Custom car

Some automotive enthusiasts in the United States want to push "styling and performance a step beyond the showroom floor - to truly craft an automobile of one's own.

[3] Custom cars are not to be confused with coachbuilt automobiles, historically rolling chassis fitted with luxury bodywork by specialty auto body builders.

[6][7] The modified cars used in the Prohibition era by bootleggers to evade revenue agents and other law enforcement are also considered a predecessor to the hot rod.

[8] Hot rods gained popularity after World War II, particularly in California, because many returning soldiers had received technical training.

[9][10] Many cars were "hopped up" with engine modifications such as adding additional carburetors, high compression heads, and dual exhausts.

The first drag strip in the United States opened in 1950 on an airfield in Southern California, and a year later, in 1951 the National Hot Rod Association was formed.

In the post-World War II era, Japan's automotive industry grew, eventually leading to the country becoming the world's largest vehicle producer.

[19][20] The 1990s saw the rise of cars modified for drifting, VIP style luxury sedans, and the continued popularity of highway racing.

[26][27][28] Examples of notable American customizers include George Barris, Vini Bergeman, Bill Cushenbery, the Alexander Brothers, Bo Huff, Gil Ayala,[29] Darryl Starbird,[30] Roy Brizio, Troy Trepanier (of Rad Rides by Troy), Boyd Coddington, Darryl Hollenbeck (working out of at Vintage Color Studios; winner of the 2016 America's Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) trophy with a custom Deuce)[6] Harry Westergaard,[31] Dave Stuckey,[30] Dean Jeffries, Barry Lobeck, Phil Cool (who won the 1978 AMBR trophy with a bright orange Deuce, cover car for the July 1978 issue of Hot Rod),[32] Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods, Doane Spencer (builder of a 1940s Deuce considered the template for the hiboy),[33] "Posie",[34] Ron Clark and Bob Kaiser (of Clarkaiser Customs),[35] Joe Bailon[30] (inventor of candy apple paint),[36] Gene Winfield, Rick Dore[37] Joe Wilhelm, "Magoo",[38] Chip Foose,[39] Pete Chapouris and notable custom car designer [40] Keith Kaucher.

Another Barris creation, Ala Kart (a '29 Ford Model A roadster pickup), made numerous appearances in film after taking two AMBR wins in a row.

Other custom cars became notable for appearances in film (such as Ala Kart {1958},[40] The California Kid three-window {1973},[41] the yellow deuce from "American Graffiti" {1973}, the Batmobiles from Batman, the Pursuit Special from Mad Max, and more) or television (such as The Monkeemobile from the "Munsters", and KITT from Knight Rider).

[42] The same year, Neil Emory and Clayton Jensen of Valley Custom Shop built Polynesian for Jack Stewart, starting with a 1950 Holiday 88 sedan.

[43] Polynesian made the cover of Hot Rod in August, and saw 54 pages of construction details in Motor Trend Custom Car Annual in 1954.