Garage Style Magazine

magazine

$ 4.99 US Fall 2010

A Visit with George Barris

Pit Pal Garage

Driving the Hurst Challenger Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010  1

2  Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010  3

Garage style

magazine

Editor-Publisher Don Weberg

The Coolest Garages Ever.

Art Director Kari Schneider Graphic Design Intern Beau Van Sickle Business Development Manager Michele Weberg Web Designer – Coordinator Kari Schneider Contributors Lance Lambert Jeremiah McDaniel Phil Berg John Gunnell Dennis Wilkes Iain Curry Steve McCarthy Lee Klancher Cobb Ware Dr. Rick Rader Chad Conrad Advertising Cindy Meitle 480.277.1864 cindy@carprusa.com Subscriptions – Address Changes Please write to: GSM P.O. Box 18478 Anaheim, CA 92817 800.999.9718 www.garagestylemagazine.com Not responsible for undelivered issues due to late change of address. Not responsible for issues delivered damaged.

Published Quarterly by Garage Style Magazine, Inc. 201 W. Sandlewood Ave. La Habra, CA 90631 www.garagestylemagazine.com Distributed by Warner International Alta Loma, CA 909.989.1169 www.warner-international.com Printed in the United States by American Web Printers

All rights reserved by Garage Style Magazine, Inc.

Pool. Kegerators. Hot Rods. Killer tunes.

Flatscreen. Hanging with buds or chillin’ solo. It all happens in the garage.

Come inside. www.checkoutmygarage.com For advertising information, please call 858-472-3245

Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010  13

Garage

news

Bugatti Veyron Super Sport Sets New World Land Speed Record

Always striving for more, Bugatti Automobiles S.A.S. recently found 268-miles per hour at Volkswagen Group proving grounds at Ehra-Lessien near Wolfsburg with the Veyron 16.4 Super Sport. Driven by Pierre Henri

PremierGarage Systems, Tailored Living Merge PremierGarage has aggressively been positioning themselves as the go-to source for garage makeovers, and part of their success is due to careful alignments with other home improvement professionals. Recently PremierGarage entered into agreements with Tailored Living of Orange, California, expanding outreach for both companies while improving product offerings for clients.

Tailored Living has specialized in the design and installation of closet, home office and utility spaces under the Closet Tailors brand name; PremierGarage has become the industry leader in garage storage, organization and concrete floor coating systems, with a network of more than 70 locations across the US and Canada. Together, the companies offer a higher degree of accessibility for clients across the US and Canada.

“For the first time, our customers will have access to a single provider that has the experience, skills and products to provide functional and personalized solutions for both interior and exterior spaces,” said Don Shultz, CEO of PremierGarage.

“The alliance provides both networks the critical-mass required to position itself as the industry leader in the home organization and storage segment.”

Recently, PremierGarage introduced their idesign technology, allowing people to see on a computer screen exactly what their new space will look like before they commit to it. Further, they’ve been moving forward with private label situations whereby consumers may select a Barrett-Jacksonstyled garage, or a garage designed to complement a prized GT350 Shelby Mustang with racing stripes, hood pins and more. Forward thinking such as this is part of what has Tailored 14 Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

Raphanel, members of the German Technical Inspection Agency and Guinness World Records were in attendance to witness the feat which even took Bugatti engineers by surprise.

“We took it that we would reach an average value of 425-km/h,” said Dr. Wolfgang Schreiber, Bugatti’s chief engineer. “But, the conditions today were perfect and allowed even more.”

Boasting 1,200-horsepower from a quad-turbo, 16-cylinder engine, the Super Sport chassis has been reengineered from the original land speed record holder in 2005, the Veyron. The Super Sport, along with the new Veyron and Grand Sport will begin production in the Fall of 2010, and the first five Super Sport editions will be known as the World Record Edition cars, presented in special black exposed carbon and orange. They’ve already been sold. www.bugatti.com Living excited to be doing business with PremierGarage.

“PremierGarage has a very strong history of innovation, manufacturing and distribution, while we have deep experience in marketing, franchise operations and franchise development,” said Dan Tafoya, senior vice president of business development for Home Franchise Concepts, parent company of Tailored Living. “We believe these complementary skill sets provide a powerful competitive advantage.” www.premiergarage.com | 480.483.3030 www.closettailors.com | 800.519.6296

Festival to Host Exciting CarRelated Activities, Auctions Visitors to the legendary ACD Festival in September will be able to enjoy a host of activities from the 35th Annuaul Hoosier Tour and Downtown Cruise In, which should draw roughly 700 vehicles from around the world; a special fly-in by a B-52 World War II Bomber will kick off the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club inaugural Ab Jenkins Memorial Exhibition of Speed and Stinson Fly-In, one of the Club’s 55th Annual ACD Reunion; The ACD Museum will host its annual Benefit Extravaganza and Gala Ball while Auburns newest auction company, Classical Event Auctions, is planning its first annual auction with 300 cars expected, and Worldwide Auctioneers has announced the addition of a three-day, 450-car line up in addition to its Saturday evening catalogue auction of 80 motorcars. www.chamberinauburn.com

Garage Style Presents Coastline Classic Enjoys at Capitol Concours Excellent Coastal Venue The Capitol Concours d’Elegance is now in its 17th

year, moved to a new location, the Sacramento Capitol Mall.

Covering several blocks of the Mall between the Capitol Building and the Tower Bridge on September 19, 2010, with a special Tour d’Elegance and evening Reception d’Elegance high up in the US Bank building held on the 18th. Proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospital for Childern, Northern California.

Creating a more interactive feel for the event, during Concours Sunday a ride and drive will take place, whereby a donation to the hospital will allow people the opportunity to ride in an exotic car, or one of several special vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. Garage Style Magazine will also be in attendance, presenting the Art and Automobilia Tent, alongside the California Automobile Museum and DiMora Motorcar.

Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California puts 93-pcents of every dollar toward the care for thousands of kids with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate, in a family-centered environment with no financial obligation to patients or families. www.ShrinersConcours.com

A two-day event, the Coastline Car Classic offers participants the opportunity to cruise their vehicles through the scenic coastal and country back roads of Orange County, California winding up at the Bahia Corinthian Yacht Club. The actual motor vehicle show, held Sunday, will host over 200 vehicles ranging from muscle cars to elegant classics to exotics, all descending upon Big Corona del Mar State Beach near Newport Beach, California.

Aside from magnificent cars and scenery, spectators can enjoy various foods and beverages, unique vendors and an awards ceremony. Only in its fourth year, the Coastline Classic has become a mainstay of SoCal car shows, forging itself as a preeminent event. Proceeds benefit The Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation.

This event will be held September 11 – 12, 2010. www.cdmchamber.com

Bonhams Auction Company Joins the Fairfield County Concours for September Event them on board,” said Bill Scheffler, co-founder and chairman of the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance.

Attendees can expect Bonhams to bring their signature style and some exceptional motorcars for sale, including a two-owner 1916 Packard Twin Six Seven Passenger Touring Car. “Bonhams has a long tradition of associating itself with the car collector world’s most prominent events and we are delighted to move our popular Vintage New England Fall

During the past seven years, the Fairfield County Concours d’Elegance has grown into an event to be reckoned with. They’ve done so by continuously producing an enjoyable event that presses the envelope subtly – for the 2010 venue, they’ve announced the addition of The Barn Find category, allowing people who’ve discovered vehicles seemingly forgotten in various stages of condition to present their unique stories and vehicles to a broad and interested crowd. Fairfield has further broadened the spectrum by working with Bonhams Auction Company to present an auction at the 2010 event, the first time Fairfield has allowed a sale.

“As a market leader in collectible motor cars, Bonhams was an obvious choice for us, and we’re honored to have

auction to the Fairfield County Concours,” said Rupert Banner of the International Motoring Department of Bonhams.

The event will be held September 11 – 12, 2010. www.fairfieldcountyconcours.com

Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010 15

Everybody Garages...

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• Homeowners

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• Detailing supplies • Hand tools

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...No matter the lifestyle To advertise contact Cindy Meitle 480.277.1864

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Office Profile: Dr Rick Rader Occupation: Physician/researcher in the field of intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Rick is responsible for the creation and implementation of innovative medical programs related to individuals aging with genetic syndromes and conditions involving cognitive and neuromotor and sensory impairments.

Location: Orange Grove Center, Chattanooga, Tennessee Setting: “I’m blessed with a dream-job that combines my dual interests in innovation and medicine. I get to predict the future medical problems of a population that previously never lived this long. My persona as an ‘outta the box doc’ actually lends itself to my office decor. My desk is a wing from a Beechcraft Bonanza (obtained from Seth Baker’s Wing Nut Designs, sbaker70@yahoo.com). The focal point of my office is the “cycle of innovation” a junked motorcycle featuring a life size soft sculpture of Einstein attached to an old power station control board. I got the blown up cycle for $50 and my friend Tony Jeno and I got the needed “lipstick” for it at the local auto parts stores (PEP, O’Reillys, Advance Auto). Only problem is that visitors require about 30 minutes taking everything in before we address the agenda.

Features: Lots of artwork sourced from years at Hershey, Monterey and other venues; Red Ferrari model is a TOSCHI given to F1 drivers in the 50’s from the Italian spirits company (so the story goes); Oddball engine parts; Car models abound; Model of Offy engine on top of medical and automotive books balance my priorities (hopefully with the right balance); Toolbox holds reports, manuscripts and journals; I “liberated” a round end table and turned it into a mock fuel tank; Pencil holder is novelty carb, air horn trumpets and manifold.

“Despite the serious nature of my work, the setting reminds both myself and my colleagues that we are more creative thinkers and achievers when we are comfortable in our surroundings. The car motif constantly connects me to my other passion besides innovating for a marginalized and stigmatized population. I smile every time I walk in my office.... wish more of my friends could say the same.”

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Garage

features

Gunner’s Great Garages Big-Block Collector’s Garage is a Pit Pal Palace Text and Images by

John Gunnell

Small-block and big-block Chevy performance cars cohabitate with automobilia in Jody Schmeisser’s “Pit Pal Palace.”

T

he first time I heard of Pit Pal Products, I was walking through the huge Iola Old Car Show swap meet, and found myself staring at one of the best-preserved Art Deco car dealership cabinets I had ever seen. You know, the ones made of ebony-colored metal with curved corners and chrome moldings. On second glance, I realized the cabinet was actually a reproduction.

It was gorgeous. The end pieces had those wide-radius curves so typical of the “Thirsty ’30s.” They were finished in rich black enamel, as were the three shelves, which were

26 Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

backed by a similarly finished red metal panel. Shiny bright metal moldings decorated each of the curved corners and a 12-inch round, enamel Texaco star sign in red, white, green and black crowned the ensemble.

The cabinet drew me in. Months earlier, at a swap meet in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, I had passed up an original that needed restoration. This one was just as nice in quality, but new. The vendor said he was selling the cabinet for a friend of his who manufactured them in Chicago. The near $300 price scared me off at first, but I came back each day of the

W

ho ever said you can’t mix business with pleasure? It seems like the perfect way to live your life in reality, and in Sydney, Australia, Jason Xuereb is giving it a damn fine go. Jason owns and operates a wedding car hire business called Tuf 57 Chevys, and over the past twelve years has amassed quite a collection of sparkling Chevrolets, all kept in the expansive shed behind his home.

If arriving at your wedding day in a classic white Rolls Royce is just a touch clichéd for you, Jason offers a more extrovert American Hot Rod flavour to his Australian customers. And considering he squeezes in around 60 weddings each year, these iconic old Chevys certainly have enduring appeal to aid wedded bliss Down Under.

