Car Features

Fast Facts

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.

Uveer’s '59 Ghia: A Durban Take on a Classic

Enter the 1959 Karmann Ghia you see here, recently purchased by Uveer Ramnarayan, a dedicated air-cooled VW enthusiast. Uveer’s story with this Ghia began like any good vintage car romance: he spotted the car online, quickly made arrangements with the seller in Athlone, and soon found himself flying down from Durban to close the deal. Known as the "poor man's Porsche," the Ghia was irresistible for a true Volkswagen fan like Uveer.

Kurt Kannemeyer’s story is one many enthusiasts can relate to. About nine months ago, Kurt picked up his 1972 Chevy Firenza 2.5 GT from a seller in Port Elizabeth. Having already tinkered with another 2.5 GT by shoehorning a 350 and a four-speed manual into it, he was no stranger to a Chevy project. But this particular Firenza – with its potential to channel the Can-Am – was different. For Kurt, this wasn’t just a car; it was a throwback to his teenage years, when two Portuguese brothers in his neighborhood ran Can-Ams and fueled his lifelong love for Chevy muscle.

Photos by Stefan Danil Kotz.

The three numbers, 911, usually associated with emergencies, here signify one of Germany’s finest exports—the legendary Porsche 911.

A Journey from Dormancy to Glory

By Ben Chandler and Paddy McGrath  
Adapted for RestoMod
Original article from Speerhunters.com

A Resurrection Like No Other
Pulled from the brink of destruction, the Hemizon began its life as a rusted-out Volvo Amazon shell. “There was no trunk, no fenders, no windows—just a shell,” Henrik recalls. This zombie of a car was brought back to life with pure metal artistry and a beast of an engine that would send shivers down any car lover’s spine.

The Humble Beginnings of US Trucks
US Trucks wasn’t always a go-to shop for Jeep conversions. In fact, it wasn’t even their original focus. The journey began in 2013 when US Trucks' founder, Thinus, got an offer from one of their suppliers who was looking to offload a batch of Jeeps. At the time, US Trucks was focused more on RAM truck conversions, and the Jeep market didn’t seem all that appealing.

Reviving the Dream
Fast forward to 2012. The brothers had spent the years honing their skills, with Heinrich Enslin recently completing a GT40 build. But the itch to finish their six-wheeler pickup had never gone away. During a hunt for a '50s Ford F100, they stumbled upon a fiberglass 1954 F100 replica body from the Hot Rod Factory in East London. The project was back on—this time with fiberglass and a renewed sense of determination.

The Build Begins

Photos by Stephan Louis/CT Motosnaps

A Traceable 3-Owner History

A Brief History of the Austin Mini Mk1
The Austin Mini Mk1, designed by Alec Issigonis and launched in 1959, was revolutionary for its compact size, transverse-mounted engine, and front-wheel-drive layout. It was the product of an era when fuel efficiency became paramount due to the Suez Crisis, making small cars highly desirable. The Mk1's clever packaging, including the in-sump gearbox and 10-inch wheels, helped it become one of the most recognizable cars of its time.

A Life Well-Lived