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The first
project from Penfound Design, a 1959 Buick Millennium
custom called LoSabre, defined the concept of
"DREAM...DISPLAY...DRIVE". Like all Penfound Design
projects, 'LoSabre' began as a DREAM.. to take a 1950's
car with the inherent style and make the most of it. The
DESIGN for 'LoSabre' evolved through extensive
photos of the original car, research of past General
Motors "concept cars", heritage elements like the
original
"nailhead" engine, and new trends like 20-inch wheels. A
finished drawing of the car was also completed
before any construction began.
Making it's
DISPLAY debut at the 2002 Detroit Autorama, the car made
many friends. 'LoSabre' became
a multiple award winner at the indoor shows, and proved
it's DRIVE credentials by traveling to
Goodguys, KKOA, and other outdoor events, winning a
Custom Rodder top 10, KKOA Five Nine, and Boyd
Coddington Pro's Pick awards along the way. 'LoSabre'
was also featured in Hot Rod, Custom Rodder,
Super Rod, and Popular Hot Rodding magazines.
The
success of 'LoSabre' led to a 1964 Cadillac custom,
'Cambiar', which was completed in 2004. It has also
won major awards like the KKOA Alexander Brothers
Pick and the 2005 Dub Magazine "Best Of Show" award
at the Detroit tour stop. In addition it was the
first Penfound Design cover feature car in the
November 2004 issue of Custom Rodder magazine.
The "Dream/Display/Drive" plan is just as effective
for customer cars, as Elyria, Ohio, Chevrolet dealer
Jack Matia learned with the Impala SportsRoof
project which made its debut at the 2006 Detroit
Autorama. The "Dream" was to have an interesting and
exciting car that could be used for Jack's personal
interest in cool cars, while also being a symbol for
the style and fun of Chevrolet products.
From the first discussions of the car, Jack was
supportive of the custom, and enjoyed seeing the car
come together and reflect the look of the Steve
Stanford sketch which had inspired the SportsRoof.
The car moved from drawing to reality in a little
less than a year and was ready for "Display" at the
Detroit Autorama, Lowrider magazine Indianapolis
tour stop, plus Goodguys and Super Chevy events
across the country.
In 2012 the next Penfound Design custom concept is
making its own news.
The 1964 Pontiac Sabertooth GTO made its debut at the
Detroit Autorama and promises to bring the same ‘smooth
and clean’ look of LoSabre, Cambiar, SportsRoof and
Inpala to the musclecar world. Watch for it at indoor
and outdoor events.
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