ART OF THE CAR

Creating bespoke automobiles is an art form that requires vision, talent, and hard work. It also needs clients who not only have the financial means, but also the passion and patience to see the project through. It is a symbiotic relationship that can be a rewarding experience for all. The resulting masterpiece then becomes the symbol for the journey that the Owner, the Designer and the Build Team took together.

We made this video in cooperation with director Scott Council to celebrate the journey of the creation of a masterpiece known as Brute Force. See more of Scott’s amazing photography and videos at ScottCouncil.com.

BRUTE FORCE

An American Classic Re-imagined

Bob & Elaine Matranga's Brute Force 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air

Every journey needs a road map. This rendering kept us focused on the destination.

Bob And Elaine Matranga's Brute Force

Clean lines and subtle modifications are what this ‘55 Chevy is all about. Laser-straight bodywork by Mick’s Paint gives it that look of precision.

Unique Finishes

We worked with QCP Enterprises to develop the Unobtanium Bronze finish used on the wheels, suspension, pan assembly and side trim. Each part was painstakingly line-grained by hand in directions that accentuate the surfaces. Photo Credit: Scott Council

Focus On The Details

Custom -etched projector lamps are held in place with ball-and-socket style trim rings that allow adjustments without the unsightly gap. Parking lamps are scaled-down and mimic the taillight arch design. Photo Credit: Scott Council

A Dramatic Profile

A 3/4” chop, re-contoured front sheet metal, flipped and tucked bumpers and a 2 -inch rake gives it just the right attitude.

Dramatic Detailing For An Iconic Shape

How do you make a dramatic change in an iconic shape? We got rid of the back up lenses and designed LED-powered light pipes to create drama. Photo Credit: Scott Council

Just A Little Nip And Tuck

Subtle changes make for dramatic improvements. The front sheetmetal gently slopes down to get the front bumper closer to the ground. A slight chop and flush window trim makes a sleeker profile.

More Modifications Per Square Inch

One of my favorite spots on the car. Here you see the chopped top, rain gutters removed, door corner radiused, flush trim and chopped windshield with a custom double pinstripe detail.

Beautifying The Beast

A 540 -inch Merlin block with Arias Hemi-heads takes up a lot of space. Running duct work between the inner and outer fenders to go from the turbos to the intercoolers helped to control clutter in the engine bay.

Mechanical Jewelry

Plenty of detail under the hood. Several complimentary finishes were chosen to work in harmony to avoid the reflection blindness that happens when everything is chrome plated.

Pan Assembly

The oil pan, torque converter cover, starter mount and transmission pan were designed in Solidworks with a repetition of details for a cohesive design, then Evod Industries made them real.

Data Detail

The air filter boxes each have a data plate with different information. Aluminum plate was machined away to reveal raised lettering. The plates were shot peened to create the texture. The tops of the letters were block sanded smooth before chrome plating. Then they were painted and the tops of the letters wiped clean. When was the last time your data had that much detail? Photo Credit: Scott Council

Nothing Overlooked

We even thought about the areas that nobody sees. Three filler panels smooth out the area behind the front bumper. The bottom of the frame follows the exact same contours for a sleek look and tight gaps. Photo: Credit: Scott Council

That's The Brakes

We even made our own stainless steel rotors. While we did use Wilwood calipers for their superior stopping power, we completely reshaped them before sending them to QCP for the Unobtanium Bronze finish.

Easter Egg Hunt

The “V” was the symbol of V-8 power in the 1950’s and became the logo for Brute Force. They can be found hidden all over the car, including these dime-size versions on the back of the one-piece backing plate/spindle upright/steering arm/caliper mount/brake cooling scoop. Photo Credit: Scott Council

Just As Pretty Underneath

The bottom of Brute Force had to be as amazing as the top side. Every surface, every detail was scrutinized and refined.

Mufflers So Smooth, You'd Think They Have Bearings

Check out these pipes! Ryan Rivers fabricated mufflers that blend seamlessly into the exhaust pipes. Photo Credit: Scott Council

Digital Assembly Required

We modeled the complete rear suspension in Solidworks to make sure that it would work prior to machining the components, reducing the time and expense of trial and error.

Nice Rear End!

We worked with Kugel Komponents to develop an entirely new independent rear suspension. From dog-bone shaped axles to stainless rotors with skirts that hide the stub axles, there are details galore in this functional sculpture. Photo Credit: Scott Council

Muscular Looks With A Dash Of Class

We designed the one-piece wheels in Solidworks to have that old-school look with an updated vibe. A chrome edge on the outer lip is separated from the Unobtainium Bronze with a red pinstriped groove. Machining by Evod Industries.