I met up with Jason on a typically muggy Sydney summer’s evening after we’ve both had long and tough days at work. “Come out to the shed,” he says, “It’s the

perfect place to relax and unwind.”

Going through Jason’s house in the western suburbs of the city, we wander through his garden, past an abandoned old Chevy look-a-like Holden that forms part of the rockery, and come to his giant shed. Inside are five 1956 and 1957 Chevys; each immaculate, beautifully polished and ready for their weekend of work.

The 15x14x5-metre shed is more than just a store room for Jason’s American classics: it’s a haven for car enthusiasts who treat their garage as a place of enjoyment and happiness. “I don’t ever work on Fridays,” he said. “I just go down to the shed, play loud rock ‘n’ roll all day and detail the cars.”

Even with the grand scale of this shed and Jason’s mechanical know-how, no spanner work gets done here to ensure it remains more of a showroom than a workshop.

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Very few of these bikes are readily available, stock machinery. And all of them are ready to ride.

Jack’s Joint

The Canyon Carver’s Launch Pad Text and Images by

Lee Klancher

T

ulsa, Oklahoma. Black gold gone bad. Tornado Alley. Dusty drive-ins and motels line Route 66, mining tourist gold from Nomads and Country Squires. Beehived belles and pomaded slicks dance the Cotton-Eyed Joe down at Cain’s Ballroom.

Kids couldn’t care less about roadside rest stops and fiddle players. Kids want to rip. Especially kids who grow up with gears in their blood.

Jack was one of those kids. Grew up at his dad’s gas station. Took a job spinning wrenches for his cousin over at a motorcycle dealer. Drag raced the shop’s Suzuki 500 twin. Got his kicks in quarter-mile hits.

Jack grew up, dumped the bikes and ditched town. Jack made the right moves. Jack met the right people. Jack went into the black. Big. The Big Black got him gearhead grift: Desmos, Daytonas and turboprops.

I found Jack through Vinnie, a Beverly Hills chop shop fast talker. Vinnie told me Jack’s stash was sick. He had three hangars full of bikes, copters and cars. The good stuff.

36 Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

Jack was down once I got him on the horn.

The catch was silence. I had to keep my mouth shut about the location, his name, his friends and his neighbors.

Jack heads a division for some company he doesn’t talk about. Said his company doesn’t want his name out there.

They are on the up-and-up but run it hush-hush.

“Not a word,” I promised.

He gave me an address and a time. Said to meet me at the security gate.

“You will not get into this place,” he said. “Not unless I say so.”

I arrive on the dot. Jack sits behind the wheel of a big black sedan with 20s and no chrome.

He waves. I follow. We park. He opens 20-foot doors. I gawk.

Weapons line the stark space. A short-barreled Confederate – billet and sticky rubber wrapped around a V-twin. A Honda CBR1000R in Repsol colors. A carbon-

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Hot Rods in the Sun Text and Images by

Don Weberg

D

enny and his wife, Bonnie, retired to the sunshine of Lake Havasu, Arizona roughly a decade ago, seeking a more laid-back lifestyle, and the opportunity to build an absolute dream home. Part of the dream home was a garage – a great big space to work on the toys, entertain, get away from the world and enjoy some of that laid back lifestyle.

“I designed it myself. I wanted it to be a great place to keep the cars and play, and it is.”

“We love it here, we’re from California and that’s a great place, but we just fell in love with Havasu,” said Denny. “I don’t like leaving Havasu unless it’s for something to do with the hot rods.”

And he means it. Denny and his wife put about 12,000- 15,000-miles per year on their collection of rods and bikes, enjoying tours with other hot rodders and bikers throughout the country, or just tooling through Arizona. Driving home that point is a $350,000 rod that Denny took up through Pikes Peak a year ago.

“People couldn’t believe I drove it up Pikes Peak,” he laughed. “I’m a hot rodder, not a street rodder – we drive ‘em, they hope for trophies. That’s the difference.”

With that being said, it’s a cinch that his garage is nothing short of spectacular. Divided into three sections the garage boasts a common area to do maintenance work or park the boat, truck or other newer vehicles, a museum for the motorcycles and hot rods, and a theater-bar.

“I designed it myself,” said Denny. “I wanted it to be a great place to keep the cars and play, and it is.”

The bar has seating for about six, a major-screen Mitsubishi TV, complete stereo sound system (which is piped throughout the garage), fully stocked bar, slot machines and some space for

Denny and Bonnie pose with one of their rods, a green machine valued at $350,000.

Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010 41

Garages in History 4406 Kingswell Street The Magic Garage

F

or those of us who have bought into the “GSM garage culture,” the belief that the garage can and has been the epicenter for the fulfillment of dreams, the one that stood at 4406 Kingswell Street embodies that ideation.

In the early 1920’s, after his first start up company, LaughO-Grams, failed, he scraped up twenty bucks, and headed for Hollywood to start from scratch. In order to survive, he was lucky enough to move into his Uncle Robert’s house in Los Feliz, California. Promoting himself as an action movie director didn’t exactly pan out, as he was rejected by every movie studio in town.

Uncle Robert grew tired of supporting his nephew, and out of as much desperation as encouragement, persuaded him to develop what he did for pleasure, make cartoons.

Drawing amusing characters was a favorite past time for Walt Disney. When he went to France during World War I to drive an ambulance for the Red Cross (he was too young to enlist for military service) he decorated his ambulance with his cartoons.

Walt found an owner of a vaudeville house who was willing to sponsor a series of simple cartoon reels. Uncle Robert’s garage became a make-shift studio. Using some discarded wooden boxes and some spare lumber, Walt constructed a

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“I couldn’t believe it. I started imagining what was going to happen to it – if it was going to be vandalized, destroyed or just cut up in pieces and stuffed into little bottles for souvenirs.” camera stand. The cartoons were primitive stick figures, and yet somehow landed a contract to produce six cartoons at $1500 apiece. The rest as they say, was simply magic. Walt soon needed more room and moved out of the garage into the back half of a real estate office several blocks away. Years later Walt reflected on the long shot that was created in Uncle Robert’s garage, “It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

The Disney Garage was almost a lost legacy. Disney historians decided that the “official” beginning of the studio grew out of the production of the “Alice Comedies” which took place in the real estate office premises. The garage was simply a footnote in the company’s history and the real estate studio, at 4651 Kingswell, was crowned as the First Disney Studio.

