Tag Archives: MimboloveCustom

George Barris Custom: 1967 Oldsmobile “Mannix” Custom Toronado Roadster

Written by Ken Altes

I got this pic at an auction in Monterey, California, during the week of Pebble Beach concours, Concorso Italiano show and many other events. Mannix was an American detective television series set in Los Angeles that ran from 1967 to 1975, starring Mike Conners. This Oldsmobile was customized by the famous George Barris, of Barris Kustom Industries.

Brilliant 1950s Willys Jeep Pickup

Written by Ken Altes

Took these pics at JeepMasters on S. First St, now moved to S. Congress Ave.

5276626-Willys truck front 4x4Custom Willys jeep truck rear

Steve Wertheimer’s 1957 Cadillac Coupe de Ville

Written by Ken Altes

Steve Wertheimer is a central figure in Austin’s blues venues and custom car scene.  Long-time owner of the venerable Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul club, both on historic S. Congress Ave.  Steve is also behind one of the country’s best custom car shows, the Lonestar Round Up.  His gorgeous Caddy is a mild custom: nosed and decked (emblems removed from the hood and trunk), shaved (door handles removed), lowered, and perhaps a lot more.  I photographed it at a Lonestar Round Up show.   Look for this car in an earlier post to see it before customization.

Controversially,  the 1957 Cadillac introduced a tubular X-frame without side rails to get a lower body and increased torsional strength.   Some thought it was unsafe and that “perimeter” frames were safer.

1946 Ford Custom 4×4 Truck in NW Austin

Written by Ken Altes

Don’t know anything about this truck although I imagine it rides on a modern truck chassis. I particularly like it because I learned to drive in a 1946 Ford flatbed in Pittsburg, Texas, on the red, sandy back roads, although that one was clapped out, wobbling wildly at 37 mph. Took this pic in the Motoreum parking lot on Hwy 620 near Anderson Mill Rd.1946 Ford truck 4x4 detail front1946 Ford truck 4x4 in Austin TX1946 Ford truck 4x4 detail1946 Ford truck 4x4 detail rear