Custom Car Magazine - February 2024 by Assignment Media Ltd

FEB 2024

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The Final Countdown

FIA European Finals light up a wet weekend at Santa Pod

PLUS: Cherry Pie – iconic 70s’ C-Cab brought back from the dead CC Feb 24 Cover.indd 1

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r u o y r o f e c n a r u s n I

The hum of the engine. The open roads. The incredible history. We know that every custom car is built from a vision, and seeing that vision come to life creates a bond like no other. That’s why we provide insurance that can be customised almost as much as your pride and joy.

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Contents

is Ma 15 sue rc Fe on h ’2 br s 4 ua al ry e

Find us on Facebook at mCarMagazine www.facebook.com/Custo

Rat Trap

Russo’s Rat was supposed to be in this issue, but thanks to Christmas the article arrived right on deadline – and with such a phenomenal story to tell, we wouldn’t have been able to do it justice. We will for sure next month, though.

Regulars 2

News & reviews Big developments afoot at the Pod

32 Readers’ Rods The rebirth of a much-loved C-Cab

52 Auto Focus The curious subject of names for cars

58 Events

The calendar is bursting at the seams

64 Next Month

DC Customs’ truly sublime F1

Features 12 BDRHoF Gala A good time was had by one and all

14 Merc Magic ‘51 that wowed last year’s Grand National

24 Mog Magic Lowlight Minor is a top piece of British tin

www.customcarmag.co.uk

40 FIA Euro Finals Ultimate race meet, meet British weather…

54 Hospice Run Custom car owners going a good turn

56 Ultimate Stance Repping for rodding in an alien show

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FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 1

CC Contents Feb.indd 1

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News & reviews

Strip teasers

here are currently a couple of development plans in the pipeline which, should they come to fruition, will have a major impact on two of the best known European dragstrips.

Santa Pod While the Santa Pod development plan isn’t fresh off the drawing board, having been unveiled in March 2021, it was mentioned once again at the recent BDRHoF Gala. Specialist design agency Driven International has formulated this ambitious plan in conjunction with Santa Pod’s management. The project’s key element is a new, themed Santa Pod café which will offer quality

menus and the best seats in the house, giving a unique viewing experience both indoors and on the second-floor balcony. The building will also be home to the Santa Pod Museum Collection, celebrating the histories of both the wartime airfield and the raceway. The development plans also include a new Start Line Tower and Fuelers Bar, which will incorporate second-floor VIP suites, a mezzanine floor viewing area and museum exhibits.

HalFar Following the recent Malta Motorsport Federation AGM, the HalFar Motorsport Park project was publicly announced. This

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is essentially a three-phase development, designed to minimise disruption to the facility while work is being carried out. Phase 1 will centre around the rebuilding and upgrading of the dragstrip, which will involve moving the startline backwards to allow for additional room in the braking area after the ﬁnish line. While that sounds simple, it does mean the tower and other facilities will need to be demolished and rebuilt in a fresh location. The new tower will be built to international standards, and a new reception area and storage garages will also be built. Phase 2 will embrace the upgrading of the karting facility, while phase 3 is the construction of a race circuit. The plan is for work to start in the second quarter of 2024. Both are ambitious projects, and it appears that timewise the Malta project is way ahead of the one in the UK. Just imagine the difference they will make to the drag racing spectator experience – though it won’t be anything like grassroots any more…

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Jump in and drive

The date for the 2024 FBHVC Drive It Day is Sunday 21 April. The National Drive It Day, created by the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs in 2005, is the occasion when historic vehicle enthusiasts and the public at large have the opportunity to celebrate the One Thousand Mile Trial organised in 1900 to prove the viability of the new invention, the motor vehicle. It’s also a chance to raise awareness and support among the public for the historic vehicle movement and keeping transport heritage on UK roads. It doesn’t matter where you go or how many miles you cover. Just get in your car and drive.

The pressure’s on

Celebr ating 74 years

Excessive fuel pressure causing flooding can be a common problem on new or recently rebuilt carburettor set-ups. This can happen either with an electric fuel pump or when a copy of an original mechanical fuel pump produces way more line pressure than the intended 3-3.5psi. One solution to this is the Webcon Fuel Pressure Gauge, with its 0-15psi fluid-filled gauge and an anodised 8mm / 5/16” billet ali fuel line adaptor and plug. For vehicles with an EFI system, an alternative gauge kit features a 1-8 bar gauge so that the EFI fuel pressure can be measured and set prior to mapping. Inclusive of VAT, the prices for these are £41.94 and £45.54 respectively. www.webcon.co.uk RAISED WHITE LETTER TYRES 13”-15” MOST SIZES IN STOCK NARROW BAND, WHITEWALLS 13’-15”

Bag it

This 63-piece handy tool bag kit from Laser Tools encompasses an array of essentials, from wrenches and socket drivers to hex keys, pliers, and much more. The package includes must-haves like a tape measure, utility knife, hacksaw and wire brush, all neatly organised in a heavy-duty 18” tool bag. www.lasertools.co.uk

VISIT OUR ONLINE STORE & DOWNLOAD CATALOGUES

Stop by the showroom today to check it out.

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News & reviews

Something for the weekend?

vendors. Camping is available for those wishing to stop over. Facebook: North Yorkshire Custom Show

Wheels and more Retro returns Reis Race Retro returns to Stoneleigh Park on 23-25 February. This time round, a newly refurbished hall will be added to the ﬂoorplan and 2 CAR MARCH theCUSTOM indoor autojumble will return once again. Having lost two events to Covid, this will be the 20th staging, and it promises to be the biggest ever with the extra indoor space along with the Reis Pride of the Paddock competition. Reis Race Retro aims to bring together the best of the historic motorsport scene including iconic cars, legends from racing and rallying, industry experts and motorsport clubs. There will also be a one-day sale of competition and classic cars by Iconic Auctioneers, book signings, license medical testing, HEROERA Retro Tour and rally driver and navigator training. www.raceretro.com.

Sunday classic Classic Wheels takes place at the Rutland Showground, Oakham, on Sunday 19 May. Last year’s event attracted over 1000 classic vehicles along with autojumble stands, food and craft stalls, live music, children’s entertainment and club displays. Advance tickets are available priced at

just £10 per person (booking fee applies), with under-12s admitted free of charge. www.classicwheelsrutland. co.uk

North Yorks mores Saturday 1 June is the date for the North Yorkshire Custom Show. It takes place in Northallerton and along with the show vehicles, offers live music from ZZ Top tribute band The Eliminators, The Alex Hamilton Band, The Hicksville Bombers and Selah Sounds. Additional attractions include a Strong Man / Woman competition and food and drink

Playing around The Players Classic returns to Goodwood Motor Circuit on 8-9 June. Billed as the ‘Festival of Automotive Perfection’, the event promises a mix of modern classics, hot rods, circuit monsters, drift cars and everything in between. Saturday offers a show and shine and the Players Track Day, with Sunday offering more show and shine with the vehicles taking to the track in a Breakfast Clubstyle layout. All cars will need to be pre-selected and approved, including track cars, and show cars and passengers will need to be pre-paid. Show car application will remain open until 15 April. www.players-show.com

Presented by Coffee’n’Cars, this year’s Weekend of Wheels takes place over the weekend of 26-28 July. The venue is Moorgreen, Willey Lane, Nottingham NG16 3QS which offers full on-site camping facilities. There will be a show and shine on both Saturday and Sunday, and other 2023 attractions include live music, games, trade stands and food and drink vendors. The event is staged in support of the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance. www.coffeencarsuk.club

Classical action The feast of action both in the air and on the ground returns to Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire over the weekend of 21-22 September. The Sywell Classic, Pistons and Props, will offer the usual mix of air displays, racing cars and bikes on the track and drag racing on the sprint strip. Adding to the mix will be trade stands, including vintage and retro, and live music from a variety of artists. www.sywellclassic.co.uk

4 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

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News & reviews A

Custom coil overs and telescopic dampers from Spax Performance Spax Performance Ltd have been designing and manufacturing suspension in the UK for more than 60 years. While our extensive catalogue covers a wide range of both modern and classic cars, there are times when something special is

required. That is why we offer both the CSX Custom Coil Over and the KSX Custom Telescopic ranges of shocks, allowing modiﬁed and custom car builders to get exactly what they need at a reasonable price – with Spax quality built in. Customers only need to follow the instructions to create their own unique part number and products. And with a possible 5000 options on coil overs and 8000 choices on the telescopic, we’ll have something just for you. Each damper is individually hand built, matched and tested on our in-house factory Dynamometer Test Machine, assuring quality, consistency and performance. Each damper is epoxy powder coated, assuring a superb ﬁnish and long life. The CSX range has been

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designed so it can be serviced, re-valved and repaired if required. The basic principle of the KSX range is to allow customers to create their own speciﬁcation for each damper, which is then individually hand built to the chosen selection by our technicians in Bicester, Oxfordshire. All dampers are powder coated, ensuring great cosmetic looks and excellent corrosion resistance. Contact sales@spaxperformance.com for more info

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18/12/2023 15:33 08/01/2024 21:02

News & reviews Good Friday reborn

To many, including the Surrey Street Rodders, Rushmoor Arena was considered the spiritual home of Wheels Day. Sadly, however, the Land Agent’s proposals for holding the 2024 event have made it totally non-viable. Being a charitable event, the club’s goal has always been to raise money for good causes, so the long-standing venue had to become history. The last few months have seen SSR on a hunt for a new venue, with numerous sites being investigated with no luck. They so wanted to hold the show in Surrey itself, but the net had to be cast further away. Much further away. All the way to Newbury Showground, in fact. This has posed a logistical challenge, with just about everything having to be rearranged from previous Wheels Days. Consequently, details of the show cannot be released just yet, but it is hoped they will be announced shortly. We can, however, conﬁrm that the date remains unchanged: Good Friday, 29 March. Please keep a look out on any of the usual social media platforms, including the Surrey Street Rodders Facebook page, or the www.surreystreetrodders.com website for updated information. We hope you will join us in wishing Surrey Street Rodders well with the start of this new era.

Poster art

Unless you’ve already booked ﬂights and accommodation, there’s little chance of you making it along to the 3rd Mooneyes New Year’s Party at Irwindale Speedway. Even so, we couldn’t resist showing you the advertising artwork. That’s the way to really promote an event.

Don Schumacher and Paula Murphy

The drag racing fraternity has lost two legends of Funny Car racing, both of whom passed away on the same day just before Christmas: Don ‘The Shoe’ Schumacher, aged 79, and 95-year-old Paula ‘Miss STP’ Murphy. Funny Car pioneer Don announced his arrival on these shores in style when he was invited over to run his Stardust Barracuda at Santa Pod in 1973. Paula joined Don on that trip and the pair stunned the crowd with side-by-side Funny Car burnouts the likes of which had never been seen before in the UK. That wasn’t enough for Don, as he went on to do a fire burnout. He didn’t leave it there though, as he spun the ‘Cuda round as if it was a rally car, shot back to the startline and promptly performed another burnout. He then spun the car around once again before shutting it off. Unsurprisingly, Don was an instant hit with the Santa Pod spectators. He stopped driving in 1974 to concentrate on his business, before establishing Don Schumacher Racing in 1998 which rapidly became one of the motorsport’s elite teams. Over the years, Paula attained many accolades. She was the first woman to drive a jet-engined car on the Salt Flats and the first woman to drive a nitromethane-fuelled car, and she set numerous speed records in the ‘60s and ‘70s. She was also the first woman to be granted a fuel Funny Car licence by the NHRA, which led to her driving the STP Duster. Paula’s amazing career was documented by the screening of Paula Murphy, Undaunted, first shown at the 2023 Concours d’Elegance at Copshaholm. The impact Don and Paula had on UK race fans when they raced their Funny Cars on these shores was immense. This was ratified when both were invited to the 2016 British Drag Racing Hall of Fame gala, where they were presented with special awards from the past and present operators of Santa Pod Raceway, in appreciation of their pioneering contributions to the sport. Our thoughts go out to their families and friends. RIP Don ‘The Shoe’ and ‘Miss STP’ Paula.

Pump action

Laser Tools offer this portable, selfpriming, drill-powered pump for swift and effortless ﬂuid extraction or transfer. The pump has a 1/4” shank, quick chuckstyle drive shaft, enabling compatibility with any cordless or electric drill operating at a maximum speed of 3500rpm. Due to the risk of sparks generated by the drill, this pump is not suitable for use with petrol or other ﬂammable liquids. www.lasertools.co.uk

6 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

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CLASSIC WIRE WHEELS FOR CREATIVE CUSTOMS Add a classic, unique look to your Hot Rod or custom with Turrino's custom made wire wheels

• Restoration • Hubs & Spinners • Tyres • Alloy Rims • Steel Rims From Alloy and Steel Rims restoration to fully custom creations hubs and spinners all wrapped in your choice of tyre – if you can think it Turrino can build it. PHONE: +44(0)1780 470460 EMAIL: info@turrinowheels.com WEB: turrinowheels.com Custom Car_2023_12_Winter_Torrino Wheels_HP.indd 1

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SF1543 Range 10 – 20mm Typically Rear For prices, dimensions, hardness options and on-line sales see www.superflex.co.uk

FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 7

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News & reviews Pete Angell

Long-term hot rodder Pete Angell passed away a few days before Christmas. Pete was a dedicated committee member of both the NASC and BHRA for many years, yet still had time to spare for anyone who needed help or advice. Such was his consideration for others, when the 2010 Euro Nats was held in conjunction with the NSRA Supernats at Old Warden, Pete, along with Phil Perry, set up an on-site garage. Between them, they helped many rodders enjoy the weekend to the full while forsaking the free time to participate themselves. Pete was a funny, knowledgeable and kind-hearted man who will be massively missed by so many. Car-wise he will best be remembered for owning the blown Chevy-powered ’31 Ford Tudor that was originally built by Tony Theron, and more recently the ’47 Ford cabriolet he drove everywhere, always with his wife Arlene at his side. Pete and Arlene relocated to France a

Outlaw movies

Like several others, Martin and Kathy Smith took video footage at the many shows they attended in 2023. Unlike others though, they haven’t just stashed them away for occasional family viewing. With assistance from daughter Jade, Martin and Kathy have edited the footage into short ﬁlms and posted them on YouTube. Under the banner of Outlaw Wheels UK, the couple have uploaded eight episodes so far covering events such as the Hot Rod Hayride and Hot Rod Supernationals. This is not a business as they have done it merely for fun, and hopefully for the enjoyment of those who view. YouTube: Outlaw Wheels UK

Stock taking number of years ago but still kept in contact with many of their friends in the hot rodding fraternity. Pete’s passing will leave a vast hole in the lives of all those touched by his generosity and kindness. Our thoughts go out to Arlene and their family and friends. RIP Pete.