In the early 1980’s Paul Maher an animation fan spotted the “garage” in a series of slides of historical landmarks and

was told it was Disney’s “real first studio.” Overwhelmed with the prospect of actually finding “Mecca,” Maher tracked down the garage. “There were weeds and garbage around the old California home,” he said. “The garbage made it even more fascinating and I had to creep around to the back to find the garage. Like so many fans, I just had to go up and touch it.”

When Maher found out that the one-car garage was scheduled for demolition, he stepped in at the eleventh hour and bought it for $6,400 (the cost of building a new garage). Nothing being easy, he also had to agree to rent and live in the house. He lived there for about a year but financial hard times forced him to move out.

On March 19, 1982 he put the garage up for auction with a minimum bid of $10,000. To add drama to the story, neither the Disney Company nor the Disney family were interested in the garage, and no one else submitted a bid.

Luckily for future Mouseketters, Art Adler, a Disney employee, was at the auction. Adler was the senior contract administrator for the Purchasing Department at Disneyland.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Adler said. “I started imagining what was going to happen to it – if it was going to be vandalized, destroyed or just cut up in pieces and stuffed into little bottles for souvenirs.”

On the spot and out of desperation Adler and seven other strangers pooled $8,500 and bought the garage from Maher.

The “partners” formed a group called “Friends of Walt Disney,” and began looking for a permanent home for the garage. The garage was put into storage until final arrangements could be made. Interestingly the Smithsonian was interested in the

garage, but couldn’t guarantee it would be displayed, or for how long they could maintain it.

Finally a private, nonprofit organization called The Garden Grove Historical Society came to the rescue, and in 1984 the Disney Garage was moved to the Stanley Ranch Museum, the centerpiece of the Garden Grove Historical Society.

The official dedication of the garage took place on October 10, 1984, and it featured local officials, costumed Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters from Disneyland and more than 100 Disney fans. The historical society erected a new concrete slab for the garage, replaced some of the deteriorated wood and gave it a simple coat of primer. A contract was drawn up indicating that in the event the society could no longer maintain the structure, the garage would be returned to the “Friends of Walt Disney.”

According to Disney historian Wade Sampson the garage is described (in the “Deed of Gift”) as: “Walt Disney’s First Studio in California is a one story, two door, one window, all wooden structure approximately 12-feet wide by 18-feet long by 10-feet high, with lap boards and a slightly pitched roof.”

And like in most garages, the perfect place to do the impossible. GSM The Stanley Ranch Museum 12174 Euclid Street Garden Grove, CA 714.530.8871 (admission is free)

automobilia

section

Automobilia, Petroliana and Collectibles By

Dana Mecum

Images courtesy of

Mecum Auction Company

Automobilia Grows in Popularity, Offers Something for Everyone

A

utomobilia has exploded in popularity among everyone from hobbyists to serious collectors during the past few years. At Mecum Auction, we have noticed a particularly large increase in collector interest and values of original automobilia within the last 10-years. Neon signs, vintage gas pumps, particular beverage machines – all types of automotive memorabilia – have unearthed a completely new aspect of the collector car hobby for enthusiasts to enjoy.

Our team has sold entire collections of automobilia that have surpassed both the sellers and the buyers expectations.

Price trends in the collectibles market tend to closely reflect what is going on in the collector car market, which is likely due to the fact that a large majority of people interested in automobilia are also car collectors. Within the past couple of years, while some cars have seemed to hit a plateau, the rare and very desirable models continue to perform well in the collector car market. Much like the cars, an original piece of memorabilia that is more commonly seen will not increase in value as quickly as a rare piece of automobilia. Rare items will always be in high demand, regardless of the market or economy. As with all trends, we can expect those “average” cars and pieces of automobilia to be on the rise once again.

While we’re on the subject of rare items, let’s talk about investing in Automobilia for profit.

First and foremost, the number one rule in collecting is to buy what you like. For those collectors who do have a thick wallet, however, original items like vintage dealership signs, gas pumps and gas pump globes make quite an impressive display. Many serious collectors are sticking to popular neonon-porcelain dealer signs from the 1930s, ’40s and ’50s. These items might cost several hundred to several thousand dollars, and most pieces are large and require a little more space to display in the garage.

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Dana Mecum - Dana Mecum is president of The Mecum Auction Company, which has been specializing in the sale of collector cars and memorabilia for 23 years, now offering more than 5,000 collector cars per year. To learn more, visit www.mecum.com.

High-priced items like vintage dealership signs have always been collectible and for the most part have been a great investment. Like the cars themselves, they have grown in value. The only difference is they are much more rare.

Think about this: A car dealership in 1955 had countless cars sell off its lot. It likely only had one, perhaps two, dealership signs that it probably used for 10 to 20 years. Think about how many hundreds of cars were sold under that one and only sign during that time frame. Then ponder how many of those signs were destroyed after the dealership closed. From that perspective, it is easy to see how the dealer signs could become rarer than the actual cars they represent!

So what if your purse strings are a little tighter? There are countless items that can be collected if you’re on a budget. While some are rare and expensive, original oil cans

are a great way to add to a collection. Many are available for under $40 each.

Banners and posters are usually larger items, and not particularly costly, giving collector-decorators a lot of bang for their buck. In fact, if you are looking to simply decorate a garage or home and aren’t concerned with having original items, there are many reproduction signs and gas pump globes available now that create a great automotive atmosphere.

If you’re new to the hobby and want to learn more about automobilia, start attending local swap meets and auctions.

