There have been many many cars that have been inspirational across the history of car modification, from the early hot rods to stand out legends like the Hirohata Merc and wild 70's show cars.
People modifying cars now are leaving their own legacy that will inspire other people to build cars. So what cars will people be referencing with phrases like "that was the reason I started ..." and "it inspired me to build...." in five, ten or even twenty years time?
Here are a handful, but I suspect this will be a subject we will be returning to, so don't fret if your favourite isn't here yet!
First up a personal favourite,
Ed Ratley's 510 :
Why is it important? It was one of the first Datsuns to get coverage in the new era of retro car modifying in the UK. It showed that this often over looked car manufacturer deserved attention for more than just the 240Z. Almost single handily the inclusion of this in a feature on Japanese cars in Retro Cars magazine sparked part of the modern resurgence of interest in 70's Japanese cars, particularly Datsuns.
What is it doing now? Eddie is planning to rebuild it at the end of this year, so expect it out and about in 2009.
Next, Mattias Vöcks Amazon Estate :
Why is it important? Twice flown to SEMA by Volvo to be put on display, it has pretty much cleaned up awards everywhere it has gone in the highly competitive Swedish car modification scene. It is important because it has pushed the limits once again, Koenisegg brakes, a screaming 600 BHP engine and a totally killer look. The completely functional/sexy interior a total hybrid of hot rod, custom and race influences. All done with expert skill and a real eye for detail.
What is it doing now? Last thing we heard it was for sale, if you fancy it drop us a line and we'll pass on the message. 65k Euro and its yours.
Which brings us to
Ronnie Hilmersson's Volvo powered Opel Manta A :
Why is it important? As the fledgling retro scene made its way onto the internet one car repeatedly got posted up, usually with the comments of "this thing is insane". This is that car. Another car with a ludicrous 600bhp-ish Volvo engine it was the fact that Hilmersson racing had gone against the grain of sticking with the same make of engine in the car and built a total Frankenstein car that opened a lot of peoples eyes. Shell is Opel, engine is Volvo, transmission is BMW, rear axle is Volvo, brakes are Corvette. The car is a total focus on performance. Painted bright orange. Oh yeah and its turbo
and super charged.
What is it doing now? The Hilmersson racing site is still live. As far as we know he is still campaigning it.
Finally, for the time being,
'Big' Ron's Mk1 Golf :
Why is it important?
When a scene has been around for a long time it becomes much more difficult to stand out, it is much much harder to build a stand out Euro look VW for example than it is just to Euro look another type of car. However Ron Huyzer's MK1 Golf stands out a mile because, put simply, it is absolutely perfect. Most interesting of all it also changes the accepted Euro look rules. If you'd have asked most people what wheels to put on a Euro look Golf it would have been a set of 14 or 15 inch wheels, probably BBS. What Ron did was take the accepted idea and alter it a little, it would have been easier to go for a different type of wheel, instead he chose 16". The genius and the reason it is so inspiration is that he then went about making sure that they fitted and filled the arches in the way a 14" would, the suspension, arches, and track width of the car all required serious work in order to do this. Total dedication to stance and perfection. Inspirational.
What is it doing now? Ron still has the car and it has made appearances at a number of UK and European shows. Make sure you get to see it if you can.
There are more... they will be covered soon..