Race dates for the ever-expanding UK Nostalgia Superstock series have been announced. All rounds will be run at Santa Pod Raceway: 27-28 April, Springspeed Nationals; 4-6 May, Nostalgia Nationals; 8-9 June, Sportsman Nationals; 5-7 July, Dragstalgia; 9-11 August, Mopar Euro Nationals; 20-22 September, National Finals.

Roland Leong

Drag racing legend Roland ‘The Hawaiian’ Long has passed away aged 79. Roland’s involvement with drag racing dates back to the early ‘60s, when he learnt his trade as a chassis builder with a penchant for tuning Hemi engines by working alongside the likes of Jim Nelson and Keith Black. From Top Fuel dragsters to Funny Cars, the cars Roland built were monikered Hawaiian, and in 1991 the Hawaiian Punch became the ﬁrst FC to top 290mph. Roland subsequently retired from building cars, but not from drag racing, and became a crew chief for the likes of Don Prudhomme. He attended the BDRHoF Gala in 2017 (pictured here) and went

Show time

Amongst the nine Kelsey Motoring Events in 2024 are four which may appeal to some CC readers. Volksworld Plus is on 16-17 March at Sandown Park. The Classic Ford Show is at the South of England Showground on Sunday 12 May. Silverstone Circuit is the

on to tune Tony Betts’ Venom Funny Car a couple of years later. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Roland.

8 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

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COOLING & CNC Fabrication Serck Motorsoport have been manufacturing cooling systems for the custom car and drag racing market for over 40 years. Built to the highest standards in both Aluminium or Copper Brass Construction we have supplied to all levels of performance from Drag Racing to Custom Cars, Classic and Muscle Cars. We can also help you design your Cooling System from scratch with our CAD Software programs. We have recently added a new 5 Axis CNC Machine to our manufacturing department supported by the latest design software to enable us to meet your requirements for any parts machining or cooling solutions. We are also the official UK Distributor Setrab Oil Coolers with a huge range in stock from Diff Coolers to Transmission and Engine Coolers all instock and featured on our growing website. From Colin Millars 6 Second Ford Pop to Mark Todd’s 2000hp Street Legal Aston Martin to Paul Morton’s MK1 Zephyr Zodiac and many many more we have the perfect Cooling Solution for all Custom and Race applications. PERFORMANCE PARTS We have over 35,000 listed parts featured on our growing web site with a huge stock for quick and efficient delivery times for over 30 high quality brands in the market today, from Race and Road Tyres, Race Wheels to Water Pumps to Nitrous Kits to Turbos to Performance Oil to Fuel Injection Systems.

We have also added a full range of Clear View Oil Filtration as featured on Street Outlaws. NITROUS Did you know there are now 7 Nitrous Filling Stations throughout the UK plus at our site in Hayes ? You can find them directly on our Website!! You can also get your refills direct at Santa Pod Raceway in the Pod Shop as well as a range of racing products from Serck Motorsport to support racers at the track. We are also appointed Nitrous Express UK Distributors and can supply all your performance requirements from Bottles to Kits to Parts direct from Stock. RACING SERVICES Rebuilding or Refreshing your engine?? Consider Contamination from your Coolers!! We have a full Cooling System Micron Analysis Cleaning and Testing facility in house and can fully service your Coolers, Lines, Oil Tanks.... DOWN TO THE MICRON! We also Flow Test, Helium Pressure Test and carry Endoscopic Inspections as well as Fin Repair keeping your cooling performance to 100% efficiency.

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DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE SERCK DEALER NETWORK? We are looking for more dealers to help distribute and supply the racers all over the UK by providing such brands as:  Setrab oil coolers  Autometer gauges  Clear view oil filters  Nitrous express parts and kits  Race star wheels  Race gas  Fitech  Brian crower  Turbo smart And many more. We are also looking for more Nitrous filling stations to join the Serck network to help provide Nitrous refills across the UK Please send any dealer enquires to: steven.morton@unipart.com

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06/09/2023 09:43

Galitico S

wap race suits for dinner jackets and crash helmets for evening dresses, and the stage is set for the annual British Drag Racing Hall of Fame Gala. As usual, the setting was the Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge, Surrey, and the focus of the evening was on the presentation of awards – as well as the official welcoming of the latest Hall of Fame inductees. More than 200 people representing all facets of drag racing were in attendance and the evening commenced with a drinks reception presented by Santa Pod Raceway.

Words: Dave Biggadyke Pics: Julian Hunt

It was there that the Junior Drag Racing champions of 2023 received their Lucas Oil awards. Junior Dragster winner Liam MacDonald was unable to attend due to a prior engagement. Keith Bartlett, Santa Pod CEO, then took to the stage and announced some of Santa Pod’s plans for the coming year and beyond. Following dinner, Honorary BDRHoF Chair Lesley Wright introduced proceedings which were presided over by Master of Ceremonies Paul Wright. Stuart Bradbury Junior Drag Racing Awards were then presented by Stuart’s widow Bev.

Following on from this came the main presentations of the evening to the latest HoF inductees. The stories behind each of the inductees are to be found on the BDRHoF website. Lesley Wright brought proceedings to a close by thanking all those who made the evening possible, whether that be working behind the scenes, presenting proceedings or sponsoring and supporting the BDRHoF. Following Lesley’s closing address came the opportunity for photo sessions, which some attendees took full advantage of. CC www.britishdragracinghof.co.uk

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A quartet of 2023 junior drag racers received awards; Junior Dragster Champion Liam MacDonald (not pictured) and runner-up Luke Mugridge; Junior Drag Bike Champion Leah Morrison and runner-up Grace Pollen

Santa Pod’s latest historic acquisition was revealed – the Herridge and Beadle Motovation, superbly preserved in nearoriginal condition by former owner Harry Joseph

When he last attended the Gala, Ron Hope promised to return, and seeing him pictured here in the audience proves he’s a man of his word

French Rocket Bike legend Eric Teboul has been wowing the Santa Pod crowd since 2003, clocking a best of 4.976 / 290.51. It was therefore fitting his induction was presented by Keith Bartlett

Pictured from the left are Lesley Wright, Paul Wright and Bev Bradbury

Nostalgia racing pioneer Roy Wilding started drag racing almost 40 years ago following his involvement in the hot rodding scene. His induction into the HoF was presented by Jerry Cookson

Keith Bartlett spoke of his plans for a British Drag Racing Museum, including some cars he had secured for its opening. He also announced the Fuel Altered match race at Dragstalgia in July between Nick Davies in Havoc and Randy Bradford in the Bradford’s Topolino and confirmed the historic Dos Palmas dragster will be on show that weekend

Andy Willsheer presented a coveted inductee Bootsie to photojournalist Roger Gorringe, who first found himself trackside at Santa Pod Raceway in 1972

Acknowledging the company’s role in the fledging days of UK drag racing 60 years ago, Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama of Mooneyes Speed Equipment and Custom Accessories accepted the BDRHoF Global Achievement Award. The award was presented by Nic Williams on behalf of VP Racing

Comperes for the evening were Colin Theobald and Tony Thacker, the latter obviously misunderstanding the criteria to dress accordingly

Keith Lee took to the stage for the induction of Top Fuel Bike champion Rod Pallant and his wife Anne, former British Drag Racing Association secretary and treasurer

The photoshoot session provided the opportunity for people to pose for the camera, and Elaine Southworth made the most of that.

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Early 1950s custom cars were known for their subdued paint jobs, in stark contrast to the more colourful and outlandish exteriors adopted by customisers as the decade drew towards its end. Brian Omatsu set his heart on bridging these two eras with his ’51 Mercury – one of the major stars of California’s 2023 Grand National Roadster Show Words & Pics: Stephan Szantai

he hot rod and custom car world relies on a range of dos and don’ts when it comes to styling. In particular, for example, mixing specific details from two different eras can be a perilous exercise. We’ve all seen examples. A 1950s-styled ’32 Ford roadster motivated by a new fuel-

injected V8 with all the modern gizmos, for example, is sure to start a debate. In no way are we implying this is a wrong approach, but it should be said that the traditionalists within our hobby will have a thing or two to say about what’s in the engine compartment. Yet this should never prevent hot rodders and customisers from experimenting with

a mixtiure of elements cherry-picked from different eras. Using a ’51 Mercury coupe, and a great understanding of custom car history, Brian Omatsu has done just that – with superb results. The Torrance, California resident came to appreciate the various facets of the 1950s’ scene in particular, starting with cars such

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We photographed Brian’s Merc in El Segundo, near LA’s international airport, using the city’s high school as backdrop. The brick building would have looked perfect in any 1950s teenage movie featuring hot rods. Incidentally, when glancing at one of the benches after shooting the coupe, we noticed a large inscription, Class of 1958 – the ideal match to this custom car’s era

as Bob Hirohata’s two-tone green ’51 Merc. Completed by Barris Kustom in 1952, it arguably remains the most famous custom car of all time. However, Brian also enjoys the more outlandish vehicles created later during that same decade, especially the rides ﬁnished by legendary painter and pinstriper Larry

Watson (1938-2010). Watson made a name for himself by customising cars with paint rather than by using body alterations. In fact, he should be credited for the ﬁrst panel paint job, in the same style as Brian’s coupe. The latter therefore merges styling cues from the Hirohata and the Watson eras – and it works surprisingly well.

But we are getting a bit ahead of ourselves, as we should ﬁrst introduce you to Brian. Living in Southern California his entire life allowed him to get heavily involved in the rich local car culture at an early age. He explains: ‘My interest in cars began when I was hanging out with my uncle, my older brother and, of course, my Dad, who was

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Hey leadsled buffs, recognise the bumper and grille? They respectively came from a ’52 DeSoto and ’54 Pontiac

Designed by Barris Kustom, the Bob Hirohata’s ’51 Merc served as inspiration for several stylistic details, such as the rear wings

also a hot rodder – cancer took him away from us way too early. My uncle used to take me to Lions Drag Strip and the original Irwindale Raceway. I was hooked by the sounds, smells and speed after watching friends run their 1955 Chevy gasser.’ Not surprisingly, the movie American Graffiti had a profound impact on his journey through our scene as well. ‘I was 12 years old when it was released and I must have

watched it a hundred times. It had cars from customs to street racing to hot rods, and it made a big impression on me. I found that I liked all styles of cars.’ To prove the point, he played with a Toyota minitruck during the ’80s, followed by many more rides including a hot rod Ford Model A coupe which he still owns today. Furthermore, his brother Dave and his friends very much inspired him too, as they

all drove muscle cars back in the early ’70s. They took Brian under their wing, allowing him to enjoy a range of activities from cruising to street races. The same crew – who he still remains friends with today – let him hang out in their garages too, while they were getting ready for Wednesday Grudge Nights at Southern California’s most popular track at the time, Orange County International Raceway.

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Famous last words

Speaking of Street Machines, Brian selected a ’66 Chevelle to drive as his first car, at age 16 – the year was 1975. More Bowtie automobiles followed, including a ’67 Nova and also a ’70 Nova that graced the pages of Car Craft magazine in 2007. He additionally owned a black ’55 Chevy with a red Plexiglass scoop on the bonnet, modelled after the vehicle a close friend

used to race. ‘I said that would be the last car I ever built,’ adds Brian with a smile. ‘Famous last words!’ Considering his love for V8 muscle, you might wonder what inspired Brian to suddenly set his street machine and drag racing roots aside and concentrate on custom cars. Well, it all boils down to his friends giving up on the racing, leading him to rethink his options as well.

He always wanted a customised 1949-51 Mercury, and now was the time to pick one up. For several years, he enjoyed a greenpainted ’51 2-door coupe. That unchopped car, a different model from the one featured within these pages, would be considered a mild custom. A second ’51 Merc came afterwards – and it’s the subject of this article. The vehicle was originally owned by Brian’s mate Yonny

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Creative freedom

Koyama, who unexpectedly passed away in 2012. It had been partly completed and sat in a shop for another five years until Yonny’s family managed to retrieve it. They later agreed to sell it to Brian, who intended to finish it as tribute to his longtime friend. By then, the vehicle had already received various iconic alterations typical of early 1950s custom cars: chopped top with custom window frames, nosing and decking (that is, removing the chrome trim and emblems from the bonnet and rear lid), shaved door handles and so on. The aforementioned Bob Hirohata 1951 Mercury also served as inspiration for the flushmounted fender skirts, together with the fadeaway wings. Progress remained slow during the next seven years, as life got in the way and he had to put the project on the backburner. But eventually, the time came to pay tribute to his friend Yonny and finish the car.

Brian knew precisely who to contact for the job: Jack Fields of Kraftsman Autoworks, a local shop with a great reputation in the hot rod and custom world. And so in March 2022, the Merc began its metamorphosis into Purple Reign. Julio at Dreamex Body and Paint helped get various panels in tip-top shape, and the goal was now to finish the coupe for the Grand National Roadster Show, less than a year away. The chassis had already been painted a deep eggplant purple, which dictated how the rest of the vehicle would be painted – or at least partially. ‘I told Jack that the base coat of the car needed to be eggplant purple. Other than that, I didn’t want any flames,’ comments Brian. And that’s when Jack and Brian, in collaboration with talented craftsman Chris Mageno, came up with a daring concept: What would the Hirohata Mercury look like if Watson had painted it in the late 1950s?