There are also reference books and price guides available as

Ford Oil – As décor goes, dealership point-of-sale items such as this oil display rack are easier on the wallet, and fun. At Mecum’s Indianapolis auction this Ford rack sold for $400.

well. It often helps to speak with a vendor or fellow collectors to help beginners make informed buying decisions.

We, along with most other car auction companies, have offered Automobilia to prepare crowds for cars coming up for bid. But as Automobilia continues to grow as standalone collectible items, we continue to establish it as its own niche within the marketplace. Not only is Automobilia a hot commodity that I believe will continue to appreciate as a solid investment, but it is also an enjoyable, visually appealing way for enthusiasts to express their love of all things automotive.

See Mecum schedule on page 53. GSM

Cobra – At a recent Mecum Auction, this neon Shelby Cobra sign traded hands for $19,000. At 72-inches tall by 60-inches wide, it’ll make a dramatic statement anywhere it’s placed.

Used Cars – How many of these have been seen at lots across the nation?

This two-sided 1940’s – 1950’s example features flashing neon “OK” and borders, and sold for $16,000.

tool

bag

HyLoft Tires and rims can be a space-wasting bother anywhere they’re not bolted to a car. Constructing a rack isn’t too difficult, but when you can purchase a beautifully constructed, steel rack to bolt on the wall and out of the way, why not? Especially when the MSRP is about ninetybucks. The Tire Loft by Diamond Storage Concepts, LLP, is a purpose-designed, heavy-duty, telescopicallyadjustable unit capable of holding up to 375-pounds.

Adjustable up to 66-inches wide and 28.5-inches long, only four lag screws hold the powder coated Tire Loft to wall studs, making installation a cinch. www.hyloft.com | 702.685.1700

Justice Brothers In its quest to save the planet, the EPA has removed nearly all traces of zinc, or ZDDP, from motor oils, which was a major component in engine protection. Justice Brothers recently released their Engine Tune-Up to replace the lubrication qualities provided by ZDDP, as well as deliver a detergent action to clean, lube and protect valves, lifters and other internal moving parts. Simply add a bottle of Engine Tune-Up at each oil change. www.justicebros.com | 626.359.9174

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Tool Bag REVU Meguiar’s Issued a few newer products from the Meguiar’s Wax Company, we put them to the test on our daily driver 2009 Ford Flex. It’s amazing how much filth and yuck can accumulate over time, and the Flex had just enough to give the Meguiar’s a run for its money.

Ultimate Protectant – We found this product to live up to its name as a Dash and Trim Restorer, as that’s exactly what it did – restore. Specifically we applied the UP to the black plastic upon the rear bumper of our Flex and found that it not only deepened the black, but it also offered a mature sheen as opposed to a greasy coating. It wasn’t difficult to apply, but due to its thicker nature, it required a bit more thought than most protectants, and a light buffing afterwards did wonders. Also, while we didn’t use it on the interior surfaces, our thought was that if we did, layering light coat after light coat would be a smart approach.

Natural Shine Protectant Wipes – So far, this was our favorite product from the Meguiar’s offering. The Flex has a light-colored interior, and is therefore easily dirtied. The center console armrest seemed to have gathered the most filth, and offered the toughest test for the cloth wipes, and really, it wasn’t much of a challenge. A few easy passes with the cloths and the muck was gone, a clean sheen in its place over the light tan color. Truly a great product for keeping interior surfaces looking their best between heavy details.

Auto Glym Hailing from England, Auto Glym recently attacked the American market through a variety of retailers including Wal Mart and Pep Boys. We decided to try out their Rapid Detailer spray wax, and found it to be a pleasure to work with, leaving behind a sweet sheen and exceptional clarity.

Seemingly heavier than most spray waxes, the product did take a little more effort than some spray waxes, but, we’re under the impression that there is more actual wax per squirt than many competitor brands, which is something to feel good about.

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Artist

profile

Jesse Alexander Text By

Jeremiah McDaniel Images By

Jesse Alexander

T

he year is 1958. The air is stifling hot as the cars take to the track at Remis-Gueux, France. The engines of the cars roar to life, and then it happens. The flag drops and the cars speed off into the distance followed only by the guttural growl of exhaust. The French Grand Prix has begun and as the last car rounds the turn out of sight the only remnants left is the odor of a gas and rubber so strong it stings as it enters the nose. Before the end of the race one man will die, one legend will retire and one legend will be born.

It is these moments in racing history that fade as time progresses. There are no archives, no televised broadcast for re-runs, no critical analysis on the evening sport wrapup, just man and machine bound together by the bond of those in attendance that day. Photos are the last vestige of remembrance these historical races have, and though many may be lost, one man’s photos stand the test of time delivering the passion and talent those drivers exuded on courses

throughout the world.

For Jesse Alexander the series of events that sent him down the path to photograph some of the greatest races of all time started with a simple hobby. That hobby combined with a little luck moved him to photograph the rise of sport car racing Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010  55

problems.”

A common thread in all of his photographs are the people.

The faces may change, but he strives to capture the emotion, and the grit and grime of racing.

“I focus on dirty hands, faces, and the human aspect of the scene. I’m not really interested in the cars but the people and the mechanics. I often photographed portraits for people and portraits are in a number of my books.”

To capture his shots he used a Leica and a Twin Lens Reflex Camera. He says that today’s SLR cameras make shooting easy.

“They’re ready to go so you can be ready, but in the older days you took a shot and hoped. You didn’t see it until you developed it in your bathroom. It was a different world.”

Alexander shot the majority of his photos in black and white, but at times did shoot in color. He attributes his black and white choice with trying to copy his heroes W. Eugine Smith and Cartier-Bresson.

“I held [Smith and Cartier-Bresson] on a pedestal and wanted to do what they did. They were great photographers in WWII and I grew up looking at their photos. Color can be distracting and take away from an image but it’s all subjective.”

