A second look at often ignored project cars

[Hdesign]

PHR asked me to develop some concept renderings for an article they were running for the January 2013 issue that highlighted cars from 1976. Here are the 10 designs I came up with. Some are mildly modified resto-mods, some are hard core street fighters and track heros and others are dramatically altered street machines. My goal was just to get people to at least take another look at these misfits and forgotten survivors of a dark decade. I hope you like what I came up with....Enjoy!

[T_Raven]

I like the first one. What's the green one?

[HRBS]

we all know you're skilled...... but what can you do with a mid 80's Dodge Aries K ?
they all look awesome Ben !

[Spiffav8]

Nice work Ben.

[garickman]

Ben those are sweet renderings. I saw one for sure, so many of the other renderings are sporting your new wheel line?

[WSSix]

Good job Ben. I actually like the 76 Cutlass. I thought it was a good looking car albeit a big one. Your rendering looks spot on to what a 442 could have looked like.

[Rick D]

They look really nice Ben great job! The only issue I have is when you build a 76 what ever it will still cost you the same for the parts. The car will be cheaper to start with but the over all build will cost the same as a Camaro or even more if you need body panels they don't make anymore. But the concepts you came up with are spot on

[Hdesign]

Thanks guys! Here's the list of cars (and new Grip Equipped wheels) just in case you don't know what they are. The 9 wheels we have will be unveiled at PRI on Thursday and the site should be up prior to that. I'm pulling what's left of my hair out getting ready!

Olds-442 with GE "Grudge"
Dodge-Aspen RT
Chrysler-Cordoba with Corinthian Leather...couldn't resist.
Pontiac-Firebird
Ford Gran Torino
AMC-Hornet X with GE "Rebel"
Chevy-Laguna S-3 with GE "Knuckler"
Ford-Mustang with GE "Laguna"
Olds-Omega
Pontiac-Ventura (Rally II wheels I designed for the Wangers 68 GTO Judge)

Steve-I'm sure there's a way to make a K-car cool but it would probably take a lifetime to figure it out.

[Sparks67]

Originally Posted by Rick D

They look really nice Ben great job! The only issue I have is when you build a 76 what ever it will still cost you the same for the parts. The car will be cheaper to start with but the over all build will cost the same as a Camaro or even more if you need body panels they don't make anymore. But the concepts you came up with are spot on

Ben the renderings are great, but Rick is correct about the parts. Auto metal direct won't have any parts for these cars, but you might try here.
Desert Valley Auto Parts. http://www.dvap.com
The reason that cars are ignored is because of the parts. AMC is impossible to find parts. Actually, a friend back in 1984 was trying to build an AMC Hornet and couldn't find any parts for the car. He had parts cars, but some parts were unavailable.


Jeff

[Vegas69]

I like them all.....