Duesenberg and the 4th of July

In this amazing digital age, our cars operate like a home entertainment center rather than an actual automobile. Telephone’s, touch screen LCD’s with navigation, streaming movies, live satellite link up to an online diagnostic center, climate controlled seats with built in ergonomic support, and engines so technically complex 98% of men today would have no idea what do if it  stopped working.  I love technology, and progress. But I also love the old mechanical engine technology. We call it old, or vintage, but it was cutting edge during its time. It was the best man could create.

Take for example this unrestored 1926 Duesenberg engine. No CAD design or CNC machining went into creating any of the parts, yet here we are 86 years later and it will still reliably start and drive. Some may look at this and see a dirty outdated piece of junk. I look at it and see art, beauty, reliability and true American craftsmanship. 

Happy 4^th of July America, no matter what the news networks tell us, or a bloated irrelevant career politician tells us, we are, and can still be just as innovative, and strong as our past. Some may look at this country, and view it with the same eyes as they view this engine, dirty and outdated; I see beauty, reliability and craftsmanship. The constitution may be old, but it is still as reliable as the day it was written. Read the Declaration of Independence, read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. It was the best man could create and still runs fine after all these years.

West Coast Kustoms

 

Santa Maria, California, May 2012, it was time for the West Coast Kustoms “Crusin Nationals! This year I loaded the family into an uncomfortable rental, a Jeep Liberty, and we made the four hour drive up the coast. When we arrived, we operated a vendor’s booth selling my posters and magazines.

I only photographed one vehicle that weekend, didn’t have time for anything else. But this vehicle, a 53-54 Ford Mercury was built by legendary car customizer Gene Winfield for the Sakuragi brothers from Japan. Kyohei and Yoshi were two great guys who flew out to collect their prized Mercury. No doubt about it, a Winfield built custom Mercury, cruising the streets of Japan will gather all kinds of envious stares from the other motorists who are forced to drive something that is uncool. Here’s to Kustom cars the world over!

The Tovar Brothers

 

It matters not what walk of life you may come from, commitment, passion and dedication know no social class, economic climate, race, creed, or color. Car guys, we’re all the same, whether it is on the ¼ mile strip, the oval course, the Boulevard, or the dirt track. We love what we do, and we do what we love, furthermore; we’re passionate about it. Take for perfect example the Tovar Brothers. Growing up in their humble home in Hawaiian Gardens California, these brothers carved for themselves a respectable reputation as solid custom car builders. Starting in their youth, in the family two car garage, is where their collective talent blossomed. Decades later they still have the same dedication and passion for car building.

Call them what you may, Lowriders, hot rodders, lead sled builders…..I’ll call then genuine, honest and real. I was privileged to have spent a few hours on Sunday with them shooting photos of their exquisite rides. What you see here are the outtakes, the better photos will be in the Lowrider book that Marco Patino and myself are shooting and writing. Stay tuned for more. 

Viva Las Vegas

 

Well folks after a seven year absence from the Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Show, I made my return. This was the 15-year the show had been going on. This time around I was asked to be the official car show photographer for the event!  

Carolyn, and I packed our bags then hit the road. But things aren’t quite the same as they used to be, I’m starting to feel old now. When I first went I was in my late 20’s, I could stay up all night long till dawn even, now I’m 40, and by 1am that is it, I am done. Aching knees and feet didn’t stop me from having fun though. It just stopped me from having fun till the wee hours of the night. The musical highlights of the weekend in Vegas were the Ventures and Si Cranstoun. Yes, the original Ventures played Vegas along with Duane Eddy. They may be older men now, but they sound exactly the same as they did during the 1960’s. And lastly Si Cranstoun and his band all the way from England. Si has a Jackie Wilson styled R&B sound that makes it impossible for you to stand still! Check out his music, this man has talent!

Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins

About four years ago, I got to work with Bill "Grumpy" Jenkins and Ben Smeding on an engine build project. I got to work closely with the Grump for about 3-days. He was quite an interesting character that had some great stories to tell. I even got him to laugh at a few times at some of the stories and Jokes I was telling. Here is one of the photos from that three day engine build and shoot. RIP Jenkins, you were a legend in your own Lifetime.

 

A snapshot of me hanging out with the "Grump."  

 

Lowrider Bicycles

What are you doing this winter, this January? Many people in the northern hemisphere are likely bundled up right now battling the elements and struggling to maintain their body’s core temperature. But if you were members of the Mexcali bike club, living in Long Beach, California, the only thing you have to struggle with is where to ride your bike on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Braving the balmy 80 degree day I tagged along, camera in tow, with members of the Mexcali Lowrider bicycle club. What a tough day at the office, working on this new Lowrider culture book. It’s a tough life, but somebody has got to do it.