His choice in format has changed since those days in Europe, he has switched to a digital camera, but he still keeps that Leica camera on his desk for the occasional shot.

“Film cameras have a wonderful feel, and the Leica makes you feel like a pro. It was used by some of the greatest photographers in the world and it is simple to use.”

Today Alexander, 81, no longer chases the roar of the engine down the track, but that doesn’t mean his life has slowed down. He has archived all of the photographs he took during his travels and spends his time developing those prints into gallery portraits. He will be holding an Exhibition of his photographs at the Fairfield County Concourse d’Elegance this September. GSM www.jessealexander.com

unique

artists

Dennis Brown While many artists get a thrill out of the speed and mechanics of a car, often reflecting that in their works, artist Dennis Brown has a different approach.

His passion is for the contours and lines.

His work captures the beauty of the car, but also details the elegance found in the flair of a wheel well, or beauty of a well built exhaust.

(626) 339-8289

Andy King Andy King offers a special kind of art that hits the heart of car enthusiasts.

Rather than simply painting any car, he receives photos of customers cars then creates an oil painting of their prized possession. King works under Carsart, based out of Thailand, and has created hand crafted works for hobbyists, enthusiasts and companies. www.carsart.com

58  Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

personality

profile

George Barris King of the Kustomizers Text and Images by

Don Weberg

King of the Kustomizers George Barris enjoys sitting in the central office, surrounded by his models. In his hands is a chrome Batmobile.

R

arely has a more spirited personality been found than that of George Barris. And why not? He’s been responsible for some of the hippest Hollywood cars: the Batmobile, KITT, Monkeemobile, Drag-U-La, Munster Koach, General Lee, the A-Team Van and Vette – he crafted these and more. Now, who wouldn’t want that job?

“It started a long time ago,” said George. “My brother, Sam, and I moved from Chicago to Roseville, California after my parents died to live with my aunt and uncle. That was the late ’20s.”

The boys worked at the family restaurant, were good

60 Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

students in school and excelled in art and drama. The family gave them a 1925 Buick which would become the first true Barris Kustom. Painted orange with blue stripes, George straightened out a lot of the body, and added various custom components to create a unique ride. It was sold quickly, and the boys bought a Model A Ford, and later, a 1936 Ford cabriolet which led to his first commercial client.

“You know, back then, they didn’t have the catalogue, bolton accessories they do today,” he said. “Back then you had to actually make the piece you wanted from scratch, or remake a part from another car.”

to Barris’ shop in Toluca Lake, California is like a trip through Hollywood history – black and white pictures everywhere of celebrities and cars, movie posters all over the place, and toys – lots and lots of plastic and die cast replicas of movie and

“Cars and stars go together, and a movie is more memorable when it’s featuring some kind of special car. The hotter the car, the hotter the movie!”

Barris enjoys flipping through old images of cars – here he points out an early Kustom.

film cars. During our visit, George sat at a desk, surrounded literally by hundreds of papers, each in stacks, George scribbling something on them. For a moment it was like watching a madman obsessed with an all-consuming project, as he busied himself while snapping pictures of his showroom.

“It’s all marketing, we’re always letting people know where we are and what we’re doing,” he said. “If you want to be successful, it’s what you do. Well, that and work.”

As if the stacks of paper weren’t enough, the backroom of the Barris Headquarters holds literally thousands of pictures, documents and memorabilia pertaining to the Barris cars. Boxes with block letters in permanent marker reading “PRINCE,” “PEARL JAM,” “OSCAR MAYER,” “BEE-GEES,” and “BEATLES” to name just a few. The history of entertainment and automobiles within the Barris building is mind blowing.

“We document everything, from photographs to paperwork, we have kept track of most everything we’ve ever done,” he said. “It’s a lot of work, but it’s a great way to earn a living – I’d trade it for nothing.” GSM

Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010  63

Automobile

review

The pearlescent gold stripes are signature Hurst, but the Hurst T1 chrome and gold wheels really set the Challenger apart.

2008 Hurst Challenger

Scalpel Sharp + Sledgehammer Tough = Pure Respect Text by

Don Weberg Images by

author and

B

Hurst Performance

espoke and muscle cars weren’t two adjectives normally associated with one another years ago. However, in recent years, the two are becoming somewhat interchangeable, and it makes sense.

The folks who once dreamed of, and maybe even owned, the original muscle cars of the 1960’s and ’70s have come of age – the kids are grown and gone, the house might be paid for, the business is going well and travel, leisure and life have become more plausible – it’s social senioritis, really, as they get antsy for what they loved and what made them happy way-back-when. But, in spite of their quest to grasp a piece of their youth, today they’re smarter and more refined and expect more than just straight-line performance from a car. They want the car to stop and turn with confidence, and even be well built. They’re expecting more than just guttural grunts from the exhaust, and don’t want too many backfires, and really aren’t too interested in hearing carbs suck gobs of air through massive chambers. To boot, they want reliability – the car has to start on cold, damp mornings without too much protest; it has to maintain a steady idle without mixing a margarita; the 64 Garage Style Magazine Summer 2010

aircon should work well, and the seals should keep wind noise to a minimum. Oh, and if a sat radio with nav can be had, why not?

So, why don’t they buy a high-end luxo barge? Namely, because they’ve been there done that, and it’s time to have some old-school fun with some new-school tricks. And, more to the point, because all of the above can be done today, and done well.

Building on their reputation of producing some of the most expensive, exclusive and quickest cars on the planet, Hurst Performance is at it again, and showing few signs of pulling any punches. Garage Style was granted the privilege of using their 2008 Hurst Challenger for a few days, and not just any Hurst Challenger – Hurst Performance Series 4 Number 0001, the very first black Series 4 Hurst Challenger built; the one that gave a yin to the yang of the signature white-gold motif. Complete with signature gold stripes and exquisite gold-appointed chrome Hurst T1 wheels, special rear wing treatments and more, the Hurst Challenger looks fantastic.

