Part rebellion, part fashion, there's no end to the custom car originality. View photos of the 1950s Revival Leadsled, the complexly engineered Frankenstude and the Limelighter, among others.
The great burst of hot rod movies, and the appearance of TV hot rods, came nearly a decade after the original growth of the California movement spurred by young World War II vets. Hot rod movies came into production beginning in the mid 1950s as a reflection of the preoccupations of a younger generation of hot rod enthusiasts. See more »
Some people dream of owning a brand new Escalade or Maybach, but others have bigger -- and older -- dreams. If you’d rather drive a classic, the accessibility and ease of car restoration can turn that vision into reality.
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The 1950s Revival Leadsled custom car was built when mainstream America seemed to rediscover the smooth curves of the '50s. This chop-top proves that the appeal of a well-designed custom car is timeless. Read more about the Revival Leadsled.
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The flowing proportions of the Afterglow were inspired by a car built by a custom pioneer more than 50 years ago. Quality execution modern building techniques and an eye-catching coppery paint job produced a winner. Learn more about the Afterglow.
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The AMX-400 was a Barris Kustom creation an example of the rarely attempted custom muscle car. The larges modification on the car is the top which was reduced by a full 4 and a half inches. See photos and learn more about the AMX-400.
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The Blue Danube was a 1951 Buick Riviera extensively customized by Barris Kustom. The name of the car comes from the distinctive paint scheme which features three shades of blue. Learn about this custom car and see the best of 1950s customizing.
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The Buddy Alcorn Mercury was one of the best-executed custom cars of its time. The car features an incredible amount of skilled labor that was going out of style in the late 1950s. Learn about this 1950 Mercury custom car created by the Ayala brothers.
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Custom cars are more than just a form of transportation. They represent a lifestyle and an attitude that's part rebellion, part fashion, and 100 percent American.
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The Dream Truck was a custom car builder's dream initiated in 1953 by Spencer Murray. The car's unique interior features a hand-molded dashboard that is integrated into the doors. See photos and learn more about the custom 1950 Chevy pickup.
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The bullet-nosed Frankenstude debuted at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. Its unique design, complex engineering, and robust performance potential made it a hit. Read how Frankenstude helped launch a new wave of custom takes on '50s cars.
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The drill was simple: Buy the nicest roadster you could find; strip off everything not needed to go fast, like the fenders, headlights, hood, and top; find some cheap used tires to replace your bald ones; and take that hot rod racing.
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Since 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance has been the ultimate car show. Steeped in tradition, it is an exclusive and elegant celebration of the history of the automobile. Read more about hot rods at this classic invitation-only event.
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La Jolla was built by a teenage Harry Bradley one of the most respected custom car stylists in history. Every panel on the car received some sort of customization when this car was originally modified. Learn about his first great custom design.
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The Limelighter a Bill Cushenbery custom creation cost $10,000 to built in 1964. The car got its name from the unique citrus-green paint job. The Limelighter also features the original Nash instrument pods. Learn more about this custom car and see photos.
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The Marquis is an example of a custom car with mostly fabricated parts. The interior is trimmed in gold and white, and another prominent feature is a full-length center console. Learn about this 1962 custom car created by Bill Cushenbery.
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The Matranga Mercury was one of the first custom car masterpieces created by Barris Kustoms. Unfortunately, the original Matranga was demolished in a wreck during a race on a wet road. Learn about this influential 1940 Mercury custom car.
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Nadean made her debut at the Detroit Autorama, arriving at the peak of the forward-thinking high-tech billet-aluminum phase of custom history. It's a clean-sheet redesign that makes a very modern design statement. Check out Nadean the hot rod.
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The Ohanesian 1940 Mercury combine good design sense and quality craftsmanship. The car features a removable top that features seams that give the top the look of one solid piece. Learn about this winning custom car restyled by Dick Bertolucci.
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The Paso Robles Custom Car Show is considered the best in the world. Historic customs mix with ground-scraping lowriders vintage hot rods follow modern machines and billet beauties share with grungy rat rods. Read about the Paso Robles car show.
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The Pisano/Ogden Buick was a 1941 convertible originally built by drag racers Tony and Joe Pisano. Modifications include a five-inch-chopped windshield and the removal of the door-handles and tail lights. Learn about this beautifully restored custom car.
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Pre-1949 customs included high-end cars by Coachcraft Bob Lee Cadillac and Harry Westergard. One of the unique custom options of this era is the push-button doors that opened without a handle. Learn about custom car trends from the 1930s and 1940s.
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