Built in 1957, George Barris' Ala Kart opened a new era in show rods and sold a million model kits. All photos © J. Cherry 2009
Pickup trucks are as American as hay rides. Ford's F-100 has been the country's biggest selling vehicle for many years. And truck fans like to customize their rides just like car guys do. California car shows are probably the best place on earth to check out these rolling sculptures.
George Barris set a new standard for show rods when he rolled out the Ala Kart in 1957. Based on a 1929 Ford pickup with Dodge Ram V-8 power, this was a custom so radical, it permanently raised the bar for show car customs in general. And, oh yeah, it was a truck.
"Kart Hauler" is a '53 Studebaker coupe that was converted into a pickup, first shown in 1959.
Ford pickup was given full show custom treatment, chopped, dropped, nosed and decked.
For more info: Check out the slide show below.
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