MAKING A GOOD THING BETTER
April 14, 2025
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
ALL FOR FUN
George Poteet is not the kind of guy who does things halfway. He likes to jump into a project with both feet and with his eyes wide open. Such has been the case over the many years he has been building street rods and customs. His street rods have been trendsetters. Most of you are familiar with the Sniper, an unbelievable Viper-powered ’50s Plymouth built by Rad Rods by Troy. More recently, his ultra-traditional black Deuce five-window built by David Lane renewed interest in building more traditional rods. It is no surprise that when Poteet decided he would like to run a car at the Bonneville Salt Flats, he would do it in a big way.
C5 CAMARO
These are great days to be a muscle-car enthusiast. Performance parts are plentiful, new stampings to replace rusted sheetmetal are regularly popping up, and GM’s crate motor program makes it easier than ever to drop in a new power plant that combines incredible power with everyday drivability. Old Camaros or Novas have been passed over because they were saddled with a wimpy six. Now, however, they are the perfect candidates for a heart transplant, namely, in the form of Chevrolet’s marvel of horsepower engineering: the LS1 engine.
THE LONG HAUL
Around 1993, Bob Marion purchased a ’40 Ford cabover cab, but at the time he didn’t have anything he could do with it. He didn’t worry about it; he just thought of plans here and there, and after a full decade of on-and-off planning he finally decided it was time to do something with the old cab. He took it to Rich Brandl Sr. at Superior Custom Classics Inc.
Spotlighter
Remembering Hot-Rodding Pioneer Richard Peters
From the Ala Kart to a Museum of Memories—A Life Well Driven
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography Courtesy of Mary Aguirre
Remembering a Legend
This week, the hot-rodding world lost a true legend, Richard Peters. Known for his passion, craftsmanship, and unwavering support of the local car community, Richard’s influence will be felt for generations to come. His was a life filled with creativity, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the art of the automobile.
The Legacy of Ala Kart
Richard’s name will forever be linked to one of the most iconic custom hot rods ever built—the 1929 Model A Pickup, “Ala Kart.” Created in collaboration with Blackie Gejeian, George Barris, and Chuck Kirkorian, this masterpiece was a game-changer in the show car world. It became the first vehicle to win back-to-back America’s Most Beautiful Roadster (AMBR) awards in 1958 and 1959, setting a new standard for automotive artistry. With pearl white paint, an immaculately detailed Dodge Hemi engine, and even an upholstered undercarriage, Ala Kart was more than a car—it was a rolling work of art.
A Community Pillar
Beyond his legendary build, Richard was a steadfast supporter of the Fowler Pharaohs and a pillar of the hot-rodding community in Fresno and beyond. His passion for custom cars wasn’t just about trophies or recognition; it was about the camaraderie, the culture, and the joy of creating something extraordinary. Richard believed in the power of bringing people together, and through his love of cars, he forged friendships that lasted a lifetime.
A Life Beyond Hot Rods
Richard Peters of Fresno, California, was also known for his deep connections within the hot-rodding scene. As the brother-in-law of Chuck Krikorian, another well-known Fresno hot rodder, he was surrounded by automotive greatness. After selling the Ala Kart, Richard shifted gears away from cars, dedicating himself to full-time farm management, owning his own airlines, and other business ventures. However, his passion for building and collecting never faded. He rekindled his love for custom automobiles later in life, working with talented builders like Don Lokey and forming meaningful relationships through his shared appreciation for craftsmanship. His introduction to Art Goldstrum led him to establish a remarkable museum, a testament to his enduring enthusiasm for the hobby.
The Ultimate Man Cave
His collection is housed in an 8,000-square-foot building that stretches the boundaries of what a ‘garage’ actually is. More than just a place to store and work on cars, Richard’s building was the ultimate man cave—part museum, part gathering space for friends and fellow enthusiasts. He was always happy to welcome visitors, sharing his love for hot rods and classic cars and ensuring that every story and detail of his collection had a place to be celebrated.
A Diverse Collection
While Richard’s tastes were firmly rooted in hot rods and customs, his collection was diverse and colorful. His museum featured a variety of street cars, including coupes and roadsters modified to different degrees. Additionally, he owned vintage dirt track and circle track racers, which he occasionally fired up to give visitors a thrilling experience.
Beyond automobiles, his passion extended to bicycles, go-karts, minibikes, model cars, and other memorabilia, creating an immersive space that celebrated the broader world of motorsports. His impressive collection of giant model airplanes, some nearly as large as the real thing, hung from the ceiling, adding another unique element to his museum.
A Lasting Legacy
Though Richard may be gone, his legacy rides on in every show car that dares to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship. His was a life well lived—one filled with innovation, friendship, and an unwavering passion for creativity. His impact on hot-rodding history is undeniable, and his absence will be deeply felt. Rest in peace, Richard Peters. The roads are a little quieter without you, but your spirit will always rumble on.
