What was once a '46 Chevy...
What was once a '46 Chevy stake bed truck is now Jason Grimes' chopped and channeled hot rod, which won the Fay Butler Anvil Award for sheetmetal work. Jason dropped the sectioned body on a handmade chassis, and added a '60 Chevy dash and '60 Olds steering wheel. The engine is a '53 331 Hemi.
Each trophy in the Autorama...
Each trophy in the Autorama Extreme show is unique, and each is an amazing piece of artwork in its own right. Next year they should award trophies for the best trophy.
Bob Bleed showed up at Autorama...
Bob Bleed showed up at Autorama Extreme with this perfectly chopped coupe called T-Rantula, painted earlier in the week. The Hoosier slicks are mounted on reversed '57 Chevy wheels and a suicide perch throws the wide whites way out in front. The Stitch Bitch top and barstool seats add to the personality of the 283-powered rod.
Builder of the Year: SO-CAL Speed Shop
SO-CAL, established 61 years ago by Alex Xydias, was honored at the Autorama this year as Builder of the Year. Several historic SO-CAL cars were displayed in the center of Cobo Hall, along with the newest of the company's hot rods-the historically influenced Spencer2, which was an AMBR finalist at the Grand National Roadster Show.
Before Alex bought it in 1951...
Before Alex bought it in 1951 and built it into the SO-CAL Coupe, the '34 had already been channeled and (less-radically) chopped, and had raced at Bonneville. Since then, it has become a record-setting icon as both a land speed racer and a dragster. In 2001, Don Orosco restored the coupe, now owned by Bruce Canepa.
When Doane Spencer died, he...
When Doane Spencer died, he had been working on a black '32 highboy. Dennis Higginbotham picked up the pieces and had the Doane2 finished at SO-CAL. The roadster, built from an original body and 'rails, is true to Spencer's vision, with a Roush 289 Ford engine. SO-CAL displayed it with the body off when it competed for the AMBR award, and like this in Detroit.
The Golden Submarine
Dan Webb is in the process of creating a contemporary tribute to Harry Miller's Golden Submarine. The original car was built for racer Barney Oldfield in 1917. Webb is working with Craig Neff on this interpretation, designed by Thom Taylor, which will feature an aluminum body riding on this remarkable chassis. The engine is a Ford Focus Zetec with electronic stack-style injection, with direct drive through a hand clutch. Harry Miller technology includes using the quarter-elliptic springs in a four-bar design. The car will be displayed at this year's SEMA Show.