Sport Customs
1947 Kurtis-Omohundro Comet: Owner: Geoffrey Hacker
What Is A Sport Custom?
The term “Sport Custom” was first used by Dan Post in a series of books on American custom cars starting in 1944 (click here to learn more about Dan Post Publications). In his writings, Post reviewed the history on how these cars came to be and provided examples of sport custom cars. Over time, the definition has been refined and generally includes these points:
- Most sport customs were designed and built in California
- Sport Custom cars utilized a two-seat design; many with no trunk; some with one or no doors
- The Southern California temperate weather allowed few sports custom cars to be built with tops. Most had no tops; others used tonneau (cockpit) covers
- Most sport customs were designed with a wheelbase of greater than 99″. The standard American sports cars mostly used a 99″ wheelbase and smaller ones often a 94″ wheelbase. A typical sport custom car had a wheelbase of greater than 110 inches.
- Sport custom cars were “sporty” and mean to be performance driven – up to a point. Unlike sports cars, luxury and appointments in the interior, exterior and other facets of the car (engine compartment, trunk, storage compartment and other) were meant to be finished at a higher level as well with a sense of design.
- Because of the balance of performance and luxury, Sport Custom Cars are also referred to now – and in-period – as “American Boulevard Cruisers”
Sport Customs – By Ken Gross: Motor Trend Classic – Winter, 2012
Showcase
Sport Customs Showcase
The Best of Designs, History, Innovation and Importance
Handcrafted Cars That Have Stood The Test Of Time
Land Bound Pegasus: 1952 Maverick Sportster
Motor Trend Classic: Fall, 2013
The Comet’s Tale:
The 1947 Kurtis-Omhundro Comet
Motor Trend Classic: Spring, 2013
1950 Templeton Saturn: Feature Article
Running Rings Around All Others
Motor Trend Classic: Winter, 2012
1949 Timbs Special: Feature Article
Motor Trend Classic: Spring, 2010
Click Here To View All Sport Custom Stories
These Are The Stories We Post On Our Undiscovered Classics Website
Photography And Visual Impact
Sport Custom Photos
Rare and Beautiful Sports Car Specials For All To See
Sport Custom Magazine Cover Cars
American Specials Featured On Magazine Covers
Sport Custom Fact: Did You Know…
In Postwar Europe,
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Recognizes Sport Customs
Important Articles To Read
The Emergence Of The American Postwar Sports Car
The Great American Car Story NEVER Told
Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance Program: March, 2015
Affordable Style
The Short, Sweet Life of the American Sport Custom
Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Program: 2012
Euro-Rods:
Sport Custom Cars of the Postwar Era
Author: John Gunnel
Auto Trader Classics: February, 2011
Hot Rods and Custom Cars
Photography: Strother MacMinn
Published: 2009
Fat – Fendered Oldies & Sports Rod Specials
Hot Rod Pioneers: Published, 2000
Author: Ed Almquist
Sports Specials
Old Cars Price Guide: Winter, 1983
One of the Earliest Publications That Discusses Value
Sport Customs
Author: Ray Scroggins
Special Interest Autos: Nov-Dec, 1977
America’s Boulevard Sports Cars: Jim Potter’s Thoughts
Motor Life: July, 1956
The Hollywood Influence As Seen in Custom Body Design
By Jay Kaye
Automotive Industries: January 1st, 1941
Dan Post Publications Archives
Click Here To Learn More