July 9, 2015
Posted By : Barrett-Jackson

REBELS WITH A CAUSE: American muscle and slick customs revving up to cross the Reno Tahoe block

REBELS WITH A CAUSE: American muscle and slick customs revving up to cross the Reno Tahoe block

July 9, 2015
Posted by Barrett-Jackson

As far back as the early 1930s, builders began to customize cars: removing running boards or fenders, hopping up engines, altering suspensions, swapping grilles. Model A Fords were a favorite of customizers, who jazzed-up the plain cars with brightly colored paint jobs and flamed hoods. Once the 1950s hit, with automakers encasing wheels in fenders and extending hoods to the full width of the car, new customization practices were needed. Terms like chopping, sectioning and channeling came into play. Today’s custom car builders have taken the cause even further, using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) and rapid prototyping technology to build some of the most unique, high-quality cars imaginable. Harkening back to the days of early 20th-century coach builders, individuals commission builds that are works of art and engineering masterpieces. The main goal remains the same today as it was way back when: to not only change the appearance of the vehicle, but to substantially improve the performance.

Improving performance was also what automobile manufacturers had in mind when, in the late 1960s, focus moved from the realm of the luxury car into something more attainable: mighty machines that became known as muscle cars. The goal was to put the most powerful engine that would fit into the lightest car possible. Not only did this mean big displacement V8s, but also big tires, chrome wheels, dual exhaust, racing stripes or flames, blowers, hood scoops, over-the-top spoilers – and, most importantly, speed. The sleek lines, powerful engines and machismo of the muscle car reigned supreme until 1974, when seemingly overnight muscle cars were rendered virtually worthless as low-octane, unleaded gasoline crested the $1 a gallon threshold. Today these remarkable cars have fortunately regained their stature not only as cars well worth owning, but among the most sought-after collector cars in the world.

Reno’s famous Hot August Nights event is all about nostalgia – particularly the music and the cars of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. In keeping with this theme, Barrett-Jackson has made sure some of the very best customs and muscle cars reflecting that era will be showcased at the 3rd Annual Hot August Nights Auction, Aug. 6-8, 2015, at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Here are just a few of the beauties on the docket:

This custom 1951 Mercury "Led-Sled" features an Art Morrison custom frame.

This custom 1951 Mercury “Led-Sled” features an Art Morrison custom frame.

This 1936 over-the-top build was finished by the crew at Count's Kustoms and has been featured on the TV show "Counting Cars."

This 1936 Ford Custom Sedan was finished by the crew at Count’s Kustoms and has been featured on the TV show “Counting Cars.”

This matching-numbers 1967 Oldsmobile 442 has its original 400ci engine.

This matching-numbers 1967 Oldsmobile 442 has its original 400ci engine.

A classic in Bumble Bee Yellow, this 1969 Plymouth Road Runner has a 383ci big block with a manual 4-speed transmission and Hurst shifter.

A classic in Lemon Twist Yellow, this rare 1970 Plymouth Road Runner has a 440ci V8 engine kicking out 390hp with 490 ft/lbs of torque.

A 302ci V8 with Edelbrock carburetor is among the features of this fast and fun 1965 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback.

A 302ci V8 with Edelbrock carburetor is among the features of this fast and fun 1965 Ford Mustang Custom Fastback.

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