying tracks from The Sonics to Reigning Sound and Black Sabbath, this playlist is your ticket to a summer of rock 'n' roll bliss. Click here to give it a spin.​

Comment

Lee Plastic Knights

Beth Stewart, granddaughter of Marvin D. Jarnagin, founder of Lee Plastic Company, shared this nostalgic snapshot with us, featuring a Little League team sponsored by the company in 1962. Lee Plastics, based in Detroit, Michigan, was renowned in the 1950s and 1960s for its custom automotive taillights. "I am guessing my grandpa sponsored a Little League team in Detroit in 1962," Beth noted. We appreciate Beth for this delightful glimpse into her family's legacy. For more about Lee Plastic Company and their impact on custom car culture, click here to visit Kustomrama.​

Comment

Chop Suey

Lisa Anastasia recently shared a captivating photo with us, showcasing an old custom car that her father and grandfather built in the 1960s in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Known as "Chop Suey," this vehicle is a testament to the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of Ivan and Victor Peroff. Starting with a 1942 Plymouth body, the Peroffs meticulously integrated parts from 16 different cars, including 1951 Chevrolet front fenders and a 1955 Cadillac engine, creating a truly unique custom car. We thank Lisa for this wonderful glimpse into her family's automotive legacy. For more details on the "Chop Suey" and its rich history, click here to head on over to 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