Usually, when someone tries to make a radical custom out of a Tri-Five classic, the result is an original car that might have lost a lot of its integrity during the process of tweaking the original bodylines. When this happens, it's a sad day for every motor enthusiast.
Not in the case of Doug Hoppe and Roger Burman's radical '55 convertible, however. In this instance, the final result of their collaboration was a clean, ground-up custom that also incorporates the driveability that most rodders are looking for in a contemporary showpiece. Driveable because of its custom front-end with independent suspension, complimented by rack-and-pinion steering. Maintaining integrity because the Frenched headlights, custom LED taillights and other styling cues are done in a way that pays tribute to that era of bodystyling, while still accomplishing that polished, car-show finish. No wonder that Hoppe and Burman's clean '55 won the title of 2004 Goodguys' custom rod of the year.
The clean custom is backed by a 502 motor with a 4L60E trans, so performance is definitely not an issue with this show-horse. Hoppe and Burman's '55 custom tears-up the tarmac while stealing the spotlight, true to the street rod craft.
- Sal Alaimo Jr., B. A. (7/28/11)
S. J. A.
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