By Craig Metros.
After World War II the design, engineering, and manufacturing of automobiles in the United States reached new heights. American soldiers returned home in search of the American Dream. The dream was an aspiration to obtain a family, a home and among other things, an automobile. To respond to the increasing demand, American car manufacturers began introducing new models on a regular basis. Major changes were made every two or three years. Minor modifications were made every year.
Continued From Part 1.
Interview Craig Metros Portrait Photography Luke Ray.
Many Australian traditional hot rod and custom culture fans spent the first weekend in October at the sixth annual Chopped Rod and Custom festival. What started out as an intimate 50 car show with live rock and roll capping off the evening has turned into a full blown three day music, hot rod, custom car, bike, and dirt drag strip extravaganza. As the festival increases in size, so does the popularity of the invited guests. This year, it was none other than legendary car customizer, painter and dry lakes racer Gene Winfield. FUEL was honored to catch up with the custom car pioneer. Courtesy of Lucky’s Speed Shop of Sydney, Winfield was on hand selling t-shirts and posters, signing autographs and engaging in conversation.
My name is Mat Seely, from Stanley NY, and I build custom cars and bikes. I usually focus mostly on the fabrication side of things.
I have been doing cars for roughly sixteen years, and bikes for ten years. My father was a drag racer and later on engine builder/machinist, so I grew up around some of the best fabrication and engineering inspiration there is to offer.
A teaser video from the documentary Motor House Media is producing about Rob Ida Concepts’ 1940 Mercury business coupe he built for Jack Kiely.
It is a true work of art with many hand crafted details and innovations. Starting with front wheels skirts that turn with the wheels, an amazing full body aluminum belly pan and headlights that with one touch flip up to gain access to those front skirts. A Shelby GT 500 4 cam Mod motor sits within the customized built body panels and trim, many of which where scratched built.
In the early-1970s, Chrysler came up with a unique program to help promote its vehicles in sportsman-level circle-track racing. These were racecars in kit form, released through their then-distributor Petty Enterprises and developed by the legendary Larry Rathgeb, who was also part of the streamlined Charger Daytona and Plymouth Superbird programs.
As I write this article, my 1931 Model A is on a boat somewhere in the middle of the Pacific Ocean along with everything else I possess in the world. After more than eight years of living and working in Melbourne, my wife and I have returned home to the Motor City.
I think about the satin black traditional hot rod sitting in its container aboard that ship and I’m happy to know I’m bringing a three-dimensional slice of my life in Melbourne to my home, Detroit.
The Australian Grand Prix was first run in the late 1920s at Phillip Island. For eight years the races continued on the rectangular dirt road circuit. This unpredictable and unstable surface called for creative mechanics and thus, the ‘Australian Special’ was born.