Ten years ago, I was thinking about what “it” is that makes a great rod or custom, and I shared those thoughts in print with readers of the R&C Annual. I’m still thinking about that question and the definition of “it”. We don’t publish the Annual anymore, but we do have this cool web site, so hopefully this blog will generate some discussion.
To me, “it” is that certain desirable quality that elevates something above the ordinary into a classic. It is what makes a Coca-Cola bottle instantly recognizable (while a Sprite bottle is just a bottle). It is what makes Bart Simpson recognized by tribal people in remote South American jungles. It is why James Dean is still an idol 54 years after a movie career that only lasted two. It is why hundreds of ’32 Fords will be built in 2009, 77 years after Ford stopped building them.
Some cars (like the ’32) are born with it. You know which ones I’m talking about—early Fords, Shoeboxes, ’50 Mercs, ’40 Fords, tri-five Chevys, and ’40 Willys are on the short list of cars with lots of it. Each of them is cool, even in factory trim.
Other cars…well, they’ve got it, you just have to work a little harder to make it show. Every ugly duckling is a potential swan; all it takes is a builder with the talent to bring it out.
What are some examples of an unusual car you’ve owned, or currently own, or seen, or dreamed about, that could be a really cool hot rod or custom? —Tim Bernsau
A '55 Kaiser Manhattan, or a '61 Plymouth Fury, or even a 4-door '55 DeSoto have "it" potential waiting to be brought out.