Custom Cars

Haven't you ever wondered? It depends on how you look at it and we have two answers — the highest sticker price and the highest price ever paid. Both are stunning.

By Kristen Hall-Geisler

Early lowriders cruised the streets of California in the 1930s in customized cars to impress the girls. Find out why these 10 bajito y suavecito cars made our list.

By Jamie Page Deaton

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.

By Patrick E. George

Do you love custom cars? Buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of custom cars, then and now!

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

Cole Foster found the 1954 Chevy hardtop in a junkyard, then worked on it off and on for six years. The Chevy illustrates Foster's philosophy--fresh purposeful and designed to look as good in 30 years as it does now. Read more on the custom '54.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide

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.

By the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide