WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show: April 11, 2020

Virtual Car Show

Photo courtesy of Jeff Zurschmeide

In celebration of our first full month of Virtual Car Shows, we're switching it up a bit. This week, we have four fantastic vehicles for you to feast your eyes on.

As you scroll down the page, you'll notice that at the end of this week's show, you have the opportunity to vote on the "Best in Show" from all the Virtual Car Shows so far. The winners will be announced on April 13 on AutomotiveMap's Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram feeds.

Click here to register your car for the next Virtual Car Show.

See all the Virtual Car Shows here.

1961 Chevrolet Corvair 95

Photo courtesy of Greg Wrobleske

This ramp side truck was purchased by Greg Wrobleske of Magnolia, Texas in 2001. He'd been looking for a unique truck to use around his home and since he was already into Corvairs, this model was the logical choice.

Since he purchased the model, he's given it new paint, wheels, and tires. The engine has been rebuilt and all the mechanicals have been overhauled. The restoration was complete in 2016.

1966 Ford Mustang

Photo courtesy of Juan Garcia

Like many, it was Juan Garcia's childhood dream to own a 1966 Ford Mustang. His dad, a Chevy guy, got him into classic cars when Garcia was still a boy. The elder Garcia has owned a 1966 Chevrolet Impala and a 1972 Chevrolet Corvette.

In 2016, Juan paid $8,000 for the '66 Mustang, purchasing it from the Mustangs Only restoration shop. He told AutomotiveMap the story:

"Jim Hangley, former owner of Mustangs Only, acquired the 1966 Ford Mustang I now own, from a man in Culver City, California. Jim dedicated more than 30 years of his life restoring classic Mustangs. In May 2016, Jim died from pancreatic cancer. Tracy Fietz, his wife, sold me the 1966 Ford Mustang in August 2016 ... and she recited to me the work that needed to be done to the Mustang from a handwritten note Jim left in the glove compartment. Had it not been for Jim and Tracy's passion for Mustangs, I wouldn't have my 1966 Ford mustang today."

Since he has owned the car, he's given it new brakes; refurbished the transmission; added fresh exhaust manifolds, dual tail exhaust pipes, mufflers, and GT fog lights. There's also a new radiator, shocks, four-barrel carburetor, radial tires, wires and hoses, interior carpet, and new welded panels under the driver and passenger seats.

1978 Pontiac Trans Am

Photo courtesy of John Dermody

John Dermody purchased this 1978 Trans Am online in 2015 for $40,000. He wanted to replace the 1977 Trans Am he'd sold in 1980. That one had been the first new vehicle he'd ever purchased and, like they say, there's nothing like your first time.

He tells the story, "The day I picked it up I had an engagement ring in the center console and proposed to my wife in that car. I have always enjoyed the ride, style and handling of the second-gen Trans Am."

Since he purchased this '78, he's updated the paint, done some interior work, and replaced the wheels. He says, "This car originated in Phoenix ,Arizona and was an Arizona car until 2001. The motor, transmission, body panels, and frame are original. The car is absolutely rust free. I wanted to keep the car as true to original as possible. The car rides and drives as if it just came off the showroom in 1978. After the restoration I've never had to do any mechanical work except for replacing an alternator, and oil changes. If the weather cooperates I drive the car once a week to keep it reliable."

1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Photo courtesy of Jeff Zurschmeide

Jeff Zurschmeide of Lake Oswego, Oregon has wanted a third-generation Corvette since he was 10 years old. He purchased this model in 2011 for $12,000. How could he not? "I have a weakness for yellow cars, and for the C3 Corvette," he told AutomotiveMap. "The big swoopy fenders, the roar of the engine - this Corvette has serious panache."

Since purchase, Zurschmeide has given the car a new paint job, transmission, and brakes. It now strikes a loud exhaust note thanks to a new system. Inside, it sports leather seats from a 1976 Corvette.

"The funniest thing is that people make assumptions about you when you show up in a car like this - but they'd make entirely different assumptions if I showed up in my 1961 Mini Cooper," said Zurschmeide. "You can't judge someone by his or her taste in cars - we're too eclectic for that."

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From Your Site Articles

WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show: March 28, 2020

Virtual Car Show

It's simple. You're already online. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and feast your eyes on these cars.

The WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show brings the best parts of the car show to your phone, tablet, and computer during this trying time. We have shared pictures of a wide variety of vehicles, submitted by car show fans across the country, below and told you the stories of the cars and their owners.

We limited this week's round to 10 entries. Click here to see last week's show.

The only thing missing is the comroaderie. Hop on over to the AutomotiveMap or WHM Facebook page and tell us what cars you loved, tag someone who would enjoy seeing the cars, and tell your friends to submit their own cars.

Click here to register your car for next week's Virtual Car Show.

2013 Dodge Challenger SRT8

Photo courtesy of Joseph Pritchett

Joseph Pritchett isn't the first owner of this Dodge Challenger SRT8, but the Rosenberg, Texas resident is happy to have bought it from a lot and joined the "brotherhood of muscle". He paid $31,000 for the model in 2016 and has made thousands of dollars in upgrades.

Pritchett has specially modified the model, with all work done in his own driveway. Exterior enhancements include:

X-lume Mopar and SRT illuminated logos on the front grille
Oracle halo lights in the headlights and fog lights
Oracle wheel ring lights
Carbon Creations Viper hood with a floating hood kit
MagnaFlow exhaust with exhaust electric cutouts
Custom painted red spoiler with MFR wicker bill and red exhaust tips
GT Styling taillight covers
Mopar hood pins
KNG front splitter
KNG rear diffuser
Staggered 22" Elegante luxury wheels, custom painted red with silver face
Staggered tires 265 in the front 295s in the rear
White Spiked lug nuts and spiked valve stem

But that's not all, Prichett also added custom white leather seats with red dual diamond stitching, Tanaka racing seat belts, 3gcutsomz door props, and a custom painted dashboard to the interior.

The trunk got an an airforce suspension aluminum air tank, two Viair air compressors, custom aluminum hard lines, a hard wood floor with clear glass cutouts, two 12" DS18 subwoofers and amp, a custom white leather molded trunk box, and red and white lights.

In the engine bay, there's a Drake strut tower brace bar, billet aluminum caps and catch can, custom painted motor accessories, a 3gcustomz ABS cover, custom painted firewall cover, a K&N Black Hawk Performance cold air intake, Dead Bird Customs clear and lighted fuse box, painted valve covers, and a Killerglass radiator hose.

1965 Ford Mustang Fastback

Photo courtesy of Rashann Fontenot

"Mustangs are an American icon and this one is uniquely recreated and has tons of personality," saiid the owner of this 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback Rashann Fontenot. She and her husband purchased the car in 2017.

The car's aggressiveness has been taken up a notch thanks to some modifications including a Mustang E2 body kit, staggered wheels and tires, TMI interior, Crites teardrop hood, gloss black paint, and a molded Monzo gas cap.

1956 Ford Thunderbird

Photo courtesy of Steve Winner

Steve Winner purchased his 1956 Ford Thunderbird in 2004 from a friend. He's always admiried 1955-1957 T-birds so he figured he couldn't go wrong by adding the '56 to his stable.

He worked with a friend to restore the car. His friend had previously restored 18 other Thunderbirds and this one would end up being his last. Together they modified the car's brakes, suspension, dashboard wiring, and cooling system. They gave the Thunderbird radial tires as well.

1956 Ford F100

Photo courtesy of Christopher Koehn

Collector Christopher Koehn purchased this Ford F100 from Arizona in 2018. He, and it, now reside in Rosenberg, Texas. He says it has been a lifelong dream to own a F100 - he's loved it since he was in high school.

When he purchased it, he had been looking for one for several years. After laying eyes on this one, he knew that it had to be his.

Despite being modified, the model is still 100 percent Ford truck. It has a 351 Windsor engine with Edelbrock power package bored and stroked to a 414, Heidts Superide IFS Mustang II front end with four-link rear suspension, front and rear fully adjustable coil overs, Wilwood disc brakes, a four-speed TCI StreetFighter C4 transmission, fresh wood in the bed, air conditioning, power steering, and 20-inch Ridler wheels in Blue Flame Metallic.

2016 Dodge Viper ACR-E

Photo courtesy of Andrew Threatt

Andrew Thereatt has loved the Dodge Viper since it debuted. His first experience with a Viper was when he was 16 and his dad rented one for the weekend. He bought his first once used in 2013 and fulfilled a lifelong dream. He upgraded to the red model he has today because it's more aggressive and a higher-performing on the track.

For Thereatt, it isn't just how the Viper drives that he loves. It's also sharing the car with his kids and car fanatics. He says, "I feel incredibly luck[y] to live out this dream and I know many others would love to just experience it even for a minute. Any chance I get to give rides or even just let others sit in the car is one of the best experiences I can have as an owner of this amazing machine."

Since he's had the car, he's only done minor upgrades like add an oil catch can, underdrive pulley, and heat shields.

1989 Chevrolet S-10 Tahoe

Photo courtesy of Ed White

In 1997, Ed White paid $700 for this 1989 Chevrolet S-10 Tahoe. His only other car was a '67 GTO and he needed something that he could easily gets parts for and haul stuff with.

The truck was hot rodded in '97, which included lowering the model by two inches, converting it to a five-speed, and opening up the intake and exhaust.

He started restoring the model in 2012 but it was rear-ended in 2015 then involved in a front-end collision in 2017. That was when White decided to improvise. He wanted to convert the S-10 into a Woody Roadster-like pickup.

So far, White has cut the top to be removable, added modified (shaved the step, grafted in the original Chevy wheel openings) Ford Ranger Splash pontoon fenders in place of the original bed sides, and added a '67 Camaro rear bumper. He's currently working on under-floor storage in the bed, and hooking the bed to the cab. Once that's done, the woodwork begins. His plan is to paint it Mazda's Soul red when it's all said and done.

The model is just one piece of White's woody vehicle puzzle. He already has a cruiser bicycle with wood options and a woody utility trailer. After he gets done with the S-10, he's going to work on giving a 1950s speedboat the treatment.

2016 Ford Mustang GT California Special

Photo courtesy of Jason Scaturro

If his car can't go, Jason Scaturro doesn't go. He bought the car in 2016 after always wanting a 5.0-liter Mustang and it's been his daily driver ever since. He's taken it from Florida to California.

The car is equipped with a Ford Performance street pack complete suspension, Ford Performance by Borla Touring Exhaust with X pipe, slotted and dimpled rotors, a Speed Dawg shift knob, a GT350R steering wheel, a hood decal by Cruzin Graphix, JTL oil separator, and Airaid Cold Air Intake.

RPI Design gave the car a custom painted fuse box, plenum coil covers, and brake reservoir. Anything Painted did the custom painted strut tower brace, "MUSTANG GT/CS" sign, and strut tower covers.

1977 Chevrolet Scottsdale

Photo courtesy of Joey Dupree

Joey Dupree bought this truck new in 1976 for just $6,100. He had truck fever in high school and two friends that bought trucks before jealousy finally kicked in strong enough for him to purchase one from himself.

Dupree's dad always told him, "Son, you take care of your vehicle, your vehicle will take care of you." Tt's been 43 years and the truck is still going strong.

Over time, Dupree has installed a 540-ci Shafiroff engine, 4L80e overdrive transmission, a custom interior with a moved shifter and center console, cowl hood, narrowed rear end, and 31 x 18 1/2 Hoosier tires. A fuel cell has been installed in the bed by the tailgate.

1954 Chevrolet Bel Air

Photo courtesy of Patrick Lindquist

This 1954 Chevrolet Bel Air spent its entire life in Bell County, Texas until new owner Patrick Lindquist purchased it in 2003 for $7,500 and drove it to Sugar Land. Now the car enjoys frequent outings to car shows all over the Houston area.

Lindquist has long held a passion for Chevys. His first car was a '53 Chevrolet. Since his purchase, the car has had its interior redone, truck detailed, and had a split manifold and dual exhaust added.

The Bel Air just turned over to 42,000 miles and it's only had four sets of tires its entire life!

2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

Photo submitted by Michael Cole

This car is so "loud and rowdy" said owner Michale Cole, it's been given a fitting nickname - Tinnitus. Tinnitus is a 2008 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 that is the company car for High Tech Corvette in Texas.

Cole acquired the car through a trade in 2012. She's had a few modifications since then:

443 big bore LSX engine
Brodix BR7 cylinder heads
Holley Hi-Ram intake
Yella Terra rockers
Manley valves
Custom Wiseco gas ported pistons
Compstar rods
Callies Dragonslayer crank
Mezierre electric water pump
ATI balancer,
Nick Williams throttle body
Tuned by Matt Sorian
Machine work done by SPS Cylinder Heads, LME, SamTech and Greg Good

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Photo courtesy of John Henrickson

WHM x AutomotiveMap Virtual Car Show: March 21, 2020

Virtual Car Show

It's simple. You're already online. Pour yourself a cup of coffee and feast your eyes on these cars.

We limited this week's round to 10 entries. Next Saturday morning, we'll have at least 10 more for you.

Click here to register your car for the next Virtual Car Show.

1941 Ford Pickup

Photo courtesy of Charlie Throop

Owner Charlie Throop from Fulshear, Texas, bought this 1941 Ford pickup online in 2017. Though he claims he paid too much for it, he had to have it because of its great looks and ease of ingress/egress. Plus, he says that it fits everything he needs.

Since he's owned it, Throop has added a Ford Boss 302 engine, a four-speed automatic transmission with overdrive, bucket seats, air conditioning, and new wiring and carpet. He also had the battery relocated to the truck's bed.

Bumbera's Performance in Sealy, Texas fixed the truck's frame and Trendsetter's Upholstery & Trim in Katy sewed the seats.

1981 DeLorean, DMC-12

$1981 DeLorean, DMC-12\u200b$

Photo courtesy of Dennis Urech

Dennis Urech purchased his 1981 DeLorean, DMC-12 used online in 2014. He'd long loved the car, even before it was featured in "Back to the Future".

Since he took ownership, Urech has made a number of modifications to the model. He undertook a partial engine rebuild, and gave the car a new water pump, alternator, brakes, and brake lines. The car's belts hoses, exhaust, and electrical system have been upgraded. Threre's new upholstery and and a new steering wheel.

Urech doesn't keep the DeLorean in a garage and pull it out for auto shows. He drives it almost every weekend, though not in the rain. He loves sharing his passion for the car with people and frequently brings props from "Back to the Future" with him to car shows like a flux capacitor, sports almanac, and JVC VHS camera for the public to enjoy when he does display it.

1969 Chevrolet Camaro SS

Photo courtesy of Ed Washington

Ed Washington purchased his 1969 Camaro SS in 2013 from a stranger. Washington had always wanted a Camaro SS. His father had one when he was a baby. He paid $18,000 for his dream car and then modified it adding a new motor, front end suspension, rear end, dashboard wiring, and interior - basically a restoration job.

2008 Dodge Viper SRT10

Photo courtesy of John Henrickson

John Henrickson from Sugar Land, Texas owns this super car. The fourth-generation model is powered by a 8.4-liter V10 engine and has 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. But it isn't just power. This is a custom machine.

The car is 1 of 1 as certified by Prefix, the company that customized it. It features snakeskin stripes, snakeskin seats, upgraded interior trim pieces, and heated seats. Additionally, it has high flow cats and mid-pipe. It rides on satin black Viper six-spoke wheels.

It comes with some unique history. According to Henrickson, the Viper was originally owned by the founder of the Viper Owners Association (VOA). It has been featured in magazines, books, calendars, photo shoots, and even on the VOA mousepad.

Before he had the Viper, Henrickson had spent 20 years behind the wheel of various Corvettes. "It was time," he said. In 2019 he found the car at a dealership in Virginia and used a dealership in Texas to get the car to him for the price of $55,000. "I chose this particular one because of the color and stripes. It was always a dream car of mine and now I have it," said Henrickson.

1969 Pontiac Firebird 400

Photo courtesy of Dallas Bergstrom

This '69 Firebird has been in owner Dallas Bergstrom's family for decades. His dad bought it when he was 17, earning himself the high school nickname of "Firebird". The car stayed in the family with Bergstrom's mom eventually using it as a daily driver.

He has fond memories of driving to the laundromat with his mom and she would rest the laundry basket on the back tires (they stick out pretty far) just so she could get a free had to open the door. His mom was no stranger to running through the gears as well.

The family also road tripped in the Firebird and took it to car shows.

Bergstrom, who lives in Katy, Texas, bought the car when he was 16 and sold it back to his father after having kids with the agreement that it would eventually be owed by his son someday.

According to Bergstrom, "Someday came way sooner than we expected when we lost my dad in a violent car wreck. Now it's in my garage again and the other 1973 'bird that he had completely torn apart is with me. We hope to keep the tradition alive with my two boys."

1979 Subaru Brat

Photo courtesy of Edinson Velasco

This 1979 Subaru Brat is a recent acquisition for owner Edinson Velasco of Houston, Texas, who bought the car from a stranger online last year for just $2,000. Why? "I've always wanted a Brat," he told AutomotiveMap, "They aren't common and others enjoy seeing something out of the ordinary."

In the shot time he's had it, Velasco has replaced the brake assemblies with used OEM parts. The car currently has the original jump seats, camper top, roll bar, and brush guard.

1995 Pontiac Trans Am

Photo courtesy of Tito Berrocal

Pennsylvania resident Tito Berrocal purchased this Pontiac from a friend two years after it rolled off the assembly line in Quebec. He'd always liked the F-body platform and says that the car has, "slightly upscale interiors relative to the Camaro."

Since he's bought the Trans Am, Berrocal has made a number of modifications. It now has a 383 Stroker with forged Mahle pistons, 6-inch c-rods, a 3.75-inch Dragonslayer crankshaft, port and polished heads by Advanced Induction, oversized valves, a custom camshaft, a K&N modified cold air intake, Torqhead 24x multicoil and powertrain control module, PCMForLess programming, Kook LT headers, a custom Kook/Burns/SSWorks exhaust, a McLeod multi-disk clutch, Moser 33-spline 12-bolt axles with Truetrac 3.73, a Dynotech CrMo driveshaft, LS front brakes, braided SS brake lines, a Walbro 255 lph high-pressure in-tank electric fuel pump, and 42 lb/hr Summit fuel injectors.

Berrocal made all the mods inn his garage except the machining. The car's paint is mostly original.

Its engine yields 500 horsepower and gets 18-20 mpg.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro 1LT Syngery Green Special Edition

Photo courtesy of Jutta Rivera

Katy, Texas resident Jutta Rivera bought this Camaro because its retro styling reminded her of her school days of riding with her cousin who owned a Camaro.

This model is unique - it that doesn't come with all the bells and whistles that are usually associated with a special edition. When it was new, it was built on the 1LT model and featured a base-level, direct-injected 3.6-liter V6 engine under its hood.

Rivera has give the car several upgrades since she purchased it for $28,000. It now has remote start, a Show n Go retractable license plate, green LED interior lights, custom wheel vents, green Oracle LED lighting on the hood, Knight Rider wheel well lightning, a cold air intake with a green filter, Cyclone exhaust system, custom green and black interior Camaro seat covers, and a custom hood display board with trunk boards.

1972 Dodge Charger SE & 1946 Ford

Photo courtesy of Bryan Bomar

This is a tale of two cars. For one, it was the best of times. For the other, the worst of times.

The story starts with owner Bryan Bomar's 1946 Ford. The orange and white model was low and sleek, a real spitfire. In the spring of 2015, Bomar went out to his garage to start the model after letting it sit all winter. The first time it was a no-go. The second time, it started but suddenly Bomar began to see paint bubbling on the hood.

Slamming the car into drive, Bomar was able to get 15 feet from the house before the car died. He tried to yank the keys out but saw that flames had moved from the engine bay and were already lapping the steering column. Bomar dialed 911 as he leapt out of the car.

A moving truck was parked nearby and just so happened to be staffed by two off-duty firefighters. One grabbed a the hose from Bomer's house and the other utilized the neighbor's hose. They worked in tandem tackling the fire, one from the top and the other from the underside.

The Ford was a total loss.

The day of the Mecum Auctions even in Houston that year, Bomar and his wife received the check from the insurance company for the loss. They deposited the check and headed to the auction.

Bomar describes the events of the day as involving his wife pulling down his hand frequently during bidding until a 1972 Dodge Charger R/T crossed the block. Bidding started at $20,000 and quickly escalated to $27,500. Soon it was going to $30,000. That was too much.

Then, the auctioneer announced that the other bidder had dropped out and asked if Bomer would be willing to big $27,500 again. Three knocks of the gavel and the car became theirs.

Since they bought the car, its owners have given it a long list of equipment including ew steel fuels lines, Holley 650cfm carburetor, spark plugs with fire protection sleeves over each plug, and spark plug wires. It also has gotten fresh tires, a customized Bluetooth sound system, and custom trunk. The car was tuned at Bumbera's Performance in Sealy, Texas.

1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme

Photo courtesy of James S Winner

Steve Winner is a big fan of General Motors A-Bodies from 1964 to 1972. During that time, the GM used the body style on the Chevrolet Chevelle, Pontiac Tempest, Oldsmobile Cutlass, and Buick Skylark. He purchased this 1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme from a stranger in 2000.

When he got it, the car was garage-kept, all original, with 49,000 miles on the odometer. Perhaps most importantly, it was rust-free. Since the Olds was purchased, Winner has given the car a complete mechanical, body, and interior restoration. Under the hood is a 350 engine, 200-4R transmission, and Chevelle 12 bolt posi 4:10 gears.

The car is an award winner. It took the crown at the 2015 Houston Autorama.

VOTE: Best in Show

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