TEXAS TRANS-AM
July 20, 2023
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
CONCEPTUALLY ’40
It was a sketch published in another street rod title, and while it brought many interesting comments, to our knowledge no one acted on the sketch to convert it to a real roadster. Enter Sam Magarino of Sussex, New Jersey. Now, Magarino likes hot rods, and lately he has enjoyed building some pretty outrageous hot rods with the help of Barry Lobeck and his crew at Lobeck’s. This would be a project of great magnitude, and that was the name aptly applied to this car for the show season.
Straight Shooter
IMCO’s Stern Advantage is the perfect example of a retrofit kit that will bail a boat owner out of a bad situation and allow him to end up with a safer, better performing boat. Maveric Marine invited us to watch its crew install a Stern Advantage on a Nordic 28 that was in the shop for repairs, and we jumped at the chance. This Nordic has a 496 Mag HO with a Bravo One X in it, and the owner understood that the worn out steering problem wasn’t going to go away, so the external hydraulic steering system made a lot of sense.
TRADING PLACES
It was during the ’60s when Vern Hill’s love for all things automobile blossomed. And like so many young men of that era, his love of cars turned into a thirst for speed, and there was no looking back. Hill began building cars, several of which were racecars, which helped him accumulate a few Wallys that adorn his trophy case.
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.