Interestingly, it looks fantastic in such a subtle way, people

Camaro and Mustang get updated for better design and performance

Inside, the super-supportive SRT8 seats are treated to gold perforations, while the pistol grip shifter is replaced with an anodized gold unit.

and ferociously rip-growls to life, and packs the wallop of a bomb, inspiring lip-splitting grins and white-knuckled joy.

Objects in mirror are no longer there. The sound is tremendous, the torque punch is unlike most anything else on four wheels – the experience is one of those earth-shattering, hystericallyscary moments when you realize why power corrupts. Couple all this power with the control of the taut suspension and massive brakes, and why absolute power corrupts absolutely becomes apparent. It’s not like muscle cars of yesterday; it’s quicker, faster, nimbler, more reliable, more comfortable, technically inclined and can be had for a fraction of the cost of some of the restored original muscle cars seen trolling across auction blocks around the globe.

For those who’ve emerged on the far side of 20-something with a heftier wallet, more refined sense of style and value, and a taste for bespoke goods and services, but yearn for the muscle cars of yore, the Hurst/Hemi-Challenger might Famous for their shifters, be the ticket. As bespoke should be, the anodized gold Hurst Hurst promises to keep production Hard-Drive Shifter looks numbers of each series limited, thus protecting collectability and resale and feels fabulous. value. When was the last time you saw a Hurst-prepped vehicle? GSM www.hurst-performance.com | 949.261.5500

If a Challenger isn’t quite your cup of tea, perhaps the new Camaro or Mustang will better fill the bill. Like the Challenger, both vehicles underwent extensive performance and design development to ensure a truly special vehicle that’s not only fun to drive, but unique.

special

products

Granite Digital Knowledge is power, and that’s what Granite Digital’s SMART Cable provides – knowledge. With its highly visible LED lights, the SMART Cable alerts car owners when a battery needs charging before it goes completely dead. Simply plug the cable into an auxiliary power port or cigarette lighter and mount the LED end on a dash or in a side window for easy visibility, and checking your battery health is easier than ever.

Selling for about $15, the SMART Cable is easy to afford, and a product that will take just a little more stress out of owning vehicles in storage.

SMART Cable is a product of Granite Digital, a company well known for its E-storage applications as well as the Save A Battery vehicle battery maintainer, which not only charges batteries but actually exercises them to keep them healthy and fresh. www.saveabattery.com | 888.819.2190

Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010 67

Book

reviews

A New Look at Two Legends Steve McQueen: A Tribute to the King of Cool Marshall Terrill Forward by Barbara McQueen

Steve McQueen: A Tribute to the King of Cool tells the actor’s story through the eyes of those who knew him best: family, friends, co-stars, business associates, acquaintances and adoring fans from around the globe. Written in passage form, each person brings a different view to the man and the legend, presenting him in an unsurpassed 360-degree perspective. It reads like a biography and is sure to please McQueen fans. Accompanying the 200 passages are hundreds of photos, many of which are seen here for the first time. They illustrate McQueen’s life and movie career, as well as his passion for automobiles, motorcycles and antique airplanes. The 384-page book includes a foreword by his widow Barbara McQueen, a family tree, copies of personal documents and memorabilia, and passages from several Hollywood luminaries.

Author Marshall Terrill, who spent three years compiling the information for this book, is a film, sports and music writer and the author of more than a dozen books, including best-selling biographies of Steve McQueen, Elvis Presley and Pete Maravich. Three of his books are in development to be made into movies.

The book has been published in two versions. The Special Edition is limited to 2000 numbered copies signed by both Marshall Terrill and Barbara McQueen.

It includes a CD of a recording of a lecture given by Steve McQueen at Loyola Marymount University in 1978, where he talked about the making of “An Enemy of the People”, and afterwards took questions from the audience.

70 Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

Phil Hill: A Driving Life To motorsports fans, the late Phil Hill (1927-2008) is best remembered as America’s first Formula One champion and a three-time Le Mans winner. But Hill also enjoyed a long and successful career writing about an amazing variety of historic cars for Road & Track magazine.

Now the best of these stories are collected for the first time in Phil Hill: A Driving Life.

The book captures the full sweep of automotive history, from the first horseless carriage built by Karl Benz in 1886 to the 2001 Chevrolet Monte Carlo driven by seven-time NASCAR champion Dale Earnhardt. In between there are such vintage road cars as a 1915 Packard, the first MG, and the Jaguar XK120. There are race cars, from the exotic Bugattis and Auto Unions of the 1930s to the Ferraris, Fords, and Chaparrals that Phil drove in the 1950s and 1960s. And the book also includes Hill’s personal recollections of such motorsports greats as Juan Manuel Fangio, Dan Gurney, Stirling Moss, and Jim Hall.

Whether it was built for the road or the race track, Hill describes each car’s history and technical features before getting behind the wheel to discover how it really performs. Each chapter is illustrated with brilliant photographs by Phil’s friend and collaborator, longtime Road & Track editor John Lamm, who explains tells how each one came to be written.

Whether he’s writing about a rare vintage race car, a hard-fought victory, or an old friend, Phil’s essential qualities of intelligence, curiosity, and integrity always come through. Phil Hill: A Driving Life provides a unique perspective on automotive history from a true champion.

Garage

library

Cord Complete

By Josh Malks Jericho Publications

Possibly the most comprehensive book ever written concerning the 810 and 812 Cords, Cord Complete offers 26 chapters and 8 appendixes of factual information, period photographs, drawings, fine art examples depicting Cord automobiles, Patent Office documents, blueprints – it goes on and on, and begins at the very beginning. Complete with various side stories that truly give color to the legendary car, the book is an absolute delight to thumb through or read studiously – as large as it is, it’s a good idea to have a table and some time. Printed on astonishingly high-quality paper and bound in a beautiful green hardcover, the book comes in a protective sleeve and box, lending to a new level of exceptional from the book publishing industry. Truly one of the greats, Cord Complete is an heirloom piece to be cherished.

