THE THREE-PRONG SOLUTION: This trio seamlessly blends the old with the new
March 16, 2018
Posted by Barrett-Jackson
Written by independent automotive journalist Roger C. Johnson
This thoroughly modern Ford Hi-Boy Custom Roadster (Lot #688.1) has the DNA of a prewar classic. It’s one of several custom creations set to cross the auction block as part of the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Collection.
If imagination, craftsmanship, and attention to detail are the cornerstones of producing today’s version of a hot rod or Resto-Mod, then the trio of cars showcased here are the glorious results of those creative building blocks. All three are from the fabulous John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Collection and are offered at No Reserve.
The Hot Rod Custom Roadster (Lot #688.1)
This all-steel, 1930 Hi-Boy fenderless roadster equipped with a 1932 Ford front grille and corresponding hood rides on custom 1932 Ford frame rails, which are updated in all the right places to create a superb platform for a thoroughly modern classic street rod. A Ford racing crate engine displacing 302 cubes and generates 345 horsepower, which will redline your thrill-meter right from the start. Just so you can keep both hands on the steering wheel, a stout C4 Ford transmission handles the shifting while an 8-inch rear end completes the driveline equation, thereby keeping all the major components under the Ford family tree.
This machine incorporates snake-like ceramic-coated headers followed by a custom exhaust system treated with the same high-temp finish for great looks and performance.
On the bottom side, this fantastic hot rod continues to push the envelope by incorporating an adjustable 4-link rear suspension utilizing coilovers for the ultimate in sophistication. Fully polished Wilwood disc brakes on all corners are attached to American Racing five-spoke wheels, which add even more sparkle to this shining example of what a contemporary hot rod should look and perform like.
Show-quality paint by Tom Beard and an ultra-classic Duvall windshield combine for a smooth-flowing look. The car’s leather interior is the work of Armando, while Hanline gauges and a Flaming River chrome steering column and billet leather-wrapped steering wheel make this car’s interior your ultimate destination. Air conditioning and heat from Vintage Air along with a custom stereo with a remote-controlled six-pack CD changer ensure you’ll never want to get out of this machine once you own it.
The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Custom Convertible (Lot #719)
Just when you think you have seen all the great ’57s in the world, a car like this one rears its beautiful head. Named “Night Life,” this triple-black 1957 Bel Air convertible has just raised the bar for America’s most loved collectible from the coveted era of the ’50s. At a quick glance, it almost looks stock in nature, but closer examination will prove it is supernatural at the very least. Re-created by the superstars at Patrick’s Classic Cars of Phoenix, Arizona, this perfectly timeless body now connects to a custom Art Morrison chassis incorporating a chrome four-link rear suspension, a Strange-built rear end with drilled and slotted four-wheel disc brakes flaunting polished calipers.
Rolling stock includes polished 18-inch Budnik wheels with BFGoodrich G-Force tires to give this particular ’57 an aggressive grip with style to burn. Power rack & pinion steering with a tilt column and a one-of-a-kind steering wheel puts maximum control in the palm of the driver’s hands.
The picture-perfect engine under the hood is a hot-cam LS3 providing 480 horsepower to drive its point home. To make matters even more modern, a 4L80 overdrive GM automatic transmission does the shifting for you with efficiency and performance in mind.
Once inside this creation you’ll notice the wonderful aroma of its black Italian leather interior, accented with black suede for a luxurious look and feel. Even the custom console is covered with leather and incorporates cup holders – just in case you’d like to drink your morning coffee from the driver’s seat. The convertible power-operated top was produced from European cloth canvas and offers a real glass rear window. Tinted and power windows all around along with air conditioning channeled through original in-dash vents round out the driver comfort equation. An array of American Muscle Series Auto Meter gauges will be constant reminders of this car’s serious intent. Its mile-deep exterior paint is show-quality and proves once again why black is the ultimate color for the ultimate Chevrolet.
The 1970 Dodge Challenger Custom Convertible (Lot #687.1)
Even though the E-body Challenger got into the pony car foray late in the game, and considering the original Dodge Challenger only had a five-year production run, the impression it left on the car collecting hobby was absolutely stunning. You might wonder how anyone could improve upon such an acknowledged icon. We’re glad you asked.
This incredible rendition of an original 1970 model is now equipped with a modern day 6.4-liter Chrysler HEMI backed by a 6-speed, wide-ratio manual transmission and a Moser-built 9-inch differential sporting 3.23 gears. That alone should be plenty, except there’s even more. An Alterkation front suspension system packing adjustable coilovers all around, as well as Street-Lynx rear suspension sets the stage for this rock-steady driving machine.
Wilwood disc brakes with drilled and slotted rotors along with big piston calipers do their part like gangbusters when you must bring the good times to a halt. No need not to give a second thought to keeping this car’s immaculate new bumpers and chrome trim pieces out of harm’s way.
The immaculate interior is from Legendary. A custom console is fitted with two cup holders, control buttons for the power windows and a navigation system screen also functioning with the remote backup camera. Chrysler’s classic paint scheme and HEMI billboard make the final statement for this extraordinary build. You’d be Plum Crazy to miss out on this one.
These three masterpieces of creative automotive design can catapult any collection to the highest level. They represent the ideal solution for merging classic style with modern technology. And by doing so, they keep all of our cars dreams alive and well for now, and for generations in the future.
For a look at all the vehicles in the John Staluppi Cars of Dreams Collections, click HERE.