Fred Beindorff, Rod & Custom photographer during 1957, passed away July 3, 2011, at his home in Lamar, Colorado. He was 79. Fred had been on the staff from the February through November issues, and in addition to his pictorial contributions, he was a finalist judge in the first National Model Car Contest originated by R&C. Preceding the debut of R&C in May 1953, Fred had been a member of the trio who drove cross country in a radical Chevrolet for the still-remembered "6,000 Miles In A Custom" story for the September 1952 issue of R&C's predecessor, Hop Up magazine. He had joined the US Navy after leaving R&C, meriting a military funeral, which included a 21-gun salute. Fred was buried in his always treasured, original yet unworn Rod & Custom Magazine jacket. A friend of 60 years, Fred will be missed.
Spencer Murray
R&C Founding Editor