It’s a Gas!
April 5, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
TAKE A WALK ON THE MILD SIDE
For many hot rodders, the word “custom” conjures up images of chopped, channeled, molded and frenched cars with wild metalflake paint jobs. Such radical customs no doubt helped define the custom movement of the 1950s, along with such phrases as “if it don’t go, chrome it,” but in virtually every town in the USA there was a contingency of mild customs providing their owners with daily transportation, an occasional trip down the dragstrip, and a starring role in the local armory car show a couple of weekends a year. No, most of these cars didn’t hold the local track record, nor did they make it to the ISCA Grand Finale, but they were good examples of shade-tree customizing and hot rodding. Known mostly as a “mild custom,” a term that no doubt originated from car show classes, this style of car was extremely popular.
The Cars & Trucks That Defined PRI 2025
PRI is where performance gets honest. No hype cycles. No trend chasing. Just builders, engineers, and racers showing exactly what works when the gloves come off. At PRI 2025 in Indianapolis, the show floor was packed with innovation—but only a handful of cars and trucks truly separated themselves from the noise. Those are the builds we’re spotlighting here.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: ARP’s Head Stud Kit for 1927–31 Ford Model A 4-Cylinder Engines
In a world obsessed with the latest engines and newest technology, ARP (Automotive Racing Products) just proved something important—progress doesn’t only move forward. It also means going back and applying everything we’ve learned since.
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.
