CARlifornia - Galpin Auto Sports

[VIP]

Some of you may remember GAS as the folks that took over from West Coast Customs on Pimp My Ride USA.

Beau Boeckmann has moved up now and settled into the role of President of the Galpin Motor group overall, and whilst GAS is still his responsibility, the day-to-day running of the customising arm is now under the watchful eye of Brian Gulz.

The GAS Collection isn't a public museum as such, it's a private collection, however if you ask nicely you can get inside the Aladdin's cave of automotive treasures, which is something Brian very kindly offered to these two out-of-town Brits.

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The Gulf theme doesn't work on every vehicle, but this '66 Bronco carries it off pretty well.

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Inside is a very diverse collection, kicked off with Galpin's own modified Ford GT, dubbed the GTR1.

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Rinky dink!

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Many snakes died for this interior, or perhaps a really large anaconda?

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A pair of Rod Hornaday Nascars.

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The showroom lighting coupled with the iridescent paint made capturing the Scythe custom rather tricky!

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[VIP]

Whilst we would have been more than satisfied with a tour of the collection itself, Brian asked if we also wanted a 'behind the scenes' look in the GAS workshop, which we naturally accepted.

This Chevelle was receiving an LQ4 swap from the new C7 Corvette.

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Those of you who have watched The Grand Tour may remember this Mustang from the opening sequence in Ep.1

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The GT Team had just returned it from filming, and its was absolutely filthy. The Rocket was developed in partnership between Galpin and Henrik Fisker. The GT Team had requested it be wrapped in blue vinyl as they wanted Red, White and Blue Mustangs for the trio.

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This is an Iococca Mustang, one of 45 customised in 2010 and sold through Galpin Ford.

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There is an unbelievable amount of bodywork gone into each version, the rear quarters and roofline are completely restyled into a true fastback.

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This Pontiac Grand Am is typically an undesirable vehicle to be subject of restoration or customisation, however the owner was a wealthy cat breeder who had a certain affinity with this particular example.

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Understated B roadster, however if you look closely in the background, that Elvira's Thunderbird in for a total restoration.

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The wheels on this Camaro wouldn't be my choice, but the paint certainly would. I'm hoping for something similar on my Cutlass.

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This Firebird convertible is being built for Wissam Al Mana, or as you may know him better, Mr Janet Jackson.

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[VIP]

Back in the showroom, there was a collection of 1970s show rods, including the Lil Red Wrecker.

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Only fitting for the Pizza Wagon to have deep dish wheels...(stop groaning!)

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Hot-rodded XK150 wasn't something you'd expect to see!

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Two interpretations on a similar theme, Stage Fright and the Boothill Express.

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There was a great collection of Ed Roth vehicles and other creations.

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This is a recreation of Mysterion, the original having been broken for parts and lost to the hot-rodding ether many years ago.

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The fully retored Orbitron, having been rescued in a nearly 'bare shell' state from outside a pornography shop in Mexico.

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Tweedy Pie

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I loved the assymetric design of Gene Winfield's Pacifica Econoline recreation.

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[VIP]

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Last, but by no means least, was the stunning Iron Orchid.

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Which brings our 5 days of hectic vehicular pursiuts to an end!

[HoTWire]

Wonderful

Edelbrock special for me please.

[disastra98]

Another set of amazing photos. Loving all the 70's/Ed Roth stuff to.

[pistonpopper]

Truly awesome... Elviras '58 Thunderbird will do for me!

[georgeb]

Pretty much something for everyone there!

Once again, thanks for sharing.

[Seth]

Wow. That is an amazing collection. I'd need a whole day at least just to gawp at the 60s show rods.

[waveman1500]

Fantastic collection and photos!

The "postless" hoist looks amazing as well. I would love to have one in my dream garage.

[mylittletony]

what a selection... Some real stunners in there!

I had the 1:24 kit of the body lurking in the middle of this trio:

[HARDCORE]

Jan 23, 2017 16:55:32 GMT VIP said:

Hot-rodded XK150 wasn't something you'd expect to see!

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If I remember correctly that's Kenny Howard's personal car.


Thanks for the kind words about the snaps folks!