Custom Car Magazine

22 December 2022

The Custom Car scene has a lot of history in it, and this month we’re kicking off a new regular feature designed to take you back to the good old days. The Custom Car Years is all about the way things were both in Custom Car and the world in general. This month’s first instalment stars a steel-bodied T-bucket, a Pod-bashing Escort and a rodded Standard Vanguard (yes, really), as well as Elvis, Tricky Dickie and Last of the Summer Wine. You wouldn’t believe the amount of work it takes – but if you enjoy reading it as much as we enjoyed putting it together, it’ll be worth all the effort! We just know you’ll enjoy the feature cars in this issue, at any rate. Mel Garrard’s Ford Pop is and Kieron Smith’s ’37 are two absolute works of art. Kieron’s father just happens to be the famous Whiff Smith, interior trimmer extraordinaire, and the results are there for all to see. And Mel didn’t just build his Pop for shows, but to be shipped to the States for a major road trip. Talk about living your best life. The Hot Rod Drags is a very fine example of people doing just that, too, and this year’s was up there with the best of them. The conditions were perfect for fast times – and man and machine alike delivered the goods with PBs aplenty. There’s a bit of a monster in this issue too, in the shape of an Anglia that’s been extended in every direction (apart from up, you’ll be relieved to hear). There’s a look back at the great days of the Readspeed racing team, too, as well as a picture special from the British Drag Racing Hall of Fame’s annual Gala. And reports from the latest shows (yes, even at this time of year) as well of course as an absolutely packed calendar for the coming season. It’s all happening!