Came across this article on the great online archive Modern Mechanix: “A Portfolio of Cars You’d Like to Own” - hell yeah! Some are downright whacky: the ‘Jigger’ resembling a moonbuggy crossed with BurgerKing signage, and the 3-wheeler made from junked parts.

But this ’56 Thunderbird, customised by Don Von Dwingelo & Tony Bruskivage of New Jersey, displays inventive uses of inter-species splicing (Chevy / Olds / Ford)… and would have been impressive in full-colour with its 16 coats of red lacquer. It was insured, back in ’62, for $15,000.

Images from Modern Mechanix

A short deviation from Thunderbirds, to bring you some of the fantastic happenings at Deville’s Pad’s hootin’ tootin’ gasoline-fuelled event today.

More leopard-print than a Johnny Weissmuller film, more smoke than a Marlboro convention, more sun and throbbing engines than Daytona Beach!

Where else can you see Hot Rods, tattoos, barbers, babes, BBQ meat, vintage gear, magicians, tiki cocktails, & fab bands… all in one place? Josh & Babs – you stage events like nobody else! See the pics from this fab afternoon here.

Ian’s gorgeous flamin’ red ’57 Thunderbird. With back-up truck.

Now kid, don’t let anyone touch the paintjob!

Each year, the larger-than-life Al organises the car event that is sure to turn out the masses. Raising funds for charity, it’s also a proven incentive for the back-shed tinkering to be finalised, ready for ‘ignition-on’ by February. Apparently, sales of Carnauba wax reach peak around now!

As regular readers know, last year’s talking point was the Cranksters-manned checkpoint at Bridgestone Tyres (for those who came in late, read about it here). But due to certain er, differences of opinion, that was the curtain call for themed checkpoints. And Paul had his heart set on squeezing into Errol Flynn’s tights and puffy shirt this year!!

So, here are some pics from the show-and-shine departure point at the Burswood shore – see the full gallery in our Events page here.

Power Rangers, sooks with teddies (this one under 5), painted ladies and petrol-sniffing blokes from all walks of life, laid a trail of rubber to the Annual Victorian Hot Rod Show, at the Royal Exhibition Building in beautiful Melbourne.

Loads of car pics in the gallery here.

A couple of Tbirds were shown, 1 inside and 1 outdoors. Luckily the Melbourne weather was perfect. By the afternoon, the hot sun was glaring off all the metal-flake and bald skulls.

When too much is er… too much.

Compared to the 55 gasser (top), this Vegas (SEMA) 57 Tbird is waaay over the top. The only thing that outscores it on the vulgar scale is the carpet. You know, Hot Wheels has a lot to answer for.

The 55 is a true ‘gasser’ style car of the 60s, where form and function co-exist. Although you may not want to cruise the freeway at 120 kph with a straight axle.