Tag Archives: Restomod

1965 Mustang ‘Blizzard’ Ringbrothers

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The year 2014 is a special one for Ford Mustang enthusiasts because it marks the 50th Anniversary of the car’s introduction. For the past 5 decades, the Mustang has been America’s pony car. But can you really improve upon a classic design? Yes, you can.

Mike and Jim Ring are brothers and co-owners of the aptly-named shop Ringbrothers. They are one of my favorite build shops right now, and I have featured a few of their cars on this site before. You may recall their Ford Fairlane 500 “Afterburner” and the Mustang Mach 1 “Dragon” I spotted at Barrett-Jackson.

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1950 Studebaker Champion by Kicker Audio

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There are certain vehicles which, for various reasons, are labelled as “gangster” vehicles. From the 1964 Impala to the Lincoln Continental, these cars have a definite “bad guy” image that people crave.

One car I would never have considered for a mobbed-out gangster mobile is a Studebaker. But, I suppose that’s what makes me different from the guys at Kicker Audio. Their booth at SEMA 2013 featured this evil 1950 Studebaker Champion.

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1969 Camaro Convertible GPSTrackIT

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Just like Las Vegas itself, the SEMA show is designed to overwhelm the senses. There are literally thousands of vendors competing for your attention, and they will use any tactic they can to draw you over to their booth.

Some booths have flashing lights or sexy girls or celebrity appearances, but most vendors recognize that the way to get your attention at a car expo is to have a wicked hot rod on display. In the North Hall, I spotted this 1969 Camaro convertible at the GPSTrackIt booth and came in for a closer look.

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1973 Chevrolet Camaro “Project Envious”

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This is one of those cars that you either love or hate – there is no in between.To some, a 2nd gen Camaro with a green paint job is the definition of automotive hell. Others may see this car for what it really is: a pro-touring car that can dominate any environment from street to strip to autocross course.

Built by D&Z Customs in Kewaskum, Wisconsin, this ’73 Camaro was on display at the AutoMeter booth at SEMA 2013. The car is nicknamed “Project Envious” as in green with envy – get it?

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1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am “KLRBRD”

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It’s hard to look at a second-gen Firebird and not think of “Smokey and the Bandit.” While this car has been forever etched into our memories by the 1977 film, this car is so much more than a movie cliche.

When this car was new, people were worried about Vietnam War protests, the emerging counterculture movement, the start of punk rock, vehicle emissions laws, and The Man taking away their rights. With its Screaming Chicken logo on the hood and its utter lack of subtlety, the Firebird Trans Am is a middle-finger response to the social changes of the 1970s. As long as I’ve got my horsepower, you and your issues can sit on it and rotate!

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Gil Losi’s 1961 Impala – ‘Under PreSSure’

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There is an old saying that “The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys.” That’s particularly true for the owner of this 1961 Chevrolet Impala, Mr. Gil Losi.

Back in the 1980s, Gil started a company called Team Losi. Their family business grew to become a dominant player in the R/C car industry during the boom years of the 1980s and 1990s. Gil later sold the business to Horizon Hobby, but he’s not through playing with cars. These days, he’s tinkering with full size ones!

Gil’s latest toy was built by Steve Cook Creations in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. I saw it on display at the Meguiar’s booth at SEMA 2013.

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