Car Features

From Rust to Rod: A Volks Rod Dream Realized

Breaking It Down: The Build Process

Starting with the Foundation 

Building a Legend The Story of the South African Nova

Photography by Stefan de Koker

By the 1970s, South African racing legend Willie Hepburn saw untapped potential in this compact cruiser. Lightweight? Check. Simple design? Check. Room under the hood for something mean? Absolutely. Hepburn turned the unassuming Nova into a dragstrip contender, wringing out every ounce of performance it had. The car made its mark on the South African racing scene, but by the mid-‘80s, it was ready for a new chapter. Enter Mick van Rensburg—the godfather of South African drag racing.

BLACK MAGIC The Resurrection of a 1969 Camaro RS

Photos by Chris Wall

Born to Run

Persistence Pays Off Gavin Haggers Stunning 1948 Chevy Pickup

Photos by Kian Eriksen

The Hunt for the Perfect ’48
“I just love the shape of the ’48 trucks,” Gavin starts with a smile. “It’s beautiful, and it’s been something I’ve always wanted. It’s a dream car.” That dream, however, didn’t come easy.

SA’s First LS Swap: 1968 Chevy Camaro

Photos By Joe van Zyl
Owner: Nick Vernon

Nick Vernon, the proud owner, picked up this beast about four years ago from Custom Classics in Cape Town. But the credit for this masterpiece doesn’t belong to them. To uncover its history, we travel to KwaZulu-Natal, the stomping grounds of Mike Egan, a legend among SA’s V8 enthusiasts. If you’ve ever been blown away by the roar of a proper horsepower V8 in SA, chances are you’ve encountered Mike’s work.

From Dream to RestoMod Reality Louis Robbertse’s Spitting Image Cobras

The Dream and the Journey
Louis always admired the timeless design and raw power of the Shelby Cobra. But at 6'4" (194 cm), finding a Cobra that fit his tall frame was a pipe dream—until he discovered **Spitting Image Cobras**, the brainchild of Warren Grant and Jaen Britz. These custom-built Cobras didn’t just accommodate taller drivers; they also offered cutting-edge road-handling and a modernized take on the classic silhouette.  

That It Factor The De Tomaso Pantera 

Photos by Jared Govender 

What Makes the Pantera Special? 

Rust-Ridden Glory Johan van Eck's Surprise 1948 Chevy Pick-up Build

The Hunt for Parts

Blazin Rodz Unveils A Carbon-Fibre 1970 Dodge Charger with Factory 1,500-Horsepower Supercharged Hemi

Blazin Rodz, a new team of young builders pushing the boundaries of innovation in the custom car world, presented its latest creation at the 2024 SEMA Show, the carbon-fibre 1970 Dodge Charger “Sangria.” Debuting in the Hemmings booth (#22493) in Central Hall, the Charger will showcase the very first Direct Connection 1500 HEMI crate engine from DSR Performance. Immediately following the unveiling, Sangria has been made available for bidding on Hemmings live auction website, marking the first time a vehicle of this calibre will be available during the SEMA Show.

Ringbrothers Unveil 1,246-Horespower 1987 Buick Grand National “INVADR”

Ringbrothers, the world-renowned custom car builder and parts manufacturer, has unveiled its latest creation, a custom-built 1987 Buick Grand National known as “INVADR.” The twin-turbocharged Buick produces 1,246 horsepower and 1,000 ft-lbs of torque to the rear wheels and was engineered from the ground up. It is expected to shatter performance expectations, deliver an unparalleled driving experience and embody the singular workmanship that defines Ringbrothers.
 

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