Hey
Reader

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

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KUSTOMRAMA NEWSLETTER NO. 202

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Dear Reader,

As we dive into February, many of you are attending the 75th Anniversary Grand National Roadster Show in Pomona, marveling at the array of spectacular rides. It’s an exciting time for everyone in the custom car community, and though I can’t be there in person, I’m eagerly following along from afar.

This year's show is not just any event—it's a historical milestone with the Petersen Automotive Museum showcasing a special collection. More than 50 past AMBR and Al Slonaker Memorial Award winners will be gathered under one roof, marking the largest convergence of past winners ever at the GNRS. The show will also pay tribute to GNRS Hall of Fame inductees and feature an array of historical memorabilia that promises to be a real treat for enthusiasts.

Another highlight is celebrating 100 years of George Barris, the king of customizers. Thanks to Galpin Speed Shop, an unprecedented display of 12 original famous Barris Kustom cars will be showcased in building 9—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for every custom car fan.

2025’s Builder of the Year, Bill Ganahl, and his team at South City Rod & Custom, will also be there. Bill started his journey in 2008 as a side hustle and has since turned it into a renowned hub for custom builds and classic restorations. Make sure to check out some of their most memorable builds in Building 4.

On another exciting note, Kustomrama Contributor Mike Kosulandich was on the scene for move-in day at the GNRS and captured over 100 photos of both debut vehicles and familiar favorites. These snapshots provide a fantastic glimpse into the setup and early highlights of the show. Click here to check them all out, and remember to revisit as we continue to update our gallery with more photos throughout the weekend.​

Sadly, this month we also mourn the loss of two legends, custom car builder Jack Walker and Beatniks President Jack Rudy. Our hearts go out to their friends and families. We are collecting memories and photos to honor their lives and contributions, so please share your stories and pictures as we prepare two memorial pages.

If you're heading to the GNRS, enjoy every moment, and don't forget to tag us in your photos on Instagram and Facebook. We may not be there physically, but we'll be with you in spirit, celebrating every polished detail and creative build.

Stay safe, enjoy the show, and let's keep making memories.

Catch you next time,
Sondre Kvipt
Kustomrama Editor

Ed Ward's 1932 Ford Roadster

In 1958, Ed Ward of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, acquired a 1932 Ford Roadster with a past shrouded in intrigue, rumored to have been raced at Elkhart Lake by its former owner, Tom Friedmann, who tragically died racing in 1955. After a brief period of driving, Ed parked the car due to mechanical issues, and it sat dormant for 56 years until it was rediscovered and restored. The roadster's revival culminated in 2013, allowing Ed to enjoy his beloved car once more before his death in 2021. This enduring classic now continues its journey with a new caretaker, preserving its storied legacy. Click here to discover the full story of this remarkable hot rod on Kustomrama.​

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Lost: Sam Benton's 1936 Ford Coupe

Join us on a quest to rediscover a piece of custom car history: Sam Benton’s 1936 Ford Coupe, known as a Tulsa treasure from the golden era of the 1950s. This iconic vehicle, originally a grocery hauler for Benton's wife, Ruth, was transformed into a renowned showpiece through years of meticulous customization. Featured in the June 1958 issue of "Car Speed and Style," this Ford dominated the custom car show circuit and still holds a legendary status among local enthusiasts. Lost over time, Sam Benton's grandson, Gabe Naccarato, now seeks to trace this cherished family heirloom. If you have any information about the whereabouts of this classic custom, please reach out to us at Kustomrama. Click here for more details on its history and distinguishing features on Kustomrama. Let's help bring this masterpiece back to its rightful legacy!​

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Featured Video: The Craft of Speed

Craft of Speed is a feature-length documentary that chronicles the journey of Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama, two Japanese and Japanese American hot rodders who revitalized the iconic American speed equipment company, Mooneyes. The film delves into their efforts to preserve founder Dean Moon's legacy and popularize hot rod culture in Asia. Click here for more info and the official trailer.​

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Dick Jackson and Mox Miller’s Legendary 1958 Chevy Impala

This month's featured photo is a tribute to two legends of the custom car world: Dick Jackson and Mox Miller’s 1958 Chevrolet Impala. Sent to us by Dick and Karen Jackson in 2011, the photo captures Dick standing proudly beside Mox Miller’s incredible custom in his memorabilia-filled garage. We had the pleasure of meeting Dick at the Customs Then and Now display at the Grand National Roadster Show earlier that year, where his passion for preserving custom car history shone brightly.

