Custom Car June 2022

Classic Car Auctions (CCA) had a successful start to 2022 at the NEC Classic Car and Restoration Show. The auction, which took place on 19 and 20 March, was CCA’s largest ever, with 236 vehicles going under the hammer, generating £3m in total sales. CCA is used to having collections of British classics across the block, but this auction brought some more unusual finds for CCA, in the form of American classics and hot rods, which was a notable change in trend and of more interest toCC readers. The Hampshire Collection comprised eight classic American cars from the estate of a deceased, all offered at no reserve. It collectively sold for £59,200. Separately, a striking green and black ’73 Ford Mustang sold for £15,188, a ’65 Ford Falcon Ranchero pick-up for £11,250 and…

Seaside fun Organised by Victory Wheelers, the 2022 staging of the Hayling Reunion takes place on Sunday 8 May at Funland Amusement Park, Hayling Island. The Reunion always attracts a great mix of customs, hot rods, American cars and classics. What’s more, it’s also a great day out at the seaside. Gates open at 9am for show vehicles and 10am for the public. Whilst admission is free, the organisers ask for a £2 donation to their chosen charity, the Hants and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. The postcode you need to guide you to Funland is PO11 0AG. www.victorywheelers.co.uk Going Retro The Retro Rides Weekender on 21-22 May promises to gather over 800 pre-2000 vehicles and race cars together at the Goodwood Motor Racing Circuit. Special displays include the Classic Touring Car Racing Club, a Truck…

Since time immemorial, a couple of topics have led to countless heated debates when hot rodders get together, whether that be face-to-face or hidden behind a keyboard. The first of those is pre-’49 or not, but I have no intention of opening that can of worms. The other centres around bought or built. I, for one, have no issue with either option, but others apparently do. There are a number of factors that influence which path is trodden – skill sets, facilities, equipment and available free time, to name just a few. Then there’s the aspect of economics. Rod shops can only exist if they have customers, and home builders generally need to sell on cars to fund (and free up space) for the next build. That all adds up to plenty…

Mock-ups. Everyone who has ever built or modified a car has, at some point, mocked it up to see how it could look. It’s an integral part of the process, a way of cementing ideas in your head and a time-honoured method of convincing yourself you’re a lot further down the line than you actually are. Here’s Garry Bennett’s '34 pushed outside part way through the build, pre-chop, preblower and wearing Radirs and crossplies. As you’ll see on p42, the car ended up quite different to this but it’s still a great picture. We love this stage.…

My beautiful wife, Babs, lost her two-year battle with cancer on 7 April. She passed away peacefully in my arms at home having fought to the end. I’ve loved this woman for 24 years and we had a wonderful life together and met so many awesome friends throughout those years. I know she touched many hearts with her selflessness, always putting others before herself, and she was truly loved by many. I was always proud to have her as my wife. I’m broken, angry and so, so sad to have lost her this early in life. She will always be in my heart, and forever a part of me. I love you so much. Sleep tight baby. > Our condolences go to Pete and his family and friends. RIP Babs.…

Santa Pod Raceway has recently announced new deals with three very different businesses. First up is the renewal of its partnership with STP. Four events during the Pod’s 2022 national championship drag racing season will carry the STP banner: STP Springspeed Nationals; STP Summer Nationals; STP Greenlight Nationals and STP National Finals. A long-term agreement will also see Kestrel Beer supplying five different draught beers to the facility, along with the company’s continued sponsorship of the track’s left-hand lane. Finally, local recycling and resource management company, Cawleys, has stepped in to help the raceway ensure waste generated at its events causes minimal damage to the environment. The arrangement will involve staff segregating all cardboard and glass waste on site for recycling.…