If you desire some of the most outlandish, over-the-top, highest level custom jobs, it’s all at the World Of Wheels. I’ve been attending America’s premiere traveling custom car show series in Rosemont for years, and there’s no better place to see the finest automotive customs. Taking place the first weekend in March, here are some of my favorites at this year’s Chicagoland event:
What’s not to like about the legendary 1940 Ford coupe body style? This was a choice platform for drag racers and hot rodders in the hobby’s earliest days. With a heavily modified front axle and independent rear suspension, “Checked Past” glows with a custom red finish and wild gold wheels. It’s also the Ridler award winner.
You may be a fan of the famous yellow deuce coupe that blows away Harrison Ford’s ’55 Chevy in “American Graffiti”, but look at what’s been done to this ’32 Ford 3 window coupe! Nicknamed “My Tweedy”, it’s got a 4″ chopped top, shaved suicide doors, vintage heat and a/c, and even the oil pan features the famous cartoon bird. I was glad to see a Ford 4.6 Windsor engine in it and not a Chevy small block. I’m in that camp believing Fords belong in Fords, and Chevys belong in Chevys.
Speaking of Chevys, here’s “Orange Krate”. It’s got a 427 big block representing the gasser class. A beautiful hot rod interior, orange exterior, heavily detailed engine and undercarriage instantly catches my attention. The body style is a ’55, the first of the forever legendary tri-five Chevys.
The “Clarkson Special” features a 1930 model A body with a 3″ body chop and custom stainless front and rear bumpers. A spectacular display, it was built special for the 2014 Maine to Florida great race. The engine has quite a history, as the ’48 flathead was raced in a ’47 K1 Allard Roadster.
Here’s my favorite at the show. I wonder if the early designers of Buick’s famous personal luxury Riviera could have imagined this work of art. “Deception” is a 1964 Buick Riviera with a custom two tone “House Of Kolor” paint, exhaust routed through the body, shaved door handles, and Cadillac taillights. The 425 Buick Nailhead engine proudly displays its name. The upholstery is amazing, and the engine bay and custom firewall looks outstanding. It’s lowered 4″, riding on American Racing 18″ wheels. “Deception” is my hands-down winner.
Honorable mentions:
The AutoRama, Cavalcade Of Customs and World Of Wheels show continues this month with stops in Salt lake City, Omaha and Boston. I’ll surely be back in Rosemont next year. Check out their website for further details at http://autorama.com/. I’ll leave you with a few more images from the show.
Hello. My name is Ken Becker, Jr. and I happen to own the green 64′ Riv shown on your web-site. I just want to say how much I sincerely appreciate your kind words! My father and I did 99% of this car in my home garage so it means that much more to find out that someone else out these “gets it”. The Riv by the way was awarded a ‘Top 20’ along with the ‘Master Builder Award’ and ‘Outstanding Use of Color’. We also happen to be the owners and builders of the red and black 56′ Buick Special also shown on your web-site. Love your web-site! So….who are you? I will continue to spread the word.
Again, thanks!
Ken Becker Jr.