happy thanksgiving

Maybe it's a killer 1956 Nomad. Maybe it's a fresh set of Supremes. Or maybe it's just cruising down a stretch of open road in the sunset. There's always a reason to be thankful for.

future world

In a time not far away, a terrible computer virus will take possession of modern plastic cars, causing a quick and sure death to Priuses, Sentras, Camrys and Accords, while traditional custom cars and hot rods are gonna roam the empty streets and highways.

LOWTECH – The California Issue #1: preview 3

It seems like the first copies of my book LOWTECH – The California Issue #1 are showing up in mailboxes all over planet hot rod. And judging from the feedback I got so far I'm more than happy. I'm also happy to announce the opening of my own little webstore. So, feel free to order your copy here and I'll ship it from a regular post office to your door step. Might also be a little bit cheaper for some european orders. Thank you!

bob the hot rod builder

Hot rodding was in full swing when Bob Hill Senior founded the ACES Car Club in 1952. During the 1960s, the members' activities slowed down and finally lead to the end of the club. The end of the club? Not really.

Some sunny afternoon in the 1990s, Bob Hill Junior was talking to Dana Harvey about his dad's life as a hot rodder. Based on this chapter of the Hill family history and fueled by their mutual interest in traditional hot rods, Bob and Dana decided to resurrect the ACES car club.

Since then, you'll meet Bob almost every day at his garage in San Clemente, California. And even though all the hot rods he ever built were drivers, he prefers building over driving. Not that he wouldn't like to drive them but he's just too busy working at his shop, chasing new projects, or hunting down parts for current and future builds. 

And boy he builds them fast. One finished hot rod project per year is almost an understatement.

Many of the hot rods Bob builds leave the U.S. and carry the torch over to other continents.

So, if you make it to San Clemente and you drive by his shop, chances are good you'll witness Bob in the middle of a fresh hot rod build.

And he'll be happy to tell you one or another story from his family's hot rod heritage.

LOWTECH – The California Issue #1: preview 2

In case you're still not entirely sure if you should buy a copy of LOWTECH – The California Issue #1, here's another preview for you. I just had to include this car in my book as it is one of my all-time favorite 1934 Ford Coupes. It was built by Dustin Odbert with the help of his dad Garry and it perfectly embodies the timeless combination of speed and style, thanks to a 365 cubic inch Cadillac engine together with many clever styling clues from GM's finest.

Next week, I'll have my BigCartel web store up and running but if you want to order your copy in the meantime, you can either shoot me an E-Mail or get it right here, right now.

palos verdes profiles

I love profile shots. You may have noticed that already. Even when I was a kid, I always used to draw cars in profile. I just think it's the best and only way to really appreciate a car's lines, the stance, and attitude. No wonder I almost couldn't believe my luck during the Palos Verdes Hot Rod Cruise #2 when every participating car was parked parallel to the street with the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Can you dig it?

LOWTECH – The California Issue #1: preview 1

First, I want say a big Thank You to everyone who already placed on order for my first magazine / coffee table book »LOWTECH – The California Issue #1«. I also took a bunch of copies to the Kustom Shakedown last weeekend and every single one of them already was pre-ordered and sold even before I made it there. So today, I want to deliver on my promise of posting a preview once in a while. And since this Saturday, the ACES Poker Run is gonna disturb the peace at beautiful Trabuco Canyon, today is the perfect moment to show this spread with photos from last year's Poker Run.

As for now, you can order your copy here. In two weeks it'll also be available through my own online store. Stay tuned and thanks again!