Want To Take A Drive

An interior should not only be inviting, but it should be an entertaining and beautiful place to spend time. Gabe’s Custom Interiors always does an excellent job.

From Humble Beginnings

A Chrysler Sebring Convertible gave up its power seats for this project. Why? We liked the integrated seat belts. Then we stripped them down to the frames, cut 2 -inches out of the height and made 80 new parts to turn them into beautiful furniture. We can make anything look good. Photo Credit: Scott Council

What's Inside Counts

Gabe’s Custom Interiors expertly sculpted and stitched the sumptuous leather.

Watch-Like Details

Even the seat tilt adjuster is finely detailed. The center cap was even machined on the back side and hand painted to look 3D. The overall look copies the centerlock nuts that attach the wheels. Photo Credit: Scott Council

1950s Futuristic

Its half 1950s, half modern concept car. A thick, two-thirds wrapped grip feels great in your hands and shift paddles appear to be a continuation of the horn ring.

Beautiful On The Inside

We designed the face of the wheel to be removed for servicing the electronics.

Fine Finishes For Fine Controls

The Antique Bronze finish used inside compliments the Merlot leather quite nicely, yet still ties to the overall color palette used throughout the car. Photo Credit: Scott Council

Make A Dramatic Entrance

The sill plates were masked off and each V was hand sanded to create a dramatic effect. Photo Credit: Scott Council

And Now For Something Completely Different

A car of this caliber deserves something totally unique. So we came up with cabinetry for detail supplies and tools .

More Stylish Than Your Old Milk Crate

Why drag your detail supplies around in an old milk crate? We were inspired by the picnic kits in Rolls-Royces and reinvented the custom car trunk.

The Little Things Count Big

Embossed lettering, fine stitching and leather wrapped custom handles by Gabe’s Custom Upholstery make a visit to the trunk something special. Photo Credit: Scott Council

The Talented Team

Right to left, top to bottom: Ryan Rivers, Paul Hattrup, Bob Matranga, Bill Brakman and Chris Brown. Photo Credit: Scott Council

COOL PRODUCTS

CURRENT & RECENT WORK

Coming Soon To A Car Show Near You

Bob Matranga's 1964 Ford Galaxie 500

This Galaxie is being built in-house at Matranga Hot Rods. It features a 427 SOHC motor/ 6-speed, Roadster Shop chassis, and a bench seat, plus loads of subtle mods to make you wonder, “Did they come that way?”

Bob Matranga's 1964 Ford Galaxie 500

A handmade teardrop hood, tucked and narrowed bumpers and ET Mags give the car an aggressive look.

Bob Matranga's 1964 Ford Galaxie 500

A vintage 427 SOHC mated to a 6-speed powers this trimmed down profile.

Muroc II Interior

The interior is just one part of an extensive update on Kent Matranga’s Muroc II roadster being performed at Matranga Hot Rods to give it more attitude. Upholstery by Gabe’s Custom Interiors.

Muroc II Interior

Kent Matranga’s Muroc II went through a major update. A unique, leather-covered gauge insert flows from the dash down through the console.

Muroc II

Subtle updates took Kent Matranga’s Muroc II from a show car trailer queen to a hot rod that is begging to hit the road.

Muroc II Seats

We worked closely with Gabe’s Custom Interiors to create an interior that is both comfortable and great looking.

Muroc II

The original polished steering wheel was painted and a new hand-painted horn button was installed.

Muroc II

The original polished wheels were texture painted for a vintage look and new hand-painted center caps installed.

Muroc II

Kent Matranga’s Muroc II sits right and looks great.

Muroc II

Custom front turn signals were designed to compliment the headlight’s shape and add to the Art Deco detailing throughout the car.

Steve Balman's 1979 Ford Ranchero

Steve's building an updated version of a cool custom truck he had long ago.

THE ARCHIVE

20+ Years of Designing Dreams

F-32 Concept Rendering

The concept was to reinterpret the 1932 Ford roadster using 1950’s Italian sports cars as the theme.

Dennis DeCamp's F-32

The lines have a subtle arc from front to back, both in plan view and in side profile. This eliminates the unusual reflections in the cowl area of a stock Deuce. Also notice the subtle “S” curve in the side of the body!

Dennis DeCamp's F-32

The crew at Marcel’s Custom Metal created the one-of-a-kind aluminum body for F-32. One of the many unique details that you see in this photo is also a first for a hot rod. The suicide doors dive into the bodywork instead of swinging outside the body like other hot rods.

