Troy Ladd and his gang at Hollywood Hot Rods keep raising the hot rod building bar.  As if nearly sweeping the 2017 season with the “Mulholland Speedster” wasn’t enough, HHR had two outrageously incredible bare metal rides on display a while back at the Grand National Show.   It’s possible that a build might appear a bit modest before that final coat of paint, but that’s not the case with these bare metal beauties. These rides exemplify the Hollywood Hot Rods motto, “Respect Tradition”.  They showcase the beauty of all things mechanical rather than camouflaging them. These highly modified, hand formed builds highlight HHR specialties of TIG welding and metal finishing. For me there’s just something to the Hot Rod au naturel, undressed and unclad that lets the craftsmanship truly become the star.

I appreciate the trend of builders keeping us up to date with their projects by showing then in various stages of completion at shows.  Mr. Ladd brought out a ’32 Ford/Bugatti Inspired Coupe mid build. Me thinks we just might catch an eyeful of this beauty, perhaps with it’s final dressing, at that little show called SEMA.

“The Grudge”, is the other in the buff beauty.  The ’31 Ford is an expert balance of Art Deco and industrial chic.  Many of the hand made elements were designed and crated by the owner himself.  No CNC in sight of this build.  Patina was the name of the game.  Copper, brass, steel, aluminum, and bronze, all with that lovely luster.  Allow me highlight some noteworthy specs on this rod in the raw.  A Chevy 350, topped with an Edelbrock manifold and a trio of Rochester carbs give “The Grudge” a little get up and go.  A Chevy TH350, gets the power to the Excelsior wrapped  ’35 Studebaker rims.  Its got a ’51 Olds cluster, a ’32 Ford grille and headlights from a ’28 Buick.  HHR’s own frame rails with a dropped beam and split wishbone give this coatless coupe a rock solid foundation.

Mr. Ladd dares to be different with every coach he creates.  In short, the sky is the limit for this cat and his builds.  I can’t wait to see that ’32 in it’s final glory.  I have just one request, Mr Ladd could you leave more builds in bare metal?  Steampunk will never be the same!

Be sure and head over to the HHR Builders Showroom.  There you can check out exactly what these coach building virtuosos are up to via their all-in-one gallery.

Hit up HHR’s site to get even more of the skinny on this cat and his crazy coach building skills!

Lastly friends, you mark my words, we’ll be seeing a lot of these beauties in the months to come.  Mr. Ladd you’re going to need to make room on your trophy shelf!

Till the next time – Keep on Kruzin!