More 2019 Editors’ Picks!
Part 1: Junkyard Daytona, Chip Foose Pickup, V-10 Charger, and More
Top 13 Freaky Rides That Caught Our Eye
Now that the crazy holiday season is over, HOT ROD was able to put together a list of editors’ picks from 2019—the arbitrary number of 16 total, broken down in two parts to keep the suspense going. In part 1, we had some real highlights (see link above) that included a drag-race cop car, a Kindig-it Designs Coronet, and a “barn-find” Tri-Five Pro Mod. Part 2 might be even better, but HOT ROD would like to hear from you about it! Agree/disagree with the editors? Shoot us an email at [email protected].
Detroit Speed Engineering C3 Corvette: Taylor Kempkes’ Pick
Here’s a land shark that’s built to do everything under the sun and was built by Detroit Speed Engineering (DSE) at an opportune time. They were in need of an R&D car, and Bob Gawlik just bought this solid C3 Corvette. An LS-based 427 engine and T-56 Magnum transmission handle the power delivery that’s channeled through epic suspension work. You can’t say Detroit Speed and not talk about suspension because, geez, there’s lots. The C3 Corvette was already a solid base, so the fun could start right away. DECAlink suspension parts and a GearFX third member along with a slew of other DSE components allow for no compromises to this Vette.
First 1960 Corvette—For Real: Taylor Kempkes’ Pick
Another one of Taylor’s picks is the very first—literally VIN 00001—1960 Chevrolet Corvette. It took luck and a substantial dollar amount for owner Bob Marvin to obtain the car nine years ago, and it’s not the only one he owns. At a time, Bob had a treasure trove of historical Corvettes all over the county, but now all 96 of his cars are kept in what he calls “The Shed.”
First Drift Cars in HOT ROD, 2017 Mustang and 2013 Corvette: Zach Martin’s Picks
For my pick of 2019, there could only be one choice. Back in the June issue of HOT ROD magazine, I featured a pair of pro Formula Drift cars for the first time ever. With my roots in import cars and an avid passion for drifting both on the track and culturally in the car community, I was overjoyed that these two cars made into print. Though the sport is rooted in Japan (yes, I know dirt-track guys have been sliding around forever, too), these cars perfectly exemplify the Ford vs. Chevy battle that started in the early 20th century, and the builders couldn’t be more true hot rodders. They not only run their teams but build, test, research, develop, and race their cars. If you can’t tell, this was a labor of love.
Turbo S197 Mustang: Henry De Los Santos’ Pick
This S197 Mustang is a turbocharged machine that runs 8s, gets groceries, and takes road trips. It wasn’t long before its owner, Jimmy, began modifying it and running in the 11s with a 6-speed manual transmission. In the chase for more power and speed, the motor was hurt and the car went down for eight months before seeing the light of day again—with a built engine and a 6R80 automatic transmission. Eights were closer than ever, but you’ll have to read the rest of the tale.
Modified Saleen Fox: Henry De Los Santos’ Pick
Another favorite from one of the Ford guys is this mint Saleen Fox Mustang. It was acquired by its current owner, Travis, after he’d hounded the previous owner to sell it, claiming dibs on the car. Though it was already a complete and wonderful Saleen example, like any car person, Travis wanted to personalize it. He started with some wheels, then a new hood, then new stripes; it didn’t take him long to upset all of the Saleen purists. Miraculously, it was very well received—a testament to the shops involved in the build and the owner’s vision.
Silky Edsel with a Coyote Heart: Brian Brennan’s Pick
We’re nearing the end of this list, but not before we stop off to check out this jaw-dropping and totally cool Edsel Ranger built by Alloway’s Hot Rod Shop. The car’s owner, Kathy, was supposed to be surprised with it as a gift, but as the build went on, the ghost was given up and she ended up contributing to the direction of the build—it was her car, after all! It took what builder Bobby Alloway joked were all of the last remaining original parts he could find to get through the build with bits from a Pacer model pieces from a Citation model. A 5-speed and Coyote engine combo more than fling this lead sled down the road with Kathy cool as a cucumber in her T-bird seats and A/C.
America’s Most Beautiful Roadster of 2019: Brian Brennan’s Pick
We’ve arrived at the end of the road, and to finish things up is a top-shelf pick from longtime Street Rodder editor and Grand National Roadster Show judge Brian Brennan and editorial work by wordsmith John Gilbert. You’re looking at a the “3 Penny Roadster,” a 1936 Ford roadster built by Eric Peratt of Pinkee’s Rod Shop. This is the 2019 Grand National Roadster Show winner and, to no surprise, is one of the most beautiful cars on the planet. It goes to show what 8 years and 20,000 man-hours can do. Where was all of that time spent? Probably in the designing, engineering, and machining of more than 300 custom parts on the car, many of which are so subtle you’d look right over them.
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