Dennis DeCamp's F-32

The subtle arcs through the sides of the body give the car a muscular look . The one-off machined aluminum wheels were texture painted to make them look cast.

F-32 Interior Rendering

The Italian influence continued into the interior with handmade leather racing seats, one-off gauges, toggle switch panel and gated shifter.

Dennis DeCamp's F-32

The tachometer is in the center of the speedometer in these one-off gauges that Classic Instruments developed for us. All structural elements had an i-beam profile, with the centers sandblasted and lightning-holed. this detail can be seen in the steering wheel and the column drop.

Dennis DeCamp's F-32

The team at Gabe’s Custom Upholstery did an amazing job on the interior. Grommets were used to help cool your back when driving.

1934 Chevrolet

One-off 1934 Chevrolet designed for Custom Autosound.

1934 Chevrolet

One-off 1934 Chevrolet built by Barry’s Speed Shop for Custom Autosound.

Kent Matranga's Concept 36

One-off 1936 Ford designed for Kent Matranga.

Kent Matranga's Concept 36

One-off 1936 Ford sculpted by Chris Brown and built by Barry’s Speed Shop for Kent Matranga.

Kent Matranga's Concept 36

Interior design update for Kent Matranga’s Concept 36.

Richard Berg's Checker Cab

Checker cab designed for Richard Berg.

Richard Berg's Checker Cab

Checker cab built by Barry’s Speed Shop for Richard Berg. Features include a supercharged 426 HEMI and Bay Shores Cab Company graphics by Phil Whetstone.

Boydster II Interior for Bob Matranga

Interior update for Bob Matranga’s all-steel Boydster II (originally built by Boyd Coddignton for Gil Losi). Upholstered by Gabe’s Custom Interiors.

Interior for Richard Berg's Impact

Winner of America’s Most Beautiful Roadster 2001. Interior designed for Richard Berg’s one-off 1933 Ford -inspired Impact built by Barry’s Speed Shop. Upholstery by Gabe’s Custom Interiors.

Allen Law's 1967 Corvette

Concept rendering of a pro-touring Corvette.

Kugel Komponents Muroc Bonneville Race Car

Racing livery design for Jerry Kugel of Kugel Komponents for his one of ten Muroc roadster. The car was driven from LaHabra, California to Bonneville. The whole family ran the car (eventually to 225mph), then driven back home!

Ken Farrell's 1965 Rambler Marlin

Rambler Marlin pro-touring concept. for Ken Farrell at FITech.

CONCEPT ART & CARTOONS

Entertaining Illustrations and Daring Designs for Commercial Clients

1957 Chevy Gas Tank Cartoon

Cartoon for a tech article in Chevy High Performance magazine.

Petersen Automotive Museum Gala Invitation

Historic drag racing photographs were used to create an invitation celebrating an associated exhibit.

Atlas/ Allied

Concept rendering for and Atlas or Allied body (a copy of the Cisitalia) for Kit Car Builder magazine.

Glaspar/ Woodill

Concept rendering for a Glaspar or Woodill body for Kit Car Builder magazine.

Porsche 356 Sedan Delivery

What if the German coachbuilder Reutter (who made the bodies of the 356 for Porsche) made a shop truck? This concept rendering was created for Kit Car Builder magazine.

Chevrolet Camaro Clutch Expolsion Cartoon

A cartoon created for a tech feature in Camaro Performers magazine.

Classic Auto Appraiser Cover Art

Appraisal cover art featuring details from various client vehicles for Classic Auto Appraiser.

Gnome Juice Labels

Created humorous graphics and text for a line of detail products.

Paint Jobs While You Wait

Artwork created for Brian Lohnes’ column in Chevy High Performance magazine.

Bad Penny Cartoon

Cartoon of Steve Rupp’s 1968 Camaro “Bad Penny” created for Camaro Performaers magazine.

Round Door '34

Reimagined the one-of-a-kind “Round Door Rolls” 1925/34 Rolls Royce Phantom I Aerodynamic Coupe scaled down to a 1934 Ford hot rod.

Santa's Sleigh

A Christmas illustration featuring Santa’s ElCamino sleigh and its 8 tiny reindeer created for Chevrolet High Performance magazine.

Chevrolet Volt Cartoon

Cartoon of Nick Licata and his Chevy Volt his column in Chevy High Performance magazine.

The Petersen Collection

21 vehicles from the Petersen Automotive Museum Collection are represented in this painting. Can you find them all?

WRECKS TO RICHES

“Hey aren’t you that guy on that TV show?”