Swoopy is proving to generate a lot of interest. What started out as a 1947 four door Dodge has evolved into a full custom. The principle theme is a strong emphasis on flowing lines, minimal use of chrome, and few, if any, operational controls being readily evident. Swoopy contains a series of innovative design features, including one-off taillights, twin floating grills, skinned front and rear bumpers, wing window deletes, and full length reveals.
The interior is based upon a very intriguing theme, with a strong Art Deco/Streamline Moderne influence. Examples include incorporation of round tubing throughout the interior for the ultimate in smooth, flowing lines, one-off chrome accents, and a full length waterfall console that transitions into wrap around rear bucket seats, similar to those found in a 1958 Corvette. Use of the tubing will be further enhanced by being transitioned from the outside corners of the dash onto the front door panels. The headliner will include an innovative use of chrome strips mimicking the twin floating grill bars surrounding a very unique dome light that is backlit. Other unique attributes include custom renovation of a 1934 Plymouth gauge cluster to monitor functions, elimination of interior windshield trim, and design of one-off Art Deco bright work for window trim.
A flying arm rest is positioned between the front bucket seats with a one-off automatic shifter control located underneath the leading edge that was developed in conjunction with MasterShift representatives. Custom door sill plates have also been fabricated that will provide a unique transition for interior materials as well as incorporation of a very distinctive Swoopy logo designed by Kenny Youngblood.
The power plant is a stunning 392 HEMI built by Power Play HEMI, complete with Keith Black pistons, Manley rods, and roller rockers. For maximum visual effect, majority of components above the aluminum heads have been chromed, including the twin Holley four barrel carburetors.
A series of design features are being incorporated into the engine bay, including hidden fuel lines, smoothed firewall, electric power steering, and sending units being located away from the engine. Inspection covers will also be utilized to further emphasize the overall cleanliness of the design. An innovative remote brake system has also been designed that precludes the need for a firewall mounted brake booster as well as eliminating brake fluid in its entirety from inside the passenger cabin.
We are very fortunate to have partnered with some of the best talent in the industry for this project, starting with our builder, Extreme Automotive, located in Corona, CA. This builder has a proven track record of building notable high end street rods, as well as being recipient of the prestigious Grand National Roadster Show’s “Builder of the Year” award for 2009.
To ensure the interior also sets a new standard of excellence, we have teamed with Ron “The Stitcher” Mangus, owner of Ron Mangus Hot Rod Interiors, located in Rialto, CA. We have known Ron for many years, and he has designed interiors for some of the top hot rods and show cars in the country, including Possessed, a 1933 Ford Roadster that was recipient of American’s Most Beautiful Roadster award at the Grand National Roadster Show in 2010.
During a recent design session with our build partner, Extreme Automotive, we were joined by Mike Curtis, owner of Curtis Speed Wheels. In addition to his partnership with EVOD Industries, Mike Curtis has designed wheels for legendary icons of the industry, including Chip Foose and Boyd Coddington. His incredible wheels have been seen on numerous hot rods, street rods, and show cars, including Gold Digger, winner of the prestigious Detroit Autorama Ridler Award in 2010. Mike agreed to become a member of the build team and the set of one-off wheels he designed for Swoopy proved to be a perfect compliment for this very unique custom.
During our soft unveiling at the 2011 SEMA Show in Hot Rod Alley, we were honored to have icons from the hot rod and racing industry in attendance for the unveiling, including George Barris, Kenny Youngblood, Ron Mangus, Mike Curtis, Lou Santiago, John Buck, Phil Leatherman, and Dave McClelland. Other celebrities visited the AirBagIt.com booth throughout the week, including: Charlie Hutton, Ron Covell, Rick Dore, and Troy Ladd. Response from show attendees was incredible, and Swoopy proved to be one of the most photographed vehicles for the duration of the show. Comments from those viewing Swoopy ranged from “WOW!” (George Barris) to “Off the Hook” (Lou Santiago) and “Great Looking Paint” (Jon Kosmoski, House of Kolor).
To date, a series of companies are supporting our build, including: DuPont Hot Hues; Classic Instruments; Vintage Air; Steele Rubber Products; Wicked Wraps; MasterShift; Advanced Plating; ididit; AirBagIt; American Autowire; Borgenson; Holley Performance; Surf City Garage; Hushmat; ODYSSEY battery; KICKER Audio; and Toyo tires.