Brian loved the idea. ‘I think you should allow the painter to have some freedom to let their creativity show in the finished product,’ he says. So, on 23 December 2022, the paint gun came out and team Kraftsman Autoworks got busy, frantically spraying and masking during the holiday season. Amazingly, by 4 January 2023, the paint was done, including the pinstripes by Malex Pinstriping. The coupe looked stunning. With about a month to spare, the race was on to complete the project, with a stash of parts that Yonny had planned to install. Brian used as many of them as possible, including a few which have become favourites within the kustom car hobby, such as a ’54 Pontiac grille, ’52 DeSoto front bumper and ’54 Lincoln tail lights. Speaking of old parts, the team at Kraftsman Autoworks always envisioned a 1961 Ford Falcon centre console in a car. Brian ended up buying two; they required being stripped of the original vinyl material before Jack painted them. He also made the custom lights on each side of the consoles. Their chrome fins are mirrored on the silver graphics adorning the bonnet, roof, trunk lid and headliner – neat Art Deco touches. Continuing our visit to the cockpit, notice the additional antique pieces in the vein of the ’49 Mercury dashboard, ’63 Cadillac steering wheel and ’64 Ford Thunderbird front seats.

By letting air escape from the bags, suspension can be set to it low position in a few seconds, giving the vehicle a more aggressive stance

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Early ’50s or late ’50s custom? Well, a bit of both. The body alterations were popular during the first part of the decade, while the paint would have been trendy on cars built closer to the ’60s A Cadillac “batwing” air filter dresses the near-stock 5.7-litre Chevy V8 – an appropriate powerplant for such a heavy car

There’s a good reason why you often see ’54 Lincoln taillights on customised 1949-51 Mercs – they simply look great

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No dirty shoes and no stained jeans please. Also, notice how the 1963 Cadillac steering wheel nicely complements the comfy interior. The neat Ford Thunderbird front seats looked both elegant and futuristic in 1964. And they still do to this day

Above left: Good looking and certainly great conversation pieces… The two consoles originally equipped 1961 Ford Falcons. They integrate working lights on the sides Above: Retaining its 1951 Mercury-embossed upper trim, each door features candy-like coloured, pleated and vinyl-covered door cards Left: The beautifully adorned trunk has lost some space, as the white pleated panel hides various components from the airbag suspension set-up

Even with the sliced roof, the back of the cabin offers plenty of headroom and overall space for a couple of passengers

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Left: The driver faces a series of Autometer instruments, while a matching clock resides in the middle of the clean, uncluttered dashboard Below left: Don’t expect the 45rpm record player to emit doo-wop songs. The front panel of this non-functional piece conceals airbag suspension controls

Custom cars built during the 1950s have never been about racing between traffic lights, as they put the emphasis on style and comfort. Brian’s coupe very much followed the theme with a Vintage Air A/C kit, power windows and a dependable 350ci Chevy ZZ4 crate V8. The reproduction Cadillac ‘batwing’ air filter covers a FITech fuel injection system, while Sanderson exhaust manifolds hooked to custom mufflers supply the tune. Jack Fields additionally installed a Chevy 700R transmission, together with an Air Lift

Performance 3H air bag suspension kit – the compressor and tank hide in the beautifully upholstered trunk. The final touch came courtesy of Jack Fields-made, Mercurythemed centre caps mounted over Cadillac hubcaps, plus 670R15 whitewalls. With only 24 hours to spare, the gorgeous 2-door coupe rolled in to one of the seven halls sprinkling the Grand National Roadster Show – and everyone loved it. It even caught the attention of Shige Suganuma, President of Mooneyes, who invited him and his coupe to join Japan’s legendary Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in December 2023. It doesn’t get much better than this! ‘I’ve tried to carry on the family tradition of building great cars to enjoy,’ ponders Brian. His family can certainly be proud of his accomplishments. CC

The team of Kraftsman Autoworks laboured restlessly for almost two weeks on the complex paint, but their hard work paid off

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Nick McGuigan’s street-and-strip lowlight Minor is one mean piece of British tin Words & Pictures: Keith Harman

ver the years, Hot Rodders striving for something different to the norm have often built cars known as ‘Phantoms’. That is, a model or car that at ﬁrst glance seems familiar but in fact was never a production model from the factory. The ’34 Ford Sport Sedan bodies produced in ﬁbreglass by Chris Boyle some years ago are a good example. The radical little Minor van on these pages is another – though this is probably the only example in existence. Nick McGuigan owns the van, which left the factory as a 1969 Austin 6 cwt (a simple

badge engineering exercise by BLMC). This is its second incarnation, as it was originally on the road as a chopped mild custom with four cylinder power. More on that later. So what makes it a ‘Phantom’? That’s easy: Nick has built probably the only ‘lowlight’ Minor van in existence. Lowlight was the nickname for the original Minor design, which sported an earlier sheet metal design featuring small 5.75” ‘cats eye’ headlamps situated low down on each side of the grille. And as most dyed-in-the-wool Minor fans will tell you, lowlight Minors were never produced

as light commercials. In fact, although the lowlight Minor was ﬁrst introduced in 1948, export requirements (to America in particular) meant that by 1951, all models had the more familiar headlamps incorporated higher up in the front wings. Nick hit upon the idea of a lowlight van while out driving with friend and fellow West Country hot rodder Pete Moore, casually mentioning that he’d quite like to build his van as a lowlight. Pete commented that it was unlikely to happen, as Nick would never ﬁnd a set of original early panels in a month of Sundays.

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Left: 31x16.5015 Hoosier Quick times are either going to need serious arches or a seriously narrowed axle. Nick went for the latter option, and quite right too, entrusting the work to Zane Llewellyn at Zannetec Right: It’s when you see it like this that you appreciate how much has been taken out of the Ford 9-incher

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Having previously been powered by its original engine and then a Ford four-pot, the Minor was transformed in 2010 when Nick kicked it up to a Ford 302ci V8. This is more than adequate in stock form, so he hasn’t messed with it beyond ﬁtting MSD ignition, an Edelbrock inlet manifold, a four-barrel Street Avenger carb and a Holley fuel pump. It spins a C4 box which was rebuilt by Zannetec with a Street-Strip torque converter and B&M Quickshift

Above: Air comes in to the engine via a shotgun scoop whose visual effect is a big part of the van’s character – irrespective of whether or not Nick’s in the mood to run it bonnet-off

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The Build 2. 1. Nick fabricated the chassis out of 4x2” box. It follows the stock wheelbase but has a bolt-in gearbox crossmember and a major kick-up at the back for the axle

Nick has nothing but good things to say about Wisbech Engineering, which fabricated a made-tomeasure independent front end whose custom A-arms, steering rack, spindles, hubs and so on went together perfectly and make the van drive like a dream

4. Nick got hold of a Ford 9” Locker, reputedly from a Mustang Cobra Jet, and sent it to Zane Llewellyn at Zannetec to be narrowed. He stuffed it with custom 31-spline halfshafts from Strange Engineering then located it using a four-bar and panhard rod

The body was rebuilt using the floor and lower B-pillars from the ’69 van but the roof, screen surround, cowl, dash and A-pillars from a 1948 Minor. This wasn’t just to create what looked like the world’s only lowlight van – it was also necessary as the earlier vehicle’s bonnet was shorter

A bulkhead made with a dinky four-pot in mind is not going to fit around a 302ci V8 and C4 autobox. So having mocked the cab and wings in place, Nick had to make a new one – with a recess made using a spare Minor bonnet which he chopped down and mounted concave to the engine bay

It’s a miracle

Well, miracles happen. Especially in the West Country. Nick did find a set of lowlight panels from a fella in Bournemouth, courtesy of, would you believe, eBay. Strangely enough, the seller had sourced the parts and had also planned to build a lowlight van, but the project never happened. Not only that, but Nick was also able to bag a roof, scuttle panel, dash, screen, and a set of early van rear doors at the same time. As we said earlier, this was to be Nick’s second build. Although the first version did feature a chopped cab, and two choices of four-cylinder power (stock Minor first, and then a Ford motor), both of the latter proved less than exciting. So in 2010, the decision was made to step up to V8 power. A home-built 4x2” box section chassis was constructed based on the stock

wheelbase, incorporating a removable gearbox crossmember and a major kick-up at the back to accommodate the rear axle. A Ford 9” Locker was sourced, reputedly from a Mustang Cobra Jet, with the narrowing job being expertly carried out by Zane Llewellyn at Zannetec. We asked Nick how much the axle had been narrowed? The answer was simply ‘a lot!’ The axle was stuffed with 31-spline halfshafts, which were made to order from Strange Engineering in the US, with the whole plot located by a four-bar and panhard rod and a pair of coil-over rear shocks holding it up. The rear hubs were also converted and now feature Mercedes discs. Wisbech Engineering came up with the goods with a made-to-measure independent front end including custom A-arms, steering rack, spindles, hubs and so on. The whole

thing was bespoke – and Nick can’t praise them enough for the quality of the equipment and the ease with which it was installed, not to mention of course how well it drives and handles.

More than enough

The engine of choice for the Minor is a Ford 302ci V8. As one of Ford’s most popular engines and fitted to many different models over the years, Nick deemed it to have more than enough power to scoot the little van down the road, and as such the motor remains largely stock internally. An MSD ignition fires it, while an Edelbrock inlet manifold with a four-barrel Street Avenger carburettor brings the fuel and air via a Holley fuel pump and a wild shotgun scoop. The stock fuel tank has been replaced by a Jaz 10-gallon unit, which now fills from just

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Looking a bit like something out of a Hallowe’en costume, the rag sticking out of the redundant filler neck is ‘just for laffs’

Who needs trim when you’ve got Dynamat? The must-have sound-damping material lining the cabin helps keep a lid on unwanted noise – and, while Nick might eventually do something aesthetic in there, it actually looks pretty right in a van with a street-and-strip vibe

Above: Pinstripes would be fighting a losing battle on the outside of this Minor, but while he was at it Chris also added a few flourishes here and there in the cabin Below & Right: More pinstriping by Chris Steadman lights up the cabin – as do features like the MSD ignition housing and B&M Quickshift

inside the rear doors. The rag hanging from the stock filler? It’s there just for laffs… Behind the motor is a C4 automatic box with a Street-Strip torque converter, the ‘box also having been rebuilt by Zane Llewellyn prior to installation. A B&M Quickshift is on hand for selecting gears. With the new frame and running gear all taken care of, Nick and some trusted local friends took on the task of re-installing the sheet metal and body. You’ll recall we mentioned the ’69 cab had already been chopped previously – but, armed with a pile of ’48 lowlight panels, the transformation to an earlier style cab began. The floor and lower B-pillars remain from the ’69 but the roof, screen surround, cowl, dash and A-pillars are all 1948 Minor (actually a Sedan). This was necessary not only to complete the illusion of an early van

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Nick wasn’t necessarily going for this look when he started rubbing down the Minor’s paintwork. But as the effect began to emerge out of the various coats of paint its panels have worn in the past, he realised that he liked what he was seeing. Rather than covering it up, he simply brought in his friend Chris Steadman to preserve it under a coat of clear lacquer

but because the earlier bonnets were shorter than on the later cars. Once the cab ‘shell’ and front wings were mocked in place on the chassis, the next job was to construct a new bulkhead to clear the new motor. It may not be obvious, unless you look carefully, but the necessary recess was created using a spare Minor bonnet cut down and inverted.

Rather substantial

The ’69 van body was then re-installed with a new ﬂoor and rather substantial wheel tubs, plus a set of early rear doors. These feature smaller rear windows and a swage line that runs around the window, from top to bottom, whereas later vans have the pressing below the window only. The bonnet is currently a ‘glass repro, as Nick really didn’t want to cut up the original

’48 one. He runs the van both with and without the bonnet, as the mood takes him. As with so many customs these days, the ‘patina’ finish is a controversial talking point. In Nick’s case, he started rubbing down the previous olive green top coat but was quite pleased with the look he happened on which showed the different finishes the van had previously worn. So he left it – apart from bringing in his friend Chris Steadman to apply a satin clear coat and add a few pinstripes here and there. Inside, a pair of Classic bucket seats from Merlin Motorsports provide the only comfort. As for trim, it’s all very functional for the time being as the rear of the van is wall-to-wall Dynamat soundproofing. Not that this stopped Nick from picking up a Top Ten award at Surrey Street Rodders’ Wheels Day at the van’s first outing to a big show, much to his surprise.

This all goes to show that there is still plenty of room for imaginative and wellexecuted British tin on the UK custom scene. We’re not sure what the Moggy purists will make of it when Nick gets around to attending one of their shows, as I’m sure he will – but there certainly won’t be any other Lowlight vans parked next to it. We look forward to hearing a few stories next time we catch up him! CC

“A massive thanks to Tony Gabriel and all the guys at Bodytone for going all the way with the paint, Grahame Smith and Finn for the interior, all the Brack Pack for their input – some of it good, some of it bad – and to anyone else I might have forgotten who helped out. Finally, the biggest thanks of all to my long-suﬀering wife, Debbie.” FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 29

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Ray’s Classics

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1953 Ford Zephyr MK 1 LHD American spec, excellent rustfree body and undercarriage, original 6cylinder engine/transmission starts and runs good clutch, new master cylinders, wheel cylinders included - not installed, $10,600.

1960 Vauxhall Velox, LHD canadian car, 46,000m, excellent original interior, on the button, great driver $12,250.

1950 Austin A40 devon LHD USA car, small fortune spent on extensive restoration, only a handful of miles since completion $11,250.

1959 Austin A55 van LHD, MGB engine/overdrive gearbox, rear axle, brakes $8800.

1964 1/2 F Code Mustang 260CI/Auto, P/S, matching numbers california black plate car, rustfree stripped to bare metal 100% complete $11,750.

1965 Oldsmobile Dynamic 88, Convertible V8/Auto. California Convert, with P/Top, P/Seats, P/S, P/B, Rare A/C Convertible, Fresh paint, all new chrome, Polished stainless trim, new door & trunk rubbers, Car is complete, still requires some putting back together, Runs and Drives $14,250.

