The beautifully finished, Art Deco inspired coupe on offer is named “Ruby Deluxe” and is the custom car that claimed the title of Goodguys Custom of the Year 2010. Distinctive styling is complemented by stunning three-dimensional interior upholstery and further Art Deco influences in the form of knobs, handles and many additional details. This fantastic machine has repeatedly been featured in hot rod magazines throughout the world; most prominently in the USA and Japan. This award-winning machine is designed by world-renowned tattoo artist and Art Deco aficionado “Bugs” and the principals at Hollywood Hot Rods. “Bugs” also commissioned the build.

This car has been built from the ground-up, starting with a Ford humpback sedan that has been cut, stretched and shaped in many areas with extensive modifications to bring this final result. The sheetmetal fabrication and build have been executed by Hollywood Hot Rods. To illustrate the array of components used; a Bentley hood was used as the basis for the rear deck, the doors are reworked and hinged “suicide,” one-off fabricated running boards with a “Coke bottle shape,” a heavily modified White commercial truck grille, 1946 Hudson taillights, flowing new fenders and skirts were fabricated with the fronts being from a 1935 Plymouth - again, modified.

After Hollywood Hot Rods did their magic of blending all of the sheetmetal together in this lovely flowing form, Jon Harb of The Shop in Los Angeles did the near flawless application of PPG Cherry Amber Red paint. He also did the faux wood-grain in the car’s interior. The exterior is further enhanced in style by having Wheelsmith Smoothies fit with 1941 Studebaker hubcaps. The car rides on Coker radial tires.

The chassis consists of a frame by Fat Man Fabrications that is fitted with a 350-cid V-8 Chevrolet crate engine that is connected to a General Motors 700R4 automatic transmission that has a Gennie shifter. The rear end is a nine-inch Ford with 3.08:1 gearing.

The engine has an Edelbrock intake with a 650-cfm four-barrel carburetor, finned air cleaner and valve covers, HEI ignition and “block hugger” headers. Ruby Deluxe has Firestone airbags that utilizes Air Lift digital air suspension with KYB shock absorbers. The steering is rack-and-pinion with power assist.

The interior continues the Art Deco influences and the same high degree of craftsmanship that is exhibited throughout this unique car. The dash is a one-off fabrication by Hollywood Hot Rods, it houses an early Chrysler gauge cluster with a 1941 Mercury clock. The interior is made further notable by the Art Deco look seen in the knobs, center console, ignition bezel, key, brake pedal, shift-knob and handles that are designed by “Bugs.” The custom upholstery is by Dave Martinez of Martinez Industries; early Ford Mustang bucket seats have been utilized.

Magazine appearances:

Goodguys Goodtimes Gazette - May 2011 – “Terrific Twelve 2010”

Gasoline Magazine – Sweden - Number 4 2010 - Feature article “Ruby Deluxe”

Cover of PowerGlide magazine – France – Sept / Oct 2010 issue

Street Rodder presents Street Rodders Premium (SRP) magazine November 2010 - featured in premiere issue

Feature cover car Cruisin’ magazine – Japan - 2010

Cover car for California Car Cover Co. - Mid-Summer 2010 catalog

Cover car for Street Rodder magazine - June 2010