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KUSTOMRAMA NEWSLETTER NO. 210

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From $25,000 to $1.26 Million. The Golden Sahara Rides Again!

Back in May of 1955, Motor Trend magazine turned heads with its cover story on the Golden Sahara. Built by Barris Kustoms for Jim “Street” Skonzakes, the radical dream car was introduced as a $25,000 custom. A staggering number at the time, and a bold statement in the world of post-war custom car building.

Fast-forward 70 years. On September 20, 2025, that very same car crossed the auction block at a live sale in Chicago, hosted by Mecum Auctions. After a round of spirited bidding, the futuristic icon hammered at $1,265,000.

So how much would that original $25,000 price tag be in today’s money? Just shy of $278,000.

To see a car like this still fetch over a million dollars today is both surprising and incredibly encouraging. Honestly, I thought we had seen the peak, that the custom scene was slowly heading backwards, and that big money had moved on to other things. I was wrong. Very wrong.

It’s inspiring to see people value our history and legacy enough to pay this kind of money to own a piece of it. At the same time, there’s a bittersweet feeling that comes with it. If prices continue to rise at this rate, most of these historic cars will likely end up behind velvet ropes in museums or hidden away in private collections. But maybe that’s okay. If it means they’ll be preserved for future generations to see and learn from.

As long as there are still folks out there building new hot rods and customs, carrying the torch, innovating, and having fun, I think we’re in good hands. Let’s celebrate the past like the masterpieces they are, while making room for the next generation of Rembrandts and Munchs on wheels.

Oh — and one more thing: does anyone know where the Golden Sahara ended up? If you’ve got the scoop, hit us up. We’d love to know who gets to wake up to that piece of history every day.

Take care until next time,
Best regards
Sondre
Kustomrama Editor

Bob Moloney's 1932 Ford Five-Window Coupe

Some hot rods live in garages. Bob Moloney’s 1932 Ford Five-Window Coupe has lived on the road. Since 1965, this East Coast–born Deuce has been continuously registered and running, making it one of the longest-driven one-owner hot rods in the U.S!

Bob’s journey with the coupe began in 1960, when he and his fiancée picked up the abandoned project for $425. By June of 1961, it was back on the road, carrying him through military service, cross-country moves, and decades of hot rodding. Along the way, it evolved with Corvette small-block power, a Jaguar XKE rear end, and countless homemade details. Yet it never lost its early East Coast identity.

From Massachusetts to California, and now in Texas, Bob’s ’32 has rolled across highways and showgrounds for more than six decades. It’s not just a survivor, it’s proof of what happens when passion, ingenuity, and dedication keep a hot rod alive for a lifetime. Thanks a lot to Bob for reaching out to us, sharing his incredible story, and photos. Click here to check them all out and tag along for a ride.​

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Sold For $1,265,000 USD - The Golden Sahara Sets New Record at Larry’s Legacy Auction

On September 20, 2025, the legendary Golden Sahara II once again took center stage, this time under the Mecum auction gavel. One of the most iconic custom cars of all time, the futuristic showstopper from the 1950s crossed the block at Larry’s Legacy Auction in Chicago and sold for an astounding $1,265,000 USD.

Originally built by George Barris and later transformed into the Golden Sahara for Jim "Street" Skonzakes, the futuristic custom had been a star of TV, movies, and Motorama shows throughout the 1950s and ’60s. After decades in storage, it was rediscovered in 2018, restored to its former glory, and unveiled to the world at the 2019 Geneva International Motor Show with support from Goodyear.

The sale marked a new chapter in the car’s incredible journey! As of now, the buyer’s identity remains unknown. If you know where the Golden Sahara landed, we’d love to hear from you! Hopefully, this piece of custom culture royalty went to a good home.

Want to know what makes the Golden Sahara worth over a million dollars? Click below to explore the full story, photo archive, and restoration journey on Kustomrama.​

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Founding Members of the San Diego Prowlers Car Club

This rare photo from The San Diego Prowlers Collection captures the original charter members of the Prowlers Car Club gathered in the late 1940s.

After World War II, hot rodding made a roaring comeback in Southern California. By 1946, more than 700 racers across 28 clubs were running the dry lakes as members of the SCTA, and the scene was exploding with energy. In January 1947, a group of about 25 young San Diego hot rodders, eager to compete but driving mostly coupes and sedans, met to form a new club. Frank Wilkinson suggested the name “Prowlers,” reflecting their reputation for always being on the move.