Available at Autobooks-Aerobooks and other book retailers.

“Packard: An American Classic Car” Richard W. Luckin Film

With countless historical images, vintage film footage and interviews with experts in the know all guided by soft-spoken host Edward Herrmann, this Richard W. Luckin film truly educates and entertains viewers about the Packard automobile. In just about an hour, viewers will learn about Packard’s extensive contributions to World War II, concept vehicles that never made the cut and the transition between the classic design to the modern style in keeping with the times of the 1940’s. The film also introduces viewers to a host of coach-built examples many might never have known existed, discussing interesting information about each car. With exquisite resolution, crisp editing and engaging commentary throughout, it’s a DVD that car aficionados will enjoy over and over, while learning about one of the finest automobiles ever made. Obviously assembled with a love of the Packard car and company, even those not entirely interested in the marque may find themselves becoming a Packard adherent.

Luckin Productions 621 Cascade Court Golden, CO 80403-1518 303.278.0669 rluckin@mindspring.com Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010 73

business

profile

The Classic campus at Huntington Beach, CA is the hub of the entire company.

Classic Industries Text by

Don Weberg

Images Courtesy of

Classic Industries and author

T

he interest in classic cars has risen steadily and steeply over the past 20-years; hence the unbelievable ratings televised automobile auctions bring in, the all-too-often lofty prices associated with buying a classic car and the rising number of vintage vehicles on the road. Because of this popularity, an inordinate amount of parts vendors came and went, most specializing in parts for highly-popular vehicles like Mustang, Camaro, Firebird, Impala, GTO and Corvette to name a few. Interestingly, one name in particular seems a constant over the course of time and trends, Classic Industries.

Founded by Jeff Leonard in the 1970’s, Classic has grown from an exceptionally humble company selling only a few parts for Camaro to a major, privately held corporation manufacturing parts in the USA and abroad for Camaro, Firebird, Impala, GM Trucks, full-size Chevrolet, Nova and specific Chrysler vehicles. Aside from producing concours quality restoration parts for these cars and selling them under their own brand name, they also manufacture parts for other parts vendors, giving them an enviable position in the industry. To boot, the company is staffed by car nuts, meaning they speak the language.

“I grew up in Detroit, so I was always around cars,” said Jeff. “I cruised Woodward Boulevard , and all the guys I knew had the popular muscle cars of the 1960’s and1970’s, so it was a great influence and a great era to have lived through.”

After attending College, Jeff decided he didn’t want to remain in Michigan, and relocated to the sunny skies of California, specifically Palm Springs, made some friends with the Mustang and Camaro crowds, and

74 Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

At SEMA, CI blew everyone away with their own version of a new Yenko S/C Camaro. Jeff is particularly fond of this car.

Fitment testing for an early Firebird rear quarter section.

Interestingly their guinea pig Firebird is a convertible.

reproduction companies nowadays that come close to lackluster,” he said. “The technology and skill has come around very well in recent years, and these parts are easily as good as the originals, and in many cases, better. No one should feel queasy buying a reproduction part.”

While Classic offers a number of products for a number of vehicles, Jeff shows no signs of slowing down.

“We’re gearing up to offer more Pontiac and full-size Chevrolet parts, we’re digging into the Mopar circles and we have some exciting things on our horizon,” he said.

While obviously this means exceptional products for Challengers, Chargers, ’Cudas, Darts, Super Bees, Dusters and even Polaras, Jeff reminds it’s more than just carpet kits and fenders.

“We’re really digging into the hard to find parts like gauges, emblems, trim and plastic parts,” he said. “We are really bringing a lot to our clients, and hope they’ll continue to work with us on their current or future projects.” GSM www.classicindustries.com | 714.847.6887

Camaro parts galore.

Back yard mechanics to world famous car builders and traditional hot rods to multi million dollar classics are all featured on “The Vintage Vehicle Show”. Lance Lambert, the show’s producer and host, has been taking you on four wheeled adventures since 1993 and “The Vintage Vehicle Show”, broadcast nationally and internationally, can be enjoyed every week on your TV and computer screens.

Check your local listings for times and topics, or log on to www.vintagevehicletv.com

Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010  77

buyer’s

guide Sunpro Sun Retro Tachometers The Godfather of the 1960’s and ’70s tachometer movement, Sun, recently reproduced two iconic designs from the vintage era, the Sun Super and the Retro Tachometer. The Sun Super features a 250-degree dial sweep and 360-degree ‘through the dial’ lighting for exceptional night visibility. It also features the company’s signature blue line styling and adjustable red shift pointer. The Retro offers a bit more nostalgic styling with 90-degree dial sweep, black and white gauge and 360-degree illumination. While the gauges offer fabulous early styling, their internals are very modern with vibration proof air-core meter construction and state-of-the-art electronics to ensure reliability and accuracy. Each tach can be custom set to work with one-, two-, four-, six-, eight-, and 10-cylinder engines up to 8,000-RPM and are designed for mounting on either the steering column or dash. And, adding to the nostalgic feel, they are metal bodied. www.sunpro.com | 800.228.7667

GreenLight A year ago, a record was set when Mecum Auctions sold a 1965 Shelby Daytona Coupe for $7.25-million in Monterey, California. One of six cars built to compete against the dominant Ferraris in the F.I.A. World Manufacturers Championship, the coupe was an experimental design based on the Cobra chassis. The modified body increased overall speeds by about 25-miles per hour, enough to keep up with the fearsome Ferraris. GreenLight Toys recently introduced their 1:18 scale special edition replica of the famed Cobra Daytona to honor and celebrate the car that became known as American Racing’s Crown Jewel. Only 1,900 replicas will be made, lending a truly special rarity to the die cast model, and with a price of roughly $40, it seems to be a bargain. www.greenlighttoys.com | 877.412.7467

78 Garage Style Magazine Fall 2010

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