Turn About is Fair Play
August 14, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
Force-Fed Prelude
The Honda Prelude may not be as popular as the Civic or the Integra, but it does have a rather large tuner following. One of the reasons that the Prelude isn’t as modified as often as other Hondas is that the model’s initial purchase price is considerably more than a Civic Si or Integra GS-R, since the Prelude was better appointed with options and a more powerful engine.
THE CAGED BIRD SINGS
The poor Falcon.
Were it not for Ford’s inglorious first compact car, who knows what the early Mustangs would have been like, built as they were on Falcon architecture? Today, everyone wants a Mustang, yet Falcon fans are few. Fewer still are those who crave Falcon wagons, and initially, Norman Schmitt was not one of them, either. He wasn’t after a Falcon, or a wagon, but when a friend told him about an old wagon for sale, he went to check it out. What he found was a rare ’63 Falcon two-door wagon, and it was in great shape. The price was right, so he bought it, with visions of a wicked Pro Street Falcon in his head, and he set out to transform those dreams into steel.
PERFORMING ARTS
Certain cars are stars. The ’57 Chevrolet Bel Air found itself in starring roles since the first car rolled off the assembly line. From its art deco fins and side trim to its potent 283, the car was an instant hit. Fans of the 1957 continue to follow the car, and the number of fans seems endless. Who could blame them? After all, here is a car that can play the role of a custom with ease, then turn around and be the baddest car on the dragstrip. Oval racing was a role in the early years, and today a ’57 Chevrolet in flawless original condition will draw rave reviews. The ’57 Chevrolet is so flexible, it is at home in any automotive role or costume. As a matter of fact, there are precious few configurations that haven’t been applied to this all-time favorite. Some ’57 Chevrolets have done more than one stint in the theater of the go-fast, and it seems there are no limits for these cars.
Spotlighter
Aurabella: The 2025 Al Slonaker Memorial Award Winner
Andy Leach and Cal Auto Creations' Latest Triumph
Boom! Andy Leach and the Cal Auto Creations crew have done it again, taking home the 2025 Al Slonaker Memorial Award with one of the slickest Pontiacs to ever roll through the Pomona Fairplex. This isn’t just another custom—it’s a full-blown, no-expense-spared masterpiece that took seven years to perfect.
Author
Jamie Dent
Photography by Scott Killeen and Courtesy of Kahn Media
The Ultimate Pontiac Transformation
Bill and Angela Barbato had a vision—a 1933 Pontiac Model 601 sedan—but finding one worth building wasn’t easy. Once they got their hands on a solid starting point, Andy and his team went to work, cutting, shaping, and refining every single inch. To drive the point home, they even brought a stock ’33 Pontiac to sit next to Aurabella on display, and let’s just say, the differences are mind-blowing.
Big Power Under the Hood
This beauty isn’t just for show. Underneath that flawless exterior sits a legit Pontiac engine—because of course it does! The 400-cube V8 is decked out with Edelbrock cylinder heads, throttle body fuel injection, custom valve covers, and a full custom exhaust. Oh, and did we mention the 8-71 supercharger? Because yeah, it’s got one, and somehow, it tucks neatly under the hood without ruining the car’s ultra-clean lines. The whole setup is backed by a 4L80E transmission, making sure this thing runs as good as it looks.
Chopped, Smoothed, and Perfected
The body mods on Aurabella are next-level. The top got chopped and tilted forward, the hood and front end were narrowed, and the grille was cleaned up and laid back an inch. Out back, the rear fenders were raised and reshaped, and custom running boards tie everything together. Custom hood vents add another layer of detail, but the real kicker? The undercarriage is just as clean and polished as the exterior.
Then there’s the paint—this thing GLOWS under the lights. The color, mixed up by PAINTHOUSE of Cypress, Texas using the Sherwin-Williams Ultra 7K solvent basecoat system, is a custom blend called “Aurabella Gold” (or, if you prefer, “Brasshole” for a little extra attitude). Either way, it’s a deep, rich bronze with just the right amount of pearl to shimmer like a jewel.
Inside: Pure Class Meets Hot Rod Cool
The interior? Absolute perfection. The custom-made leather panels, Art Deco-style gauges, hand-machined steering wheel, and one-off headliner, door panels, and trim all bring a refined, period-correct-but-better vibe. It’s a killer blend of vintage style and modern execution, with craftsmanship that’s off the charts.
A True Team Effort
This build wasn’t just Andy Leach’s vision—it was a full-on collaboration. Design work by Eric Black, upholstery by Cato’s Custom Upholstery, Metalcraft Restorations lending a hand in the booth, and nickel plating perfection from Advanced Plating all came together to make this Pontiac a legit showstopper.
Like their Slonaker-winning Buick Invicta from two years ago, this Pontiac proves that Cal Auto Creations is playing at the highest level. Aurabella is a masterclass in custom coachbuilding, and now, it’s got the Al Slonaker Award to prove it. Absolute legend status.
ARTICLE SOURCES
