Car Features

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

Photos By Chris Wall

Jimmy’s mission was simple: build a feature-worthy Volvo 122S. He was even more motivated after spotting one in a magazine that he thought didn’t deserve the spotlight. Determined to show the world what a true showstopper should look like, Jimmy put in the work, and the result speaks for itself.

Over the years, I scoured every corner of South Africa and beyond for the perfect Merc. But 2-door models? Rare as hen’s teeth. All I could find were 4-door shells in states of disrepair that didn’t justify the cost and effort of restoration. And trust me, building a leadsled isn't a job for the faint of heart. It’s a long, painstaking process. At one point, I even considered importing a fiberglass Merc kit from AC Autos in the U.S., but the dream of finding a genuine 2-door was still burning.

Photos by Melissa Maeder
Owner: David Szot-Myburg  
Location: Noordhoek, Cape Town  

David, a lifelong Hot Rod enthusiast, can’t seem to stop building cars, no matter how many times he tells himself the current project is the last. There’s always another car with potential—another project waiting to be transformed. And that’s exactly what happened with this Nova.

The Gumtree Find and the Vision

Bodie Stroud