Mox Miller’s ’58 Chevy Impala is nothing short of a masterpiece. Purchased new by Miller, the car was transformed into a semi-custom showstopper with a breathtaking panel paint job by Dick Jackson, accentuated by outline striping from Dennis Ricklefs. Inside, a full tuck-and-roll interior matched the polished mag wheels and chromed supercharged 348 engine, while the fully chromed undercarriage made it a showpiece like no other.

What sets this car apart is its dedication to perfection. Since its completion in 1962, the Impala has never been started or driven in its current configuration. It was meticulously hand-pushed in and out of car shows to maintain its pristine condition—an incredible testament to the era’s custom car culture and craftsmanship.

​Click here to explore more about this iconic ’58 Chevy Impala and the incredible legacy of Dick Jackson and Mox Miller in custom car history.​

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February is here, and so is the Kustomrama February 2025 Playlist! Packed with killer tracks like Vernon’s Diamond by Link Wray, Iron Butterfly Theme by Iron Butterfly, and Strychnine by The Sonics, this playlist will keep your winter rolling with a serious attitude. Click here to give it a try!​

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The Dodge Deora in Root Beer Brown

Tom Winger recently sent us a rare glimpse of the iconic Dodge Deora during its Root Beer Brown Metallic phase. These photos, taken at the Hot Rod show at the Colosseum in NYC around 1982, capture the legendary Alexander Brothers’ custom in one of its lesser-seen iterations. Originally based on a Dodge A100 and designed by Harry Bradley, the Deora featured a groundbreaking front-entry hatch and sleek cabless lines. After winning the Ridler Award in 1967, it became one of the most recognizable customs ever, immortalized as a Hot Wheels car. Thanks to Tom for sharing this piece of custom car history! ​Click here for more info and photos of the Deora on Kustomrama.​

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Setting the Record Straight: Vern Larsen and the Larsen Brothers

Thanks to Glenn Larsen, we can now correctly identify this photo as Vern Larsen, not Fred Larsen, as we had originally listed it. Glenn kindly reached out to let us know, “That is Vernon Bruce Larsen, Fred’s brother in the picture. Fred was my uncle, and Vern was my dad. Back in the Russetta Timing Association days, they were the Larsen Brothers, racing together after Fred returned from the war.” Glenn shared that Vern stopped racing in 1950 when family life took priority. He also spoke fondly of Fred: “Fred was my favorite uncle and a great storyteller. I went to Bonneville with him for the first time in 1968 and rarely missed a year until he retired.” Thanks, Glenn, for helping preserve the Larsen Brothers' legacy! Click here for more info and photos of Fred and his career on Kustomrama.​

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A Lemon T Lookalike?

After sharing a photo of Cliff Rich's iconic 1926 Ford Model T Coupe, Lemon T, on Facebook, we received this intriguing photo from Anders Fransson. Anders wrote, “I found these photos a few years ago and saved them because of the similarities to Cliff’s car. I couldn’t track where they came from, but if it’s not the same car, it’s likely inspired by it.” We believe this is a recent build inspired by the Lemon T, but we’d love to hear your thoughts. Could this be a tribute or perhaps a transformation of the original? Let us know! Click here for more info and photos of the Lemon T on Kustomrama.​

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Mystery Wally Troy Custom: Channeled Cadillac?

While visiting family in Springfield, Illinois, Tim Riordan recently came across this fascinating photo from June 1956. The car, believed to be a Wally Troy Custom, showcases a channeled body. Tim wondered, "Is this a channeled Cadillac?" and provided some intriguing context that points to its origins. According to Tim, Wally was approached in the mid-1950s by junior GM executives looking to commission custom builds. Wally, however, only worked on a time-and-material basis, and no deal was made. This car, sporting Wally’s dealer plate strongly suggests it was built by Wally, possibly as a project he later sold. If only photos could tell stories! Do you know anything about this unique custom or where it ended up? Let us know! ​Click here for more info about Wally Troy and his custom builds on Kustomrama.​

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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.

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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.

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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.​

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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!

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