This award-winning, handcrafted beauty was built and finished by Brad Starks Rod & Custom. It began its life as a real, Arizona-based, 1950 Tin Woodie four-door wagon. It has been extensively modified throughout, including the redesign and fabrication to extensively convert from four-door to two-door. Seven inches of length were added to the front doors during this process. Further modification included eliminating approximately three inches off the roof-line height. The project was an operation that took over two years and $275,000 to complete to these exceptional standards.

The car is powered by a General Motors performance 502-cid big-block, with legendary Hilborn fuel-injection with custom Brad Starks stacks and aluminum heads with hand-painted valve covers. The running-gear consists of a Gearstar model 4L60 automatic transmission with B&M floor-shifter, a Yank 2500 rpm stall-converter and a nine-inch Currie rear-end. A set of Air Ride Technologies ShockWaves gives the car the ability to lay-out nicely. Highly-polished Wilwood disc-brakes all-around with stainless steel calipers – 12-inch fronts/ 11-inch rears. Budnik Gasser wheels are also brightly polished adding greatly to the look. Ultra-low profile Nitto tires add cornering stability. The exhaust symphony is delivered by a Magnaflow polished stainless-steel system.

The bodywork is expertly finished in three-stage Cappuccino Craze by DuPont and has intricate, air-brushed, faux wood-grain trim, applied with technique and skill. The interior exudes the same quality of work with custom pecan and parchment leather by Tracy Weaver of the Recovery Room, which enhances the illusion of a sandy beach. Finishing touches include beautifully faced Classic Instruments, (All-American series) and a Sony hidden sound system. Conveniences consist of power steering, brakes and windows along with Vintage Air.

The awards that have been won by this Tin Woodie confirm the expertise involved in all facets of design, build and presentation. These accolades include:

*National Goodguys - Custom Rod of the Year, 2009, presented in Scottsdale, AZ.

*World of Wheels - Best Custom Rod, presented in Louisville, KY.

*Grand National Roadsters – Class Winner, presented in California.

*Auto Rama - Best Custom, presented in Detroit, MI.

*National Street Rod Show – Pro’s Pick, presented in Louisville, KY.

*National Goodguys – Pro’s Pick, presented in Columbus, OH.

*Goodguys – Builders’ Choice Award, presented in Kansas City, KS.

*Goodguys – Builders’ Choice Award, presented in Chicago, IL.

*Shades of the Past – Best of Show Award, selected by Bobby Alloway and presented in Pigeon Forge, TN. *Also includes: Shades of the Past – Top 25 and Top 5 Awards.

*Goodguys Gazette – Cover Car.