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This historic custom, which won the Best Custom trophy at the 1953 Grand National Roadster Show, was built for Ron Dunn by the famous duo of Emory and Jenson of Valley Custom in 1951. Rather than chop the top and channel the body over the frame, as was typical of the times, Emory and Jensen chose instead to section the body 5 inches, and created quite a stir in the process. In the February 1953 issue of �Hop Up� magazine Dean Batchelor described the car as �the finest example of custom restyling we have ever seen.� The crew at Valley Custom managed to �scoop the field and (take) the lead in the custom styling race with this one model� by creating a car that �is not only well proportioned and immaculately finished but it is a functional custom design.� Shortly after the GNRS victory the car was damaged in an accident, and was sent back to Valley Customs for a makeover. A few years later the car disappeared into storage, and in 1970 was passed on to Ron�s nephew, Gary Rand. The car remained in Rand�s possession for the next 35 years, but was slowly deteriorating. After seeing the recently completed Valley Custom �40 Ford (see Completed Projects) Rand contacted Steve in an effort to find a fitting home for his uncle�s pride and joy. Steve jumped at the opportunity to own the historic custom, and plans to perform a complete, period-correct restoration. Steve hopes to debut the �Monte Carlo� in the near future at Pebble Beach, providing the class expands to accept early fifties customs. (Click image for more pics) |
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Eric Black conceptualized this stunning custom after collaborating with Steve on the possibilities of a ’48 Cadillac project. Steve and Eric felt it necessary to manipulate the ‘48’s original proportions in order to exaggerate the Caddy’s long and low demeanor. Eric worked to maintain original designer Harley Earle’s key lines, but was able to infuse them with a smoothness that exudes motion. Eric further emphasized the car’s proportions by envisioning hand-formed trim running from the hood to the rear bumper and along the fenders. Although motivation and running gear have yet to be discussed, the extensive body modifications and gobs of hand formed trim ignite a mesmerizing vision of what could be. For more information on the project or how to make it yours contact us at(503)665-2222 or steve@realsteel.com. |
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Chris Ito, international automotive designer, and Steve Frisbie of Steve’s Auto Restorations, Inc. are at it again with a new project called the “Phantom Airflow” available for the connoisseur of coachbuilt hot rods. Chris and Steve are known for their partnership in creative design of the famous “Newmad”, a custom ‘55 Chevrolet Nomad, and the “Double Dozen” one-off ‘33 SAR Roadsters. This 1935 DeSoto Airflow promises to be one of the best yet out of SAR Shops in Portland, Oregon. As the artist conception indicates, not much of the donor car is recognizable in its execution other than the distinctive Airflow grill and headlights that highlight this four-door cum coupe’. Designed on it’s own tube chassis with power from, what else, a Chrysler HEMI! With its air-ride pro-touring suspension, the latest in electronics, the Phantom Airflow with all its art-deco touches will be the hot rod of the decade.
For information on this special project and other availabilities, contact Steve Frisbie at SAR Street Rods. (503) 665-2222, or email steve@realsteel.com
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