Because most of their cars were “closed” types, the Prowlers joined the Russetta Timing Association, which welcomed coupes and sedans, unlike SCTA’s roadster-only rules. From there, they became fixtures at the dry lakes and, later, at Paradise Mesa drag strip, helping transition hot rodding from open desert runs to the emerging drag racing scene.

Fast forward nearly eight decades, and the San Diego Prowlers remain one of the oldest continuously active hot rod clubs in the United States. Even more impressive, the club has preserved every meeting’s minutes since 1947, today on display at the NHRA Museum in Pomona.

Thanks to club historian Andy Bekech for keeping history alive, sharing this great photo, and the club history with all of us. Click here for even more info and photos on Kustomrama.​

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As the winds pick up and the leaves start to fly, the Kustomrama October 2025 playlist is here to keep things hot when the storms roll in! We’re talkin’ Blazing Haley ridin’ that ‘Train to Nowhere,’ Justin Johnson conjuring ghosts with ‘Son of a Witch,’ and the Teencats declaring that ‘Rock ’N Roll Is King!’ Whether you're cruisin' wet streets or stuck inside with a hot cup of sump oil, this mix’ll keep your blood pumpin’ and your tires burnin’. Turn it up! October never sounded so warm.​

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A Lincoln Secret Hidden in Sabie’s ’36

Bob Moloney recently reached out to us, sharing a personal memory of his longtime friend Sebastian “Sabie” Rubbo, and a little-known detail about Sabie’s iconic ’36 Ford roadster.

“I first met Sabie in 1952 at Nantasket Beach,” Bob told us. “What is not known at this time is it’s engine was a Lincoln OHV V8.” Years later, Sabie told Bob he swapped the Lincoln mill out for a more traditional flathead to bring the car back closer to its roots.

Bob describes Sabie as a mentor who regularly visited garages across New England, always eager to share knowledge. “Quite a guy! I still miss him.”

Bob’s message and little-known fact led to a full Kustomrama feature on Bob’s 1932 Ford 5-Window Coupe, another historic East Coast hot rod that you can find at the start of this Newsletter. Click here for more info and photos of Sabie's 36 on Kustomrama.​

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Where is Spencer Murray’s 1936 Ford Today?

It’s always a pleasure hearing from Bonnie Murray, daughter of custom car pioneer and Rod & Custom editor Spencer “Spence” Murray. This time, Bonnie reached out with a great batch of photos of her dad and his well-known 1936 Ford Roadster, asking if we know where the car is today.

Spence’s ’36 was one of his most personal projects, built in the late 1960s and documented in over 13 articles in Rod & Custom. After the magazine folded, Spence finished the car and sold it at the 1976 Street Rod Nationals. It vanished until 2012, when it resurfaced in a sealed garage in Pennsylvania, almost untouched after 36 years and only 32 miles on the clock.

Bonnie now holds all of her dad’s notes and files on the car, something that should be of great interest to the current caretaker. If you know where it is, drop us a line.

​Click here for more info and photos on Kustomrama.​

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A Custom Surprise in Houston

Charles Burwell recently sent us a great email and a couple of photos of the custom 1956 Oldsmobile he built as a teenager in Houston, Texas. In 1962, customs were a rare sight in the area until Charles and his cousin Eddie Cox brought West Coast flair to the streets.

Inspired by California customizer Dick Axcell, who had relocated to Houston, the pair experimented with paint and bodywork. Charles’ Olds sported panel paint, shaved trim, a rolled rear pan, and 1960 Cadillac taillights, turning heads wherever it went. “There was nothing like pulling up in a customized car,” Charles recalled. “It was a thrilling teenage time I’ll never forget.” Thanks for taking us down memory lane, Charles, sharing these great photos and stories. Click here to check it out.​

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My Blue Heaven Lives On in Georgia

It’s always exciting to get updates on landmark customs, and a couple of weeks ago, Mindy Sander reached out with great news about Chuck Atwood’s legendary 1959 Ford Galaxie My Blue Heaven. One of our favorite Portland, Oregon customs is still alive and well in Georgia.

Mindy’s father, Ron Sander, restored the car back to Chuck Atwood’s original custom work. After Ron passed away on April 2, 2025, Mindy inherited My Blue Heaven and now proudly cares for it in Guyton, Georgia, along with a complete scrapbook documenting its restoration and history.

Thanks to Mindy for keeping us posted. It’s wonderful to see this iconic Ford still turning heads more than six decades after its debut. Click here for more info and photos 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?

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