Way back when young builders and modifiers and racers were basically inventing the hot rod hobby in Southern California, Culver City was one of the places it was happening. More than half a century later, it still is. In 2004, George Barris-the builder behind some of the best known TV and movie cars and show rods-brought the old days back to town for the inaugural Cruisin' Back to 50's Culver City Car Show.
Every year since then, George has been returning to Culver City, assisted by the Exchange Club of Culver City and accompanied by several hundred hot rods, customs, trucks, bikes, and a few favorites from the Barris corral of show biz kustoms (this year, the Green Hornet's Black Beauty Chrysler Imperial had a prominent spot). In addition to the vehicles, there are vendors, live bands, concessions, and a bunch of well-known personalities from the hot rod world. This year we spotted "Miss Hurst Shifter" Linda Vaughn, custom builder Gene Winfield, Car Crazy host Barry Meguiar, George of course, and probably walked right past a dozen others, too distracted by street after overflowing street of vehicles to notice the celebrities. This Saturday-only show has grown so big and so popular that George might have to persuade Culver City to block off a few more streets in 2011.
As always, trucks were a prominent part of the Cruisin' Back to 50's show. Enjoy this selection of some of our favorites.
Thanks to show host George...
Thanks to show host George Barris for bringing this event to Culver City. Nobody works harder than George at getting the young people interested in the hot rod hobby.
The paint on this '64 Dodge...
The paint on this '64 Dodge A100 pickup features heavy flake and some wild graphics on the inside. "I wanted it to look like something from the early '60s," said owner Paul de Valera. "With a piece of wood for a front bumper, it could be pushing a dragster to the starting line."
Smitty Smith's mouth-watering...
Smitty Smith's mouth-watering '37 Ford is a genuine custom, with a Dodge Dakota front half, Corvette back half, Chevy 383, '37 cabrio headlights, and '40 Chevy taillights. It also features a leather and tweed bench seat, four-wheel disc brakes, and A/C.
Chuck Hoover's father bought...
Chuck Hoover's father bought this '46 Chevy in 1957. Chuck drove it all through his teenage years back in Oklahoma until his father sold it in 1971. In 2008, Chuck went back to Oklahoma, bought the truck, and limped it home to California, where he completely rebuilt it. This was the first show for the '46.
Remember what we told you...
Remember what we told you in the June issue about Bakersfield work trucks? Here's one more. In the eight years he's owned it, Ron Coffman's '53 Chevy went from rusty to off-white to this shade of seafoam green with a low-key tan pinstripe-and bedliner to protect the running boards.
Another true custom is Steve...
Another true custom is Steve Wessells' '55 Cameo, with '54 Buick taillights, '66 Thunderbird buckets, Impala steering wheel, Lancer caps, and shaved sheetmetal covered with great paint. The pickup is powered by a 454ci Chevy big-block.
In the 25 years he's owned...
In the 25 years he's owned it, Bobby Zullo has torn apart his '41 Chevy three times. It's got a stock 235, T10, and Posi rearend. Bobby says one more teardown and it'll be time to give the truck to his daughter.
A dressed-up 351C Ford powers...
A dressed-up 351C Ford powers Richard Flamminio's on-the-ground '56 F-100, which uses airbags to ride so low. Glide seats and rear fender tubs built from Harley fenders are other cool elements.
Pale red is the name we prefer...
Pale red is the name we prefer for the color of this pearlescent '55 Ford. The pinstriped flame outline starts at the cowl and continues into a splash graphic on the bedsides. Most of the exterior hardware was shaved away and the rear wheelwells were loaded with huge Mickey Thompson tires.