1947 Chevy factory built sedan delivery 6CYL/3spd, on the button driver $13,850.

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S D O R ’ S R E D A RE post to Custom Car, alan.kidd@assignment-media.co.uk, or Email photos and details of your car to details – and when t DE14 9PR. Please include your contact Tren on on Burt 2, 863 Pox PO Ltd, ia Assignment Med ﬁle size you have available sending digital pictures, use the largest

All down to a C

Words: James Webber Pics: Mike Burden (build and heritage pics)

he 70’s was a great period in British hot rodding. The likes of Nick Butler and Ray Christopher were letting their imaginations run wild and creating some of the most iconic cars of all time, setting the blueprint for future rodders. Likewise guys who were good with their hands could go rummaging through scrapyards till their hearts content, come away with the bits they needed to put together a homebuilt car and go cruising. A golden era for sure. A few of these cars have managed to survive in various states, or have been rebuilt. Some didn’t make the cut, or nobody ever thought about saving them, but people such as Treve Flamank have recreated replicas of them as best possible. One such car which has survived from that time period is the C-cab you see here, named

Cherry Pie. Not only has the car survived but its original builder, Mike Burden, is also still with us. I managed to have a chat with Mike about his time with the car, but first let’s start with current custodian, David Lamerton. David is a 51 year old bus driver from Cornwall. His previous employment was in the Army, and this is where his journey with cars started. ‘I’ve mainly been into classics,’ he tells me. ‘I started with a Series 1A Hillman Minx, which was followed by a selection of British classics such as Mk 1 and 2 Ford Consuls, 50s’ Vauxhalls and Phase 1 Vanguards. If it had plenty of chrome and I could stick whitewalls to it, I owned it! ‘After I finished my last Mk 1 Consul, I was getting some ink done and reading a hot rod magazine and decided that this was something I could get into. After having a look through various ads, I owned a ’32

roadster. It was fantastic fun, but it scared the life out of the wife so it was sold on! ‘I came across an advert for a 70s’ C-cab called Cherry Pie. It looked interesting, so I contacted the vendor who told me that for a car of this age it was in great shape and very smooth. The problem was, the car was in Halifax, West Yorkshire – which is a long old way from Cornwall, and I didn’t know anyone who could go check it over for me. So I just took a gamble and paid for it, and had it transported down here.’

Original builder

Before we get on to what David purchased, let’s go back to Mike, the original builder of Cherry Pie, and have a chat with him. ‘I grew up in area of Dorset called Parkstone,’ he explains. ‘When I was around 18, I learnt of a local chap by the name of Ray Christopher, he was displaying a C-cab

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The rear tyres are replacements for an old set that were not much use for anything. David says there are a few areas where the chrome needs redoing, and we suspect the wheels may be among there

in a local supermarket window. I saw it and thought that’s special. ‘Not too long after that, my best mate Steve Sibley turned up at my house in a similar C-cab. He sold it to Roger Fuller, who turned it into ‘English Oak.’ Having seen a couple of these, I decided that I wanted one. ‘Sometime in 1976, aged 20 or 21, I was in my garage with parts of a cab and a gang of local hot rodders, Ray Christopher, Mike Cobell and Roger Fuller to name a few. Ray came up with a slight shape change to the body and that’s what I started with. ‘I worked on Transits at the time, so I was able to get my hands on a V6 and matching box, along with some other bits and pieces including a Jag back axle. My two brothers Keith and Nigel helped with the build – I can remember lifting the motor in with them

The engine needed a full rebuild, with its heads skimmed, pistons, valves and cam replaced and carb and water pump rebuilt. The radiator was sent off to be recored, too

helping me! The local area seemed to be full of talented and helpful guys at the time, which was great. Clive Miles was one of them, and he painted the mural for me. ‘There was a rumour going round that this type of vehicle needed to be crash tested to be registered. So all hours of the day, including lunchtimes, were used to get it built and registered for the road. Early to mid-’78, she was finally finished. ‘I had some great times in the car scene at the time. I was a member of Bournemouth Rod and Custom and also a member of Poole based Triple P trucking company – Triple P referring to “Poole Park Posers.” ‘I sold Cherry Pie in 1980 or 81 to a guy called Roger, who owned S&R Dairies. He

moved it on to a good friend of mine called Steve Lloyd. From there, I lost track for a while; it was said to be in the Bristol area for a time, then about 10 years ago she was in the Isle of Man. After that, she moved somewhere on the mainland up north, then down to Cornwall with David.

Friends reunited

‘David contacted me to say he owned her and ask if I’d like to come down and see her. It was nice to be with her again after all these years, and David seems to be the guy who will get her back to her old self again.’ Now, David was talking about having Cherry Pie transported down from Halifax. And he also said the seller told him it was

Jaguar axle needed new seals but was otherwise able to go again

Springs and shocks were renewed all-round. That’s one of each at the front, and two at the back

34 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

4pp Cherry Pie.indd 34

08/01/2024 10:09

1950 FORD F1 PICKUP

FOR SALE £29,500

ENQUIRIES : +44 (0)1242 384092 : SALES@CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM : CLASSICMOTORHUB.COM

Custom Car_2023_11_November_RTTS Events Ltd_HP.indd 1

Custom Car_2024_02_February_Composite Page_FP.indd 35

30/08/2023 16:35 FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 35

08/01/2024 14:08

The interior is tidy enough and would even have been quite modern and stylish back in the day

in great shape and very smooth. ‘You know the car isn’t what the vendor says it is when the delivery driver rings you up early morning to give an eta but tells you he had to winch the car as the battery was dead,’ he says. ‘It turned up, we got it off the trailer, I spent a few days going over and it wasn’t in great shape at all. I had the engine out and took it to a trusted garage who I’ve used before. The guy stripped it and told me it was very close to being damaged beyond repair. ‘He skimmed the heads, fitted new pistons, valves and cam and send the carb off for a rebuild, and that was the engine sorted. I took the opportunity while it was out to have the gearbox checked over. The water

pump was almost gone, so that was rebuilt, and the rad was sent to Newquay Radiators to be re-cored. ‘I felt like I was making progress, but that wasn’t the case. The front brakes were nonexistent, so they needed to be fully rebuilt too. I bought new dampers and springs, a lot of the wiring had to be replaced and all the dials were refurbished. The Jag axle had new seals put in and the rear tyres were pretty shot, so that was another £400 for a new set.’ Finally, though, everything that needed to be done was done and David had a C-cab on his hands, as opposed to a rolling project. ‘Once everything was back in it,’ he says, ‘it was time to fire her up and venture out. I’m

pleased to say that so far, touching lots of wood, we’ve had no dramas. I haven’t gone far yet as I’m still getting confidence and bedding her in slowly, but she’s been to a couple of meets and shows locally.’ Jobs still left on the to-do list now are mainly cosmetic, with a few small bits of bodywork to make perfect. David says he’d like to get some of the chroming redone at some stage, too. ‘Thanks to all that have helped get her back, to the hot rodding community and my family’ is the happy verdict. ‘I’m pleased that I got it back running – and that Mike was able to come and see her again, forty-plus years after selling her.’

36 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

4pp Cherry Pie.indd 35

08/01/2024 10:10

34012

ENGINEERS HEAVY

DUTY STEEL • Sturdy lower shelf • Durable powder WORKBENCHES coated ﬁnish FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE.98 exc.VAT DOUBLE £347.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

BEST

Shown ﬁtted with optional 3 drawer unit ONLY £188.39 INC VAT * WAS £370.80 inc.VAT # WAS £406.80 inc.VAT Dims. Model LxWxH (mm) CWB1500D 1500x650x985 CWB2001P* 2000x650x865 CWB2000D# 2000x650x978

PRICE CUT

DOUBLE.00 exc.VAT 329

SELLER

SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE

289

5 DRAWER WORKBENCH £394.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £406.80 inc.VAT

EXTRA LONG 1700mm WORK TOP

INCLUDES SINGLE LOCKABLE DRAWER exc.VAT £289.98 £299.00 £329.00

Britain’s Tools & Machinery Specialist

inc.VAT £347.98 £358.80 £394.80

CWB1700P

MODULAR GARAGE STORAGE SYSTEMS SAVE UP TO

FROM ONLY DOUBLE .00 £ exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £1437.60 inc.VAT

£286

1198

10 PACKAGES IN THE RANGE

A choice of stainless steel or wooden worktops

Corner units in stock

Customer Pictures

compared to individual prices

✔ CREATE THE PERFECT FITTED GARAGE / WORKSHOP ✔ HEAVY DUTY, PROFESSIONAL PACKAGES ✔ ALL UNITS ALSO AVAILABLE SINGLY FOR CUSTOM BUILD

NEW

1 PRICE CUT DOUBLE.99

HEAVY DUTY & PROFESSIONAL

154exc.VAT

£185.99 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £191.98 inc.VAT

CHESTS/ CABINETS

THE ULTIMATE IN TOOL STORAGE!

FULL DETAILS SEE IN-STORE OR VISIT WEBSITE

SEE WEBSITE FOR PACKAGE DEALS WITH TOOLS

32 PIECE SET

PRICE CUT

DOUBLE.00 exc.VAT 279

Rubber grip side handles

SAVE UP TO

£334.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £346.80 inc.VAT

NB Overall length includes handles

TOOL SETS

HUGE CHOICE OF HAND TOOLS

exc. Model Desc. LxWxH (mm) VAT CBB203C 3 Dr step up 667x310x249 £86.99 CBB205C 5 Dr chest 710x315x420 £149.98 1 CBB209C 9 Dr Chest 661x305x418 £154.99 CBB210C 10 Dr Chest 710x315x475 £169.98 CBB215C 5 Dr Cabinet 758x468x815 £259.00 2 CBB217C 7 Dr Cabinet 676x461x958 £279.00

109

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £131.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

£12

NEW

DIY & PROFESSIONAL £FROM ONLY .99 DOUBLE exc.VAT 74 3 £89.99 DOUBLE FOOTER inc.VAT

CHT859 300 PIECE AF/METRIC HOME GARAGE REPAIR KIT

CHT634 MECHANICS TOOL CHEST AND TOOLS PACKAGE

EXTRA LARGE BOTTOM

FROM ONLY .98 4 £239 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £287.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

NOW Model Desc. LxWxH (mm) exc.VAT inc.VAT MECHANICS RANGE 1 CTC600C 6 Dr chest 600x260x340 £89.98 £107.98 CTC900C 9 Dr chest 597x257x380 £89.98 £107.98 CTC500C 5 Dr cabinet 675x335x770 £149.98 £179.98 CTC800C 8 Dr chest/cab set 610x330x1070 £149.98 £179.98 2 CTC700C 7 Dr cabinet 616x330x880 £169.98 £203.98 PROFESSIONAL RANGE 3 CTC103C 3 Dr step up chest 691x310x256 £74.99 £89.99 CTC109 9 Dr chest 662x305x421 £139.98 £167.98 4 CTC105 5 Dr cabinet 685x465x790 £239.98 £287.98 CTC107C 7 Dr cabinet 739x461x953 £259.00 £310.80

MM1 Custom Car 275x200 pg1.indd 1

FROM ONLY

EXC.VAT 42 DOUBLE FOOTER £51.59 inc.VAT

£ DOUBLE .99

WAS £322.80 inc.VAT

£FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT 89 1 £107.98 DOUBLE FOOTER inc.VAT

Strong

mm 350 12ﬁbreboard

PER SHELF

shelves

169

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £203.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

Easy to assemble, providing valuable working space and plenty of additional storage capacity.

150 9mm ﬁbreboard KG

279

£310.80 inc.VAT

WORKBENCH WITH PEGBOARD

BOLTLESS SHELVING / BENCHES CHOICE OF 5 COLOURS

£ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £334.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

PRICE CUT

DOUBLE.00 exc.VAT 259

MECHANICS/ PROFESSIONAL quality & value TOOL CHESTS/ •forSuperb DIY & Professional workshops CABINETS

Strong

189

NOW inc.VAT £163.19 £203.98 £286.80 £310.80

FULL EXTENSION ROLLER RUNNERS FOR SMOOTH OPENING ACTION

Simple fast RED, BLUE, GREY, assembly in minutes SILVER & GALVANISED using only a hammer STEEL

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £227.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

30KG

MAX DRAWER LOAD

inc.VAT

PRO394 PROFESSIONAL 90 PIECE TOOL KIT WITH CANTILEVER TOOLBOX

649

DOUBLEEXC.VAT 259.00 FOOTER £203.98 inc.VAT

DRAWERS WAS NOW PRICE CUT £DOUBLE.99 inc.VAT inc.VAT 56exc.VAT £107.98 £104.39 WAS £68.39 inc.VAT DOUBLE £191.98 £179.98 PRO378 WAS £71.98 inc.VAT Model Desc. LxWxH (mm) exc.VAT inc.VAT £191.98 £185.99 PROFESSIONAL CLB600 6 Dr chest 660x305x365 £135.99 £209.99 £203.98 1 CLB900C 9 Dr chest 685x305x474 £169.98 £322.80 £310.80 1/2" DRIVE CLB1005 5 Dr cabinet 685x465x795 £239.00 £346.80 £334.80 SOCKET SET 2 CLB1007C 7 Dr cabinet 740x465x955 £259.00 £322.80

PRO396 222 PIECE TOOL SET WITH 7 DRAWER TOOL CABINET

£ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £778.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

169

£ FROM ONLY .98

Combines premium quality with ﬁercely competitive pricing & super smooth ball bearing roller drawers

• Extra heavy gauge double wall steel construction

Dims exc. inc. Model WxDxH(mm) VAT VAT 150kg 800x300x1500 £42.99 £51.59 350kg 900x400x1800 £59.98 £71.98

• Dimensions (LxWxH) - 1150 x 560 x 1440 mm • Pegboard back wall with 30 hooks supplied

shelves

CWB-R1B

Available in Red or Galvanised Finish

06/12/2023 16:24

34636

TURBO AIR COMPRESSORS FROM ONLY DOUBLE.98 exc.VAT DOUBLE £143.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

119

Superb range ideal for DIY, hobby & semi-professional use

CDP102B

DRILL PRESSES

Range of precision bench & ﬂoor presses for enthusiast, FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .95 engineering exc.VAT 99inc.VAT & industrial DOUBLE £119.94 FOOTER applications B = Bench mounted F = Floor standing Motor (W) WAS model Speeds exc.VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT CDP5EB 350 / 5 £99.95 £119.94 CDP5RB 350 / 5 £99.95 £119.94 CDP102B 350 / 5 £115.95 £139.14 CDP152B 450 / 12 £209.00 £250.80 CDP452B 550 / 16 £299.00 £406.80 £358.80 CDP352F 550 / 16 £339.00 £406.80 CDP502F 1100 / 12 £699.00 £934.80 £838.80

SUPERSTORES NATIONWIDE

Britain’s Tools & Machinery Specialist 8/260 Model Motor HP CFM Tank ltr exc.VAT 8/260 2 7.5 24 £119.98 11/260 2.5 9.5 24 £129.98 8/550 2 7.5 50 £159.98 11/550 2.5 9.5 50 £179.98 16/550 3 14.5 50 £249.00 16/1050 3 14.5 100 £309.00

exc.VAT £143.98 £155.98 £191.98 £215.98 £298.80 £370.80

INDUSTRIAL AIR XEV16/100 COMPRESSORS

Top quality belt driven air compressors for industrial & commercial users inc; garages, factories, workshops and farms. 10 bar/150psi max working pressure £

FROM ONLY HEADER

AIR. DISP MOTOR AIR †V-Twin *230V MODEL CFM (HP) RCVR EXC.VAT INC.VAT XEV16/100 (OL)†* 14 3 100ltr £589.00 £706.80 XEV16/150 (OL)†* 14 3 150ltr £659.00 £790.80 XEV16/200(OL)†* 14 3 200ltr £719.00 £862.80 XEV16/150(400V)† 14 3 150ltr £699.00 £838.80 XE18/200 (OL)†* 18 4 200ltr £759.00 £910.80 XE36C200† 30 7.5HP 200Ltr £1199.00 £1438.80 XE29/270†* 28 2X3HP 270Ltr £1399.00 £1678.80 XE37/270 (OL)†* 36 2x 4 270ltr £1479.00 £1774.80 SE46C270† 40 10HP 270Ltr £2129.00 £2554.80

DEHUMIDIFIERS £

Model AC7050 AC10050 AC13050

Propane gas ﬁred

Extraction Rate Motor (ltr/day) exc.VAT inc.VAT 785W 16.8 £239.00 £286.80 1100W 21.6 £279.00 £334.80 1370W 28.8 £319.00 £382.80

Max. Output kW exc.VAT inc.VAT 10.3 £94.99 £113.99 15 £119.98 £143.98 24.9 £159.98 £191.98 36.6 £189.98 £227.98 49.8 £269.00 £322.80 131 £479.00 £574.80

BATTERY CHARGERS /ENGINE STARTERS

PRICE CUT NOW FROM £ .98

Ammeter Multiposition charge regulator Overload protection on charging cycle

model XR60 XR80 XR110 XR160 XR210

MAX output 14.7kW 20.5kW 29.3kW 46.9kW 61.5kW

89exc.VAT

JUMP STARTS

FROM ONLY

INTELLIGENT BATTERY CHARGER/ MAINTAINERS Max. exc. WAS Model Volts Charge VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT IBC7 12/24V 7A £39.98 £47.98 IBC15 12V 15A £49.98 £59.98 IBC20 12/24V 20A £66.99 £83.98 £80.39 IBC25 12/24V 25A £84.99 £107.98 £101.99 IBC40 12/24V 40A £104.99 £131.98 £125.99

£FROM ONLY .99 DOUBLE exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £32.39 inc.VAT

WHEEL DOLLY (PAIR)

AWD1

BEST SELLER LOAD RATING: 500KG PER DOLLY

£FROM ONLY .99 exc.VAT DOUBLE £76.79 inc.VAT PER PAIR

PGF14

603x370x150mm

FROM ONLY

exc.VAT 29 DOUBLE FOOTER £35.98 inc.VAT

£ DOUBLE .98

* WAS £45.59 inc.VAT # WAS £87.59 inc.VAT

CIG1432

LENGTH UP TO 40’

Model Disc (mm) Motor exc.VAT CAG800B 115 800W £29.98 CON1150* 115 1150W £36.99 CAG2350C# 230 2350W £69.98 CTJ2GLS £

KEEPS THE WEATHER OUT! BRIGHT WHITE INTERIOR

CIS8612

FROM ONLY HEADER

.00 exc.VAT 269 £322.80 inc.VAT

CP150

Dual action combines rotary & orbital motions to produce an excellent polished ﬁnish FROM ONLY

.98 DOUBLE exc.VAT .VAT 109

† WAS £215.98 inc.VAT Model Lifting Cap. exc.VAT inc.VAT CTJ1500QL 1.5T £109.98 £131.98 CTJ1250AC 1.25T £134.99 £161.99 CTJ2500QLGB† 2.5T £169.98 £203.98 CTJ1800AB 1.8T £199.98 £239.98

MM2 Custom Car 275x200 pg2.indd 1

Model 910 JS1100C BEST 4000 SELLER JS12/24

IRD20B

FROM ONLY HEADER

Model IRD20B IRD40B

Max. Output 20kW 40kW

Fully tested to proof load

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £71.98 inc.VAT

FROM ONLY

exc.VAT 36 DOUBLE

£ DOUBLE .99

FOOTER inc.VAT MICRO £44.39 JUMP STARTS

◆ WAS £63.59 inc.VAT Start Peak Boost Boost 180A 360A 200A 400A 300A 500A 400A 800A

Model JSM180 JSM200 ◆ JSM300 JSM400

CW1D

exc.VAT £36.99 £49.98 £69.98 £99.98

inc.VAT £44.39 £59.98 £83.98 £119.98

CW2D Tank Model Cap. Type CW2D 10Ltrs Bench CW1D 45Ltrs Floor CWM20 22.5Ltrs Floor CW40 75Ltrs Floor

exc.VAT £59.98 £149.98 £189.00 £229.98

inc.VAT £71.98 £179.98 £226.80 £275.98

HOT WASHERS £ FROM ONLY .00 599 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER

145 Bar

SANDBLASTERS

2100 psi

Heavy duty steel construction sandblasters for the quick removal of surface rust, paint, dirt/grease etc.

£718.80 inc.VAT

PRICE CUT NOW FROM

exc.VAT 169.00 £202.80 inc.VAT

WAS £214.80 inc.VAT

INCLUDES SANDBLASTING GUN, DELIVERY HOSE, 4 CERAMIC NOZZLES AND SAFETY HOOD

AMAZING LOW PRICE!

Tank Flow Rate INC. CONTAINER FOR DETERGENT Model Volume Req. exc.VAT inc.VAT CPSB100B* 32 litre 6-25 cfm £169.00 £202.80 Model BAR Press. VOLT exc.VAT inc.VAT CPSB200B# 63 litre 6-25 cfm £209.00 £250.80 Harry 2 145 2100psi 230 £599.00 £718.80 * WAS £214.80 inc.VAT # WAS £274.80 inc.VAT KING 200 150 2175psi 230 £1198.00 £1437.60

2 & 3 TONNE ONLY TROLLEY JACKS £FROM .99 DOUBLE

exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £53.99 inc.VAT

CTJ2250LP

18V ½" IMPACT WRENCHES 3 forward and reverse gears

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.98

109exc.VAT

£131.98 inc.VAT DOUBLE

WAS £119.98 inc.VAT

Folding and ﬁxed frames available Robust, rugged construction Overload safety valve

£89.99 inc.VAT DOUBLE

compressor Long life battery Starting Peak Boost Amps exc.VAT inc.VAT 400 900 £96.99 £116.39 500 1100 £96.99 £116.39 700 1500 £164.99 £197.99 1000 2000 £179.98 £215.98

exc.VAT inc.VAT £399.00 £478.80 £799.00 £958.80

1 TONNE FOLDING WORKSHOP CRANE

WAS £95.98 inc.VAT

Provides essential home, garage

PARTS WASHERS

.00 exc.VAT 399 £478.80 inc.VAT

219

74exc.VAT

Inc. hook & loop backing pad and wool polishing bonnet CP185 180mm PAD DIA.

STARTS VEHICLES UP TO 6L

DIESEL INFRARED HEATERS

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £263.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

PRICE CUT £DOUBLE.99

DOUBLE £131.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

HEAVY DUTY LONG REACH JACKS

CFC100

£FROM ONLY .98

exc.VAT DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £83.98 inc.VAT

inc.VAT £35.98 £44.39 £83.98

Model Tonnes exc.VAT inc.VAT *WAS £562.80 CTJ2GLS 2 £269.00 £322.80 inc.VAT CTJ3GLS 3 £349.00 £418.80 #WAS £766.80 CTJ5GLS 5 £459.00 £550.80 inc.VAT CTJ10GLS# 10 £609.00 £730.80

PRO SANDER/ POLISHERS

SWIVEL, NON MARKING CASTORS

ANGLE GRINDERS

£298.80 inc.VAT DOUBLE

CTJ1250AB

Max. Model Output exc.VAT inc.VAT DEVIL 2000PTC-B 2kW £29.98 £35.98 Devil 2850 2.8kW £42.99 £51.59 Devil 2800PTC-B 2.8kW £49.98 £59.98

EXTRA LONG 1m LEADS

£FROM ONLY .98

150mm PAD DIA.

2800PTC-B

and roadside assistance Integral exc.VAT 96inc.VAT work light 910 includes air DOUBLE £116.39 FOOTER

WAS £310.80 inc.VAT

Quick lift Non-marking nylon wheels Rubber contact pad - helps protect vehicle undersides

DEVIL 6003 Heat Model Voltage Output exc.VAT inc.VAT Devil 6003 230V 1.5-3kW £69.98 £83.98 Devil 7003* 230V 3kW £76.99 £92.39 Devil 7005# 400V 5kW £98.99 £118.79 Devil 6009 400V 4.5-9kW £124.99 £149.99 Devil 7009 400V 9kW £152.99 £183.59 Devil 6015 400V 5-10-15kW £189.98 £227.98 Devil 7015 400V 15kW £229.98 £275.98 * WAS £83.98 inc.VAT # WAS £117.59 inc.VAT

£ DOUBLE .99

249exc.VAT

ALUMINIUM RACING JACKS

inc.VAT £274.80 £334.80 £394.80 £478.80 £550.80

SELLER

IBC20

CAT131

£107.98 inc.VAT DOUBLE

Max Amps WAS Charge/ inc. Boost exc.VAT VAT inc.VAT 20/120 £89.98 £112.79 £107.98 38/180 £104.99 £135.59 £125.99 25/200 £149.98 £179.98 35/180 £159.98 £191.98 45/240 £184.99 £227.98 £221.99 60/350 £219.00 £262.80 50/510 £259.00 £310.80

exc.VAT DOUBLE DOUBLE FOOTER £83.98 inc.VAT

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 EXC.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £35.98 inc.VAT

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 DOUBLE exc.VAT FOOTER £47.98 inc.VAT

WAS £112.79 inc.VAT

BC210C

WORKSHOP AIR TOOLS

exc.VAT £229.00 £279.00 £329.00 £399.00 £459.00

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .98 EXC.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER £83.98 inc.VAT

DEVIL 7003

IN STOCK FROM £226.80 inc.VAT

PRICE CUT £ DOUBLE.00

Ideal for use as a garage/workshop Extra tough triple layer cover Heavy duty powder coated steel tubing Ratchet tight tensioning WAS Model size (LxWxH) exc.VAT inc.VAT inc.VAT CIG81212 3.6x3.6x2.5m £249.00 £310.80 £298.80 CIG81015 4.5x3x2.4m £279.00 £334.80 £394.80 CIG81216 4.9x3.7x2.5m £329.00 CIG81020 6.1x3x2.4m £349.00 £418.80 CIG81220 6.1x3.7x2.5m £399.00 £478.80 CIG81224 7.3x3.7x2.5m £499.00 £598.80 £1318.80 CIG1432 9.7x4.3x3.65m £1099.00 CIG1640 12x4.9x4.3m £2599.00 £3478.80 £3118.80

ELECTRIC HEATERS BEST

NEW

2.8kW

XR80

GARAGES/WORKSHOPS

CIG81220

2850

£274.80 inc.VAT

110 VOLT

AC7050

FAN HEATERS 2.8kW

229exc.VAT DOUBLE FOOTER

230&

Model BC125 BC190 BC210C WBC180 WBC240 WBC400 BC520P

✔ Air Con ✔ Dehumidifier ✔ 2 Speed Fan Inc. Remote control, ﬂexible outlet hose & window slider vent

IN STOCK FROM £226.80 inc.VAT

DIESEL/PARAFFIN FROM ONLY HEATERS £ DOUBLE.00

Ideal for fast efﬁcient heating Extra-long run fuel tanks – up to 53 litres Variable heat output with thermostat control

DUAL VOLTAGE

.00

3-in-1

110 VOLT

FROM ONLY £ DOUBLE .99 DOUBLE exc.VAT FOOTER £113.99 inc.VAT

FROM ONLY HEADER

exc.VAT 239 £286.80 inc.VAT

230&

Offering low cost, efﬁcient heating

Model Little Devil II Devil 700 Devil 900 Devil 1600 Devil 2100 Devil 4000

.00 exc.VAT 589 £706.80 inc.VAT

DUAL VOLTAGE

TURBO FAN GAS HEATERS

JACKS ALSO IN STOCK UP TO 5 TONNE

BEST SELLER

Model Type Tonne exc.VAT inc.VAT CTJ2L Long 2 £44.99 £53.99 CTJ2000LPB DIY Low Profile 2 £46.99 £56.39 CTJ2250LP* Low Profile 2.25 £52.99 £63.59 CTJ3000GB Pro Garage 3 £109.98 £131.98 CTJ3000QLB Quick Lift 3 £119.98 £143.98 CTJ2QLP Low Quick Lift 2 £159.98 £191.98 * CTJ2250LP has a 2.25 tonne capacity, has a low entry of only 80mm and includes 2 sockets

BRUSHLESS 450NM

2 2AH X

* WAS £131.98 inc.VAT CIR18LIC • WAS £147.59 inc.VAT Model Desc Batteries exc.VAT inc.VAT CCIW160* Cordless 2X 2AH £99.98 £119.98 LI-ION CIR18LIC• Cordless, 2X 2AH £119.95 £143.94 Brushless LI-ION

06/12/2023 16:25

34636RH

GIFT CARD

EASY TO USE WEBSITE

PERFECT FOR CHRISTMAS! BUY AND REDEEM: IN-STORE ONLINE PHONE

21,000

NOW OVER

• IN-STORE • ONLINE • PHONE

section on:

machinemart.co.uk HYDRAULIC FROM ONLY PRESSES £ DOUBLE.98

STRUT

PROFESSIONAL QUALITY Built for tough daily use in automotive/ industrial workshops

* Available with/without 7 pce pin, bracket & pressing plate kit safety screen # Economy model Model Tonne exc.VAT inc.VAT CSA4B# 4 £169.98 £203.98 10 £289.00 £346.80 CSA10BB* CSA12F# 12 £379.00 £454.80 CSA20FBT 20 £499.00 £598.80

BEST

SELLER

MIG GAS/NO GAS WELDERS

COMPRESSOR

Hydraulically powered, foot control operated device Adjustable spring retainers Springs up to 400mm diameter & 520mm in length Tough steel safety guard

“Excellent machine and exactly as described. Easy to set up and comes with everything you need to start welding straight out of the box”

135TE

Professional

type torches DOUBLE.98 exc.VAT 289 Easy to set 239.00 FOOTER £347.98 inc.VAT

up & use

See www.machinemart.co.uk

BEST

SELLER

189

£ FROM ONLY .98 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £227.98 FOOTER inc.VAT

35/135 AMPS

MIG145

SSC1000G

ENGINE STANDS

239

£ FROM ONLY .00 DOUBLEexc.VAT DOUBLE £286.80 FOOTER inc.VAT

HEAVY DUTY PETROL POWER WASHERS PLS195B

FROM ONLY

exc.VAT 72 DOUBLE FOOTER £87.59 inc.VAT

£ DOUBLE .99

Honda & Diesel engine models in stock

Rotates through 360˚

130AMPS

279exc.VAT

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MM3 Custom Car 275x200 pg3.indd 1

06/12/2023 16:26

Euro vision Modurstang Pro ET With a field of 47 cars vying for a spot on the 32-car ladder, qualifying was intense. Of note was the Perfect ET award-winning 9.7206 / 136.85 on a 9.72 dial in by Dave Rudd, along with the first competitive passes by Susie McClure in the Eye Candy dragster. Unsurprisingly, Rudd qualified in top spot, propped up by John Bean (9.73 dial in) on 9.7315 / 133.25 and Stevie Gates (9.57 dial in) on 9.5717 / 140.30. The pressure of qualifying spilled over into the eliminations, with a host of red lights. Bean and Gates also failed at the first hurdle, with Rudd going out in the second round. Third-round wins then went the way of Marc Huxley, Jessica Bishop, Brett Featherstone and Ronnie Mercer.

Marc Huxley

In the semis, Mercer (9.03 dial in) ran 9.0216 / 146.14 against Huxley’s (9.92 dial in) red-lit 9.8957 / 133.29. In the other pairing, both Bishop and Featherstone broke out, Bishop by the lesser amount with a 9.3174 / 142.96 on a 9.29 dial in. Mercer (9.92 dial in) then ran 9.0472 / 147.15 in the final – but lost out to a 9.4812 / 128.30 from Bishop (9.29 dial in).

CLA WINNSS ER

Jessica Bishop

PER

FECT ET 9.7 206

Dave Rudd

Brett Featherstone

40 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

8pp Euro Finals.indd 40

08/01/2024 10:21

The FIA European Finals is the undisputed heavyweight champion of race meets at Santa Pod Raceway. Held over five dramatic days in early September, more than 250 race teams from all over Europe descended on the Pod in a fury of noise, smells, and pure adrenalin. Qualifying for the Sportsman classes began on the Thursday under a clear sky. Things hotted up on Friday, in more ways than one. The racing ranks were swelled by the Pro classes – and the temperature was predicted to rise to 28 degrees. Several Jet Car exhibition passes were made throughout the day, the quickest being a 4.7772 / 225.52 from Martin Hill in Fireforce 5. Later in the day, Graham Sykes ran 6.3938 / 161.33 to set a new world record on his steam-powered rocket bike. The track crew worked late into the night, scraping and then relaying rubber in the whole of the right-hand lane after it

■ Words: Mike Pye ■ Pics: Julian Hunt

a fury of noise, smells, and pure adrenalin

became contaminated with jet fuel in the last exhibition session. Their reward was to wake to clear skies on the Saturday, and the promise of even higher temperatures. Martin Hill was on track once again, piloting both Fireforce 3 and Fireforce 5. Roger Goring ran a 5.1428 / 240.19 in the Firestorm Jet Funny Car, and Graham Sykes ran even quicker astride his bike – 6.3009 seconds at 161.91mph. Sunday dawned with yet more clear skies. Things were to change rather dramatically early that afternoon, though, with a few sprinkles of rain around 2pm – which quickly turned torrential, driven by high winds. An hour later, the rain subsided. But with the track almost fully dried, the wet stuff returned. The crew didn’t give up, though, and thanks to their determination and hard work racing recommenced around 7pm and continued through to the 9pm curfew. A truly tremendous effort by all involved.

Peter Nee Super Pro ET Qualifying netted PBs for Pete Brown with an 8.3424 / 157.91, and Kieran Astley who ran 7.4205 / 177.76. After eight rounds, though, it was Tom Atkinson (8.44 dial in) on top with an 8.4412 / 160.14, followed by Matt Peters (7.62 dial in) on 7.6212 / 175.06 and Daniel Giles (7.40 dial in) on 7.4014 / 177.77. Peters fell by the wayside in the first elimination round, but Atkinson and Giles went through. Atkinson then had a bye as Giles lost out to Alan Didwell, while Callum Swinchatt ran a perfect ET 8.9307 on an 8.93 dial in. Atkinson (8.47 dial in) then ran 8.4834 / 158.46 to see off Billy Gane, Didwell lost out to the 7.8318 / 166.04 from

Peter Walters (7.83 dial in), Swinchatt saw red as Scott Hauser (7.40 dial in) ran 7.4207 / 179.23, and Collin Morrice (8.67 dial in) went through with an 8.7181 / 151.06. Walters (7.80 dial in) ran 7.8898 / 154.70 to overcome the 8.4761 / 159.02 from Atkinson (8.42 dial in), as Hauser’s (7.38 dial in) 7.4103 / 178.51 lost out to the 8.7045 / 152.12 from Morrice (8.64 dial in). The Walters vs Morrice final subsequently fell foul to the weather-hampered curfew.

PER

ET 8.FECT 9307

Callum Swinchatt

Collin Morrice

Matt Peters

Scott Hauser

Tom Atkinson

Peter Walters

FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 41

8pp Euro Finals.indd 41

08/01/2024 10:22

Lina Wolf

Lucas Oil Junior Dragster Lina Wolf from Germany was running her Funny Car for the first time and qualified eighth with an 8.6226 / 76.02 on a 7.90 dial in and with a 0.0162 RT. Spaniard Etham Cuberas was also on the ticket and qualified in 16th spot, thanks to an 8.1430 / 79.23 on a 7.90 dial in and with a 0.0323 RT. The top three qualifiers, Kai Cooper (8.90 dial in) 9.1143 / 68.42, Lara Bartlett (7.90 dial in) 8.0777 / 80.21 and Mackenzie Love (7.90 dial in) 7.9865 / 81.66 all progressed through the first qualifying round, but Love lost out to Harley Coulsell in Round 2. Coulsell then had a bye, took a red light win over Freddie Taylor and ran an 8.0325 / 79.70 bye to book a ticket to the final. Her opponent there was to be Luke Mugridge, who had a holeshot win over Bartlett and then ran 8.0745 / 76.80 on an 8.02 dial in as Tom Peters broke out. That was, however, as far as it got as the final was another victim of the Sunday curfew.

Harley Coulsell

Tony Morris Carburettors Super Gas The top three qualifiers all ran to the 9.90 class index; Andy Harrison on 9.9018 / 143.38, Marc Huxley on 9.9042 / 133.39 and Victor Parsons on 9.9056 / 121.86. Harrison and Huxley progressed through the first two elimination rounds, but in round one Parsons lost out to Stuart Doignie – who also made it through the second round along with Stevan Reffeltrath and Stuart Morrice.

Topspeed Automotive Street E Andy Bond

CLA WINNSS ER

Back out in the Freight Train Pontiac GTO, Mark Todd carded a 7.9015 / 179.14 on his first qualifying run. Victoria Smith was running her Boost Monkey Racing Buick GS for the first time in Street Eliminator and ran an 8.8134 / 169.83 straight off the trailer, while Graham Slater drove his ’57 Chevy to the track and ran 8.8679 / 164.87. PBs were the order of the day in qualifying and went the way of Rob Carter 8.1875 / 169.18 and then 8.0584 / 170.47, Tony Higgs 8.1034 / 184.37 PB speed, Ricky Hale 10.4729 / 133.71 and Elliott Day 8.5540 / 157.38. However, such is the nature of the class these days, all top five qualifiers ran 7s; Andy Bond 7.3074 / 202.57, Mark Sheridan Victoria Smith

Luke Mugridge

Doignie then ran a leisurely 15.3508 / 65.65 when Reffeltrath was a no-show, Huxley ran a 9.9124 / 133.63 bye and Morrice broke out by less of a margin with a 9.8516 / 148.14 against the 9.8401 / 142.02 from Harrison. That left Doignie on a bye through to the final, and Morrice booked his ticket with a 9.8752 / 147.66. It was yet another case of a final that wasn’t, so that’s as far as it went.

8.428 0 177.7 / 9

7.4575 / 204.32, Alan McSweeney 7.5150 / 186.58, Mark Todd 7.5833 / 190.53, and Rob Carter with yet another PB – 7.9801 / 171.10, his first ever 7. Saturday’s mandatory cruise caused problems for a few of the teams. Ricky Hale’s Chevy C30 pick-up was suffering from low oil pressure and didn’t venture out, Joe Stevens hit a pothole rendering his Cresta unroadworthy and Al Williamson’s Chevy pick-up overheated and needed recovering. Crew chief Brian ‘Harry’ Palmer’ was driving Mark Sheridan’s car when the ‘Cuda wouldn’t hot start and also needed recovering, while Mark Todd’s GTO developed an oil leak on the main rear seal meaning it would race no more this weekend. That meant casualties when it came to the elimination rounds the next day. With Williamson being a no-show, Nick Hale ran a 10.6777 / 126.30 bye, while Carter ran 8.5538 / 149.14 to eliminate James Murray. Sheridan was another no-show so Smith also found herself on a bye – she didn’t hold back though, and ran a PB 8.4280 / 177.79. Slater ran a PB 8.5716 / 170.44, his first ever 170mph, but lost out to a 7.5061 / 183.62 from Alan McSweeney. Elliott Rob Slater

8.571 6 170.4 / 4

Tom Peters

42 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

8pp Euro Finals.indd 42

08/01/2024 10:22

Lina Wolf

Lina Wolf Lina Wolf

Nitro Funny Car

et Eliminator

A seat-of-your-pants moment came in the first qualifying session when a rear axle shaft sheared and Kevin Kent lost a rear wheel, which made contact with Jason Phelps’ car. Thankfully neither driver

Mark Todd

Day red-lit as Andy Bond ran 7.5890 / 166.67, and unexpectedly Tony Higgs was a non-starter. Suffering gearbox woes, McSweeney took the green for points in the next round, while Bond did likewise. Smith was a no-show so Carter also just took the green, and as Hale was on a bye he followed suit, meaning no times at all were recorded in that round. As nobody had run, Round 3 immediately followed. With a transmission that had all but given up the ghost, McSweeney staged then had to reverse back to the pits, as Bond idled down the track. Meanwhile, Carter ran 8.3417 / 156.34 against the 10.7025 / 126.16 from Hale. In the final, Carter ran 8.1937 / 167.29 but lost out to Bond’s 7.3710 / 202.56. Rob Carter

2023

CHAM PION

was hurt, but when Kent Kevin Kent reappeared it was in his spare Dodge Stratus SPR liveried 4.281 car, running the engine and 2 264.6 / trans from his Monte Carlo. 0 Patrik Pers qualified top on 4.4018 / 223.15, despite kissing the wall in the last session, with Steve Ashdown behind him on 4.5450 / 203.47. Third came Phelps on 5.5889 / 139.40, then Steve Ashdown Kent on 5.8221 / 123.75. Phelps lifted to a 5.5823 / 134.85 in / 235.15 against the 4.8431 / 191.31 from eliminations as Ashdown ran a PB 4.2812 Pers. That was enough to crown Kent as / 264.60, while Kent clocked off a 4.5252 2023 champion.

Kevin Kent

Patrik Pers

7.980 1 171.1 / 0]

Kevin Chapman

Jason Phelps

FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 43

8pp Euro Finals.indd 43

08/01/2024 10:22

Track Worx Comp Eliminator CLA WINNSS ER

Dan Williams

Williams Bros Racing dominated the top of the qualifying ladder, with Nic Williams (9.00 dial in) on pole with an 8.2527 / 164.23, Dan Williams (11.25 dial in) second on 10.6143 / 121.76 and Spencer Tramm (11.68 dial in) third on 11.2435 / 115.93. The trio then progressed through the first

elimination round, along with Kevin Jenkins, Robert Smallworth, Simon Crowley and Terence Newton. In round 2, Nic Williams took the green on a bye, Tramm (11.68 dial in) ran 11.6332 / 96.09 to overcome Crowley, Dan Williams (11.25 dial in) carded an 11.0036 / 99.85 as Jenkins fouled, and as Newton also fouled Smallworth (7.99 dial

Spencer Tramm

Nic Williams

B Fast R Super Comp Super Comp proved to be another class in which the top three qualifiers ran to the index, in this case 8.90 seconds. Richard Tunstall headed up the ladder with an 8.9035 / 147.60, followed by Paul Hudson on 8.9092 / 169.80 and Leah Kellett on 8.9264 / 175.05. Hudson was the victor in the first elimination round while Tunstall went out, and Kellett ran a perfect ET 8.9003. Wins also went the way of Clement Dubois and Stuart Doignie. Kellett’s 8.9482 / 170.45 proved too strong for the 8.9618 / 125.93 from Dubois, and after Hudson’s car failed to

PERF ECT

in) clocked a 7.6977 / 174.99. With Smallworth then a no-show, Dan Williams put in a half-pass, and Tramm (11.68 dial) ran 11.3207 / 115.19 as Nic Willams had wheelspin off the line. In the final, Dan Williams (11.25 dial in) ran 10.6834 / 114.75 against Tramm’s loose out 11.3242 / 114.05 on an 11.68 dial in. Rob Smallworth

Clement Dubois

ET 8.900 3

Richard Tunstall

Leah Kellett

fire and was pushed back Doignie staged and took the green. The final couldn’t have been any closer, with a margin of just 0.0025 seconds. The 8.9335 / 155.78 from Doignie pipped it against Kellett’s 8.9378 / 173.71.

Paul Hudson

44 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

8pp Euro Finals.indd 44

08/01/2024 10:22

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08/01/2024 14:08

Jan Ericsson

2023

CHAM PION

FIA / Motorsport UK Pro Modified There was drama from the off when, after running a 5.9421 / 241.20, Mats Eriksson’s chutes failed and his Ford Crown Victoria ended up in the field. The driver was okay, but the car’s transmission was damaged during the recovery operation. The team managed to get that sorted in time for Round 3 though. That round also saw Mick Payne on the track for the first time in his new Hemipowered Plymouth Duster. The car burned out but then came to a halt with the engine not running. Kev Slyfield didn’t make this session, due to rear axle and suspension damage sustained the previous day. Qualifying ended with Jan Ericsson on top with a 5.8248 / 246.87, followed by David Vegter on 5.8566 / 244.20 and Andres Arnover on 5.8754 / 247.83.

CLA In eliminations, Bruno Bader WINNSS ran 5.9777 / 239.94 against ER Micke Gullqvist, Michel Tooren a 5.9544 / 241,25 against Bobby Wallace, Roger Johansson a 6.3662 / 181.41 against Marck Harteveld, Jimmy Ålund a 6.9886 / 193.71 against Peter Kunc (in for Andy Robinson, retired with engine damage), Mats Eriksson a 5.8816 / 242.78 against Freddy Fagerström, Andres Arnover a 8.7383 / overcome Tooren and Arnover carded a 108.82 against Jean Dulamon, David Vegter 5.9631 / 246.86 bye as Johansson shut off. a 6.2272 / 209.05 against David Smith In the semis, Eriksson ran 5.8896 / 241.59 (in for Wayne Nicholson) and Jan Ericsson against a 6.0881 / 242.38 from Ericsson, 5.8696 / 246.49 against Jon Webster. and Vegter ran 5.8563 / 244.20 as Arnover Next time out, Ericsson lifted to a 9.5175 failed to stage correctly. The final went the / 93.29 after Bader pulled a red, Eriksson way of Vegter, who ran 6.6348 / 230.50 ran a 5.8849 / 241.58 bye as Ålund was against Eriksson, while Jan Ericsson was a no show, Vegter ran 5.8677 / 245.39 to confirmed as 2023 champion. David Vegter

Roger Johansson

Mats Eriksson

Andres Arnover

Mick Payne

FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 47

8pp Euro Finals.indd 47

08/01/2024 10:23

2023

Linn Fløysvik

Johnny Oksa

CHAM PION

CLA WINNSS ER

FIA Top Methanol Running for the first time at Santa Pod, Johnny Oksa put in an initial 5.5558 / 261.17 qualifying pass which he later improved to a 5.5508 / 262.06, securing him the second qualifying spot. Above him was Sandro Bellio on 5.5339 / 243.82, and below came Linn Fløysvik Sandro Bellio

FIA Top Fuel Dragster Ida Zetterström celebrated her crowning as 2023 champion by running a staggering 3.8666/ 307.11 to qualify in top spot. Susanne Callin qualified second on 3.9694 / 297.02, followed by Jndia Erbacher on 4.2296 / 226.31 and Duncan Micaleff who lifted with tyre shake and ran 5.9857 / 106.01. Erbacher went up in smoke in qualifying, allowing Callin to take the win with a 4.9628 / 153.62. The other pairing saw Zetterström run 4.0677 / 225.77 when Micaleff was a no-show, having suffered engine damage the previous day. Callin ran a 4.4178 / 187.00 in the final, but that was no match for the 3.9171 / 271.80 from Zetterström.

on 5.5526 / 260.99, Tony Bryntesson on 5.4243 / 262.68 and Silvio Strauch on 5.5038 / 256.68. Bellio was on a bye in the first elimination round but suffered a blower pop mid-track. Bryntesson saw red as Fløysvik ran 5.5554 / 256.26, and Oksa clocked a 5.5554 / 263.57 against a tyre-

shaking Strauch. In the next round, Oksa ran a 5.5754 / 262.16 bye, and with Bellio spinning the tyres and heading left off the line Fløysvik ran 5.5895 / 256.25, netting him the 2023 championship. It was Oksa who took the final laurels though, with a storming 5.5580 / 263.55.

Tony Bryntesson

Silvio Strauch

2023

CHAM PION

Ida Zetterström Susanne Callin

Jndia Erbacher

48 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

8pp Euro Finals.indd 48

08/01/2024 10:23

CLA WINNSS ER

Simon Ekengren

Michael Malmgrem

Stefan Ernryd

FIA Pro Stock Qualifying was a close affair, with Simon Ekengren topping the ladder having run a 6.6886 / 207.14. Next was Michael Malmgrem on 6.6892 / 197.99, followed by Stefan Ernryd on 6.7015 / 206.27 and Robin Norén in a borrowed car on 6.7208 / 206.05. In the first elimination round on Sunday, Malgrem ran 6.5830 / 209.09, the quickest ET of the event – which not only defeated the 6.6851 / 207.12 from Enryd, it also confirmed him as

2023

CHAM PION

2023 champion. In the other pairing, Ekengren overcame Norén, 6.6638 / 207.22 against 6.6919 / 205.20. The final saw a holeshot

Robin Norén

win for Ekengren, who ran 6.6995 / 206.95 against the 6.6221 / 208.16 from Malgrem.

Nostalgia Funny Car Cup Tim Garlick

NFCC

CHAM PION

CLA WINNSS ER

Tony Betts

Qualifying for the five-car field finished with Tim Galick on top with a 6.0121 / 230.20. Second spot was secured by Tony Betts, who ran 6.1929 / 239.03, then came Paul Harris on 6.4060 / 201.67, Andy Raw Paul Harris

on 7.3802 / 126.86, and Wendy Baker as an alternate on 11.5910 / 72.07. Raw fired up late for eliminations so Baker filled in, but her 7.2221 / 163.09 lost out to the 5.9728 / 230.49 from Garlick who was confirmed as the Andy Raw

Nostalgia Funny Car Cup Champion. Betts ran 6.0663 / 241.59 in the other semi to see off the 6.4466 / 194.63 from Harris. Betts also took the win in the final with a 6.2247 / 238.56 against the 6.3552 / 220.38 from Garlick. Wendy Baker

FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 49

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08/01/2024 10:23

                



SALE: £1550 Net. 4 only!

                                                                                

                             

                        

-Zero bump steer & anti-dive built in-





Ford Mustang 1964-70. Billet coil over shockabsorbers [adjustable], tubular suspension arms, complete, manual steering rack assembly, forged spindles for suspension, 11” ventilated disc brakes, Ford bolt pattern, 600lb coil springs, coil over bearings, [makes it easier to adjust height]. ................................................ £2954.76 net.

1937-39 Chevy Pickup, tubular suspension arms, 2” dropped spindles, shock thru coil spring, manual stg rack,300lb coil springs, 11” ventilated disc brakes, 23.375” inside to inside-can fit other models ... £2369.23 net. 1947-54 Chevy Pickup, as above except-std spindles, 350lb spring, anti-roll bar- ............................. £2324.96 net.

  

  



1947-53 Chevy pickup ............................ £651.80 net 1956 Ford 1/2 ton pickup ........................ £581.28 net

1957 Chevy car use OE bezel ................. £607.87 net 1965-6 Mustang-use OE bezel ............... £623.14 net

  

  

 



               

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N729

NA-1

Classic American Sizes Designed for UK Roads 165/70R13 165/80R15 175/70R13 175/70R13 175/70R14 185/65R14 185/70R13 185/70R14 185/75R14 195/65R14 195/70R14 195/80R14 205/50R15 205/60R15 205/65R16 205/70R14 205/75R14 215/50R13 215/60R15 215/60R17 215/65R16 215/70R15 225/50R15 225/60R14 225/70R15 225/70R15 225/75R15 235/50R13 235/60R13 235/60R14 235/60R15 235/75R15 245/50R14 245/60R14 245/60R15 255/60R15 265/50R14 275/60R15 295/50R15

www.nankangtyre.co.uk

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0121 500 5010

sales@nankangtyre.co.uk 16/10/2023 12:48

Auto focus ■ Words and Pics: Keith Lee

Names for cars

ack in the early days of drag racing in the UK, racers were encouraged to name their vehicles. It gave them an individual identity, as signwritten (or sometimes hastily scrawled) names were added to the bodywork. Over in America, it was common for cars to be named – indeed, many of the leading drivers were also known by their racing titles. Big Daddy, Bounty Hunter, Jungle Jim, the Snake and Mongoose; these were well known names for cars and drivers alike. Some of those nicknames were not necessarily self chosen – or, on the face of it, complimentary. Don Garlits was dubbed Swamp Rat early in his racing career, due to his Florida heritage – and he countered by calling all of his cars Swamp Rat after that. Garlits himself went on to earn the ultimate title of the Big Daddy of drag racing. Over here, this was not the case. Of the very first dragsters, Nobby Hills’ Houndog was one of the only cars with a name. Stripduster was soon to follow, adding another memorable name to a small but now growing canon. Back in the beginning, it was actually the bike riders who led the way. As they began to embrace the concept, many two-wheeled racers anointed their bikes with the names of Greek and Roman gods. John Hobbs went one better and called his early bikes Olympus – the mythical home of the gods!

Talking of bikes leading the way, one of the well known names in racing is Stripteaser, the Jag-powered minivan which first came into being back in 1970. The team were not actually original with their choice of title though, as there was a twin-engined bike running with that same name a couple of years before them! While the bike quickly disappeared into obscurity, the little minivan raced its way into the hearts of race fans.

Above: The late Nobby Hills recreated the original Houndog 1, which ﬁrst ran in 1964

Above: Alan Wigmore’s Chevy Viva, which caused the author problems deciphering the name (Photo courtesy Dennis Priddle)

Above: The Page family borrowed the Panic name from US racer Gary Hazen and made it a well loved name on UK tracks Below: The Jag powered Stripteaser, after it had been ﬁtted with a ﬁbreglass body. The original steel body saw the exhaust pipes exiting through the roof!

There was recent mention that it might be coming back out this coming season, which would be pleasing. Many cars’ names have revolved around their powerplant, where one might encounter Ratcatcher up against Hemi Hunter. Then again, it might reflect the body type used, such as Meanie Minor, or the Red E Jaguar. I still cringe about the time when I asked NDRC chairman Alan Wigmore what

52 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

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Above: The Motovation/Glacier Bearing Special at the Hall of Fame gala, after Keith Bartlett purchased it as a major exhibit for the forthcoming Santa Pod museum Don Prudhomme in 1973, driving the car in wihch he had won his ﬁrst NHRA event a couple of months earlier. The Snake was the ﬁrst driver to win in both top fuel and funny car classes

his Chevy powered altered was called, as the writing was rather stylised. After my flailing guess, he asked me what car body it was – to which I replied “It’s a Viva.” Alan just smiled at me as the penny dropped! The iconic altered of the Stones team combined both with the aptly named Tee Rat – as did the cleverly named Hemini in the late sixties. Fuel also proved to be a source of inspiration in the naming game: there was Alkymist, Methdrinker, Nitromania… and Bob Harman’s Mother’s Ruin, though that was maybe hinting at another type of fuel! Meanwhile, some hinted at a little frustration. Tony Anderson ran a V6 Ford dragster called Trouble, which was updated to Even More Trouble when he moved to a blown Daimler. John Harrison named his early dragster Jynx, and it did have its fair share of woes. Another early competitor, Bert Knight, plumped for Knightmare as the name of his Jag dragster, which he towed all the way to Santa Pod from Cornwall in premotorway times! Naturally, powerful overtones have featured high on the list of names chosen to fit with the teams ambitions. Gladiator was well chosen for the funny cars wearing that name. Stormbringer, Hellbender, Liquidator,

and Shutdown also follow that theme of strength. The ultimate accelerator also had a truly appropriate title, as Sammy Miller’s rocket-powered funny cars carried the name Vanishing Point. Not surprisingly, sponsorship started to have an effect on how entries were named. Financial backing is of course welcome, nay essential for many racers, but not so clever when it results in a name that sounds more like a sentence! Given the level of corporate sponsorship in the US pro classes these days, car names are a relic of the past. That is something that seems rather soulless, but it’s how things are. So the unveiling of the Ron Capps car design to old boss Don Prudhomme at this year’s Indy Nationals was met with a very positive reaction, as ‘Snake’ was proudly emblazoned on the striking machine. It also turned out to be a good omen, as Capps won the prestigious event exactly 50 years after Prudhomme’s first ever NHRA funny car victory! Back home, one of the first cars to feature sponsor naming was the injected Chevy dragster of the Beadle brothers and Allan Herridge. Originally called Motovation, it was renamed for 1969 as the Glacier Bearing Special. By the way, it was pleasing

Above: Can’t help but love the name Wayne Allman gave to his slightly modified VW split window pickup. Mental Breakdown sports a calming field of sunflowers in the cockpit, and an almighty blown KB motor in the back. Nothing mental about that!

Below: Katie Booth in the Chevy-powered Mighty Mouse entry. The name was ﬁrst featured on the tiny giant-killing bike of Brian Chapman

to see that very same car looking pretty, just as I remembered it, when it was unveiled as the latest acquisition for the forthcoming Santa Pod museum. I am not sure what I would personally pick out as my favourite car name, but I do like one that has also spanned many years – and that is Earsplitten Loudenboomer. It does rather neatly sum up what drag racing is all about. First time I remember the name was around 1973, on an Olds powered Topolino driven by Peter Lane, who has also been out in modern times with his ’55 Chevy – still carrying that same name. Scanning through a few recent UK entry lists, it is good to see that the majority of car entries do indeed still come complete with a race name. Funnily enough, the same cannot be said for so many of the bike entries – which is in stark contrast to early racing days!

Havoc is a name which seems to ﬁt a fuel altered. The Nick Davies driven machine follows on from an earlier car he drove, called Chaos!

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Out & About

Santa’s little helpers

Mick Sutton brought his work-in-progress International pick-up out for a run

Organiser Sue and partner Chris in their ever reliable patinated pick-up

Words & Pics: James Webber Event: Little Harbour Hospice Run

Jason White bought his Pinto-powered Vauxhall Velox out on the run

Date: 3 December Venue: St Austell, Cornwall

The annual Little Harbour Children’s Hospice run, organised by Sue Watts, took place on the first Sunday of December. The plan was kept to the usual tried and trusted format, with a short cruise to the hospice to let the children check out a car park full of cool rides. Participants met at a retail park in St Austell, close to the hospice, and headed off at 10.45am to cruise the short distance up to their destination. After that, their job was to hand over presents and vouchers for the children and staff and allow some of the children to come out and have a look around the vehicles. Afterwards, a few people headed to local hot rodder Graham Snow’s diner for a hot meal and a chat. The weather was not looking great but apart from a downpour just as the guys entered the hospice, the weather held off and the children could have a good look around. Everyone was asked to make a minimum £10 donation towards buying gifts and money for the hospice itself. A few people had to cancel due to work commitments and not wanting to take their vehicles out in wet conditions, but they still made a

Mustang with banded steels rolling into the hospice

John Lobb’s Chevy Apache van was once again the mobile grotto

donation. Fancy dress was recommended and some people decorated their vehicles with tinsel and so on to make them look a bit Christmassey. This year, the donations rasied allowed the hospice to purchase £700’s worth of cinema vouchers for the children and their families, along with a huge selection of gifts including books, toys, games and much more. As always, John Lobb turned his Chevy Apache van into a mobile grotto and loaded all the presents inside to add to the sense of occasion. A grand total of £1142 was raised – which, in the current economic climate, is a wonderful amount which shows the

generosity of the local community. A big thanks to Sue for organising it yet again, and for everyone who came out in support.

Graham Snow bought this Chevy 3100, which is on taxi running gear

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Out & About

Lord of the Stance

Parked next to some sort of BMW, this Mustang was looking all kinds of gorgeous

Autostyl’s bagged Grumman LLV remains a regular at shows – and it’s still taking home the pots, too, with the Best Engineered trophy to boast of from this outing

Words & Pics: James Webber Event: Ultimate Stance Date: 5 November Venue: Telford International Centre

Ultimate Stance might not sound like the sort of show we’d be talking about in Custom Car. But the Telford Event was open to all – and there was a tasty smattering of our kind of cars representing the custom fraternity among the modern stuff. The show has become a firm favourite among all sorts of enthusiasts as a seasonender in the calendar, and it brought together cars and vans of all makes and varieties to fill four halls plus lobby areas in the Telford International Centre. And that was just under cover; outside was set aside for clubs, as well as vehicles picked to be on display – which ranged from Beemers and VW Transporters to American muscle, customs and even some retro classics. Each hall had a large amount of traders, which this year included PovSpec, Forbidden 13 clothing, Deadly Brand, Kids Car Mods, Sonax detailing, Autofinesse, Wagon UK and Ghettoworkz. The Show Sponsor, Nankang Tyres, had a big display featuring a variety of cars which included boss Steve’s own ’62 Chevy Nova II and Autostyl’s glorious bagged Grumman LLV postal van. One unique feature to the show was a lowrider display from national club Lay’n’Play Lowriders, who had a selection of vehicles on display and put on a demonstration for an audience who thoroughly enjoyed watching the cars

Event sponsor Nankang had a variety of cool motors on its stand – including a magnificent bagged and patinated Ford pick-up, as well as an LS-powered ’62 Chevy Nova II owned by the company’s boss Steve. Look out for it in a future issue of Custom Car…

Above: Nath’s bagged C10 pick-up is a bit of an Insta star. It looks good even without filters all over it, too Right: Another C10, this one sporting a straight six engine

bouncing around on their hydraulics. A selection of BMX riders, meanwhile, put on displays on a mini half-pipe ramp. The show opened to the public at 10am and ended at 4pm, shortly after the awards had been given out. Even if it’s not all rods and customs, this one is well worth marking in your

calendars. It really is worth paying a visit – and with a number of hotels in and around the venue plus big multi-storey car parks to provide ample parking, not to mention excellent motorway links almost to the door, it’s an easy event to get to. You’ll find it at www.ultimate-stance.co.uk, or on all the usual social media channels.

The Lay’n’Play Lowriders club were making their cars dance all day long for a very appreciate audience. Two of the cars their members brought along, which were shortlisted in the club’s 2023 UK Lowrider of the Yer competition, were Umer’s Cutlass and Dan’s Impala

56 CUSTOM CAR FEBRUARY 2024

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NB: We advise you to double check with organisers that the event or show as listed is still going ahead, to avoid any wasted journeys. To submit an event, email alan.kidd@assignment-media.co.uk

JANUARY 27 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 28 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

FEBRUARY 7 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 18 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 20 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 23-25 Race Retro. Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire. www.raceretro.com 24 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 24-25 Straightliners Top Speed Show. Elvington Airfield, York. www.straightliners.events

MARCH 2024 3 NSRA Southern Swap Meet North Weald, Essex. www.nsra.org.uk 3 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 6 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 9 Dial-In Day Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

13 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 14 The Fast Show Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

2 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach. Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire. Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach 3 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

16 Drag & Drift Dakota Raceway, Honiton, Devon. www.straightliners. events

6 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

16-17 Volksworld Plus Sandown Park. Facebook: Volksworld magazine

7 Straightliners Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

19 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

13-14 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events

22-24 Classic Car and Restoration Show NEC, Birmingham. www.necrestorationshow.com 24 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 25 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events 28-31 Festival of Power Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 29 Wheels Day Newbury Showground, Berkshire www.surreystreetrodders.com 30 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

14 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 15 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events 16 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 20 Drag & Drift Dakota Raceway, Honiton, Devon. www.straightliners. events 20 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

APRIL 2024 1 Kings Lynn Kruisers Easter Bonnet Parade. Wisbech St Mary, Cambridgeshire. www.kingslynnkruisers.co.uk

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21 GTI Spring Festival Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 26-28 Springspeed Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 27 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

MAY 2024 1 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 4-6 Nostalgia Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 5 BHP Show Kent Showground, Detling, Maidstone. bhpshows.com 7 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach. Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire. Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach

17-19 Doorslammers Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod. co.uk 19 Classic Wheels Rutland Showground, Oakham www.classicwheelsrutland.co.uk 20-26 UK and ITA International Speed Week Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www. straightliners.events 21 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 23-27 The Main Event Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

8-9 Players Classic Goodwood, West Sussex. www.players-show.com 8-9 NSRA Fun on the Beach Great Yarmouth. TBC. www.nsra.org.uk

25 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

9 BHP Fuel Fest Westpoint Arena, Exeter, Devon. bhpshows.com

31-3 June VanJam Fir Tree Farm, Warmington. www.vanditos.co.uk

9 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

11 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

1 North Yorkshire Custom Show Northallerton. Facebook: North Yorkshire Custom Show

12 Spring Break Car Show. Stonham Barns, Suffolk www.stonhambarns.co.uk

6-9 Hot Rods and Hills Penrith, Cumbria. www.parkfootullswater.co.uk

7-9 STP Sporstman Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

JUNE 2024

12 Classic Ford Show South of England Showground. Facebook: Classic Ford Show

6 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

24-27 Run to the Sun Newquay. www.rtts.co.uk

10-12 Race the Waves Bridlington. www.backfirepromotions.com

11-12 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events

5 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

1-2 Duchy Ford Club Show St Merryn, Padstow. duchyfordclub.co.uk 2 Plus 44 Show Hartham Park, Corsham, Wilthsire. www.plusfourfourautomotive.co.uk 4 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach. Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire. Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach

14-16 Street Weekend Santa Pod Raceway / Melbourne Raceway. www. santapod.co.uk / straightliners.events 15 The Fast Show Reloaded Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 15-16 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events 16 Bespoke Show West Malling, Kent. bespokeshows@gmail.com 17 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events

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BRENTACRE CUSTOM CAR & HOT ROD INSURANCE

JULY 2024 1-4 NSRA Hot Rod Supernationals Old Warden, Cambridgeshire. www. nsra.org.uk 2 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach. Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire. Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach 3 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 5-7 Dragstalgia Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 6 Drag & Drift Dakota Raceway, Honiton, Devon. www.straightliners. events 18 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 21 Deuce Day British Motor Museum, Warwickshire. www.deucesofbritain.co.uk 22 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 22-23 Run What Ya Brung Machrihanish Airport, Campbeltown, Argyll. www.straightliners.events 22-23 Pendine Sands Hot Rod Races Pendine Sands, Carmarthenshire. www.vhra.co.uk 26-28 Kings Lynn Kruisers Extravaganza. Walpole St Andrews, Cambridgeshire. www.kingslynnkruisers.co.uk

9-11 Retrofestival Newbury Showground. www.retrofestival.co.uk 11-14 European Street Rod Nationals Ellivouri Sastamala Finland. www.fsra.fi 11-14 Goodwood Festival of Speed Goodwood Estate, West Sussex. www.goodwood.com 13-14 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 13-14 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events 15 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events 16 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

28-30 Hangar Rockin St Stephan Airfield, St Stephan, Switzerland. www.hangarrockin.com

19-21 Rock’n’Ribs Festival Wincanton Racecourse, Somerset. www.rocknribsfestival.co.uk

28-30 MPH 1/8th Mile Vintage Sprint RAF Deenethorpe, Corby, Northants. www.mphvintagesprint.co.uk

13-14 CTG American Car, Bike and Hot Rod Show. Stonham Barns, Suffolk. www.stonhambarns.co.uk

28-30 National Hot Rod and Custom Show Lincolnshire Showground, Lincoln. www.hotrodandcustomshow.co.uk 28-30 STP Summer Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 29 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

21 Ford Show Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 25 Throttle Auto Races Bicester Heritage, Oxfordshire. www.vhra.co.uk 26-28 Bug Jam Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 26-28 Weekend of Wheels Moorgreen, Nottingham. www.coffeencarsuk.club

27 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 28 Rally of the Giants. Stonor Park, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire www.allamericanautoclub.com 28-30 National Hot Rod, Custom and American Car Show Lincoln Showground. www.hotrodandcustomshow.co.uk

AUGUST 2024 2-4 Hot Rod Hayride Bisley Shooting Centre, Brookwood, Surrey. hotrodhayride.co.uk 2-4 Ultimate Street Car Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 3-4 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events 5 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events 6 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach. Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire. Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach 7 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 9-11 Mopar Euro Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 10 Drag & Drift Dakota Raceway, Honiton, Devon. www.straightliners. events 11 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 11 Ford Fair Silverstone Circuit www.fordfair.co.uk 15-19 Hillbilly Hoedown Crystal Lakes Leisure, Huntingdon. Facebook: Hillbilly Hoedown Weekend

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16-18 Hot Rods in the Borders Liliardsedge Holiday Park, Jedburgh. 01835 830271 16-18 STP Greenlight Nationals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 18 Classic Car Show. Stonham Barns, Suffolk. www.stonhambarns.co.uk 20 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 24-25 Eastbourne Feastival Hampden Park, Eastbourne. www.visiteastbourne.com 25 Knuckle Busters at the Barns. Stonham Barns, Suffolk. www. stonhambarns.co.uk 26 Drive and Jive Auto Show. Whitstable Bends, Whitstable, Kent www.driveandjive.uk 30-1 Sep VW Action Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 31 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 29-4 Sep Race of the Last Rebels Dunavarsány, Hungary. www.lastrebels.hu 30-1 Sep Blue Ridge Runners Motor Show / South West Van Nationals West Huntspill, Somerset. www.blueridgerunners.co.uk 31-1 Sep Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events

SEPTEMBER 2024 3 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach. Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire. Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach 4 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 4-8 FIA Euro Finals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 6-8 Trip Out Euston Gardens, Thetford. www.thetripout.co.uk 6-8 Goodwood Revival Goodwood Estate, West Sussex. www.goodwood.com 7-8 Run What Ya Brung Machrihanish Airport, Campbeltown, Argyll. www.straightliners.events

8 A602’s Autorama Stevenage, Herts. www.autoramashow.com 13-15 Hot Rod Drags Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 15 American Car Show. Stonham Barns, Suffolk. www.stonhambarns. co.uk 15 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 17 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 19-22 Isle of Man Festival of Motoring www.iomfm.com 20-22 STP National Finals Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 21-22 Full Throttle Weekend Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events 21-22 Pistons and Props Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire www.sywellclassic.co.uk 22 Ford Fest. Mallory Park, Leics. www.fordfestshow.co.uk 28 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 28 Drag & Drift Dakota Raceway, Honiton, Devon. www.straightliners. events

12 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 13 Straightliners Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk 15 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 20 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk 26 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

NOVEMBER 2024

28 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

6 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

29 VHRA Swap Meet Ramsey, Cambridgeshire. www.vhra.co.uk

19 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

OCTOBER 2024

24 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

1 Hayling Hot Rods at the Beach. Hayling Island Seafront, Hampshire. Facebook: Hayling Hotrods at the Beach

30 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

2 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

DECEMBER 2024

5 Run What Ya Brung Santa Pod Raceway. www.santapod.co.uk

4 Hot Rod Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

5-6 Straightliners Race Meet Melbourne Raceway, York. www.straightliners.events

8 ‘Normous Newark Autojumble Newark Showground, Newark, Notts. www.newarkautojumble.co.uk

7 Top Speed Monday Elvington Airfield, Elvington, West Yorkshire. www.straightliners.events

17 VW Air-Cooled Night. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com 28 All American Cruise In. Ace Café, London. www.acecafe.com

FEBRUARY 2024 CUSTOM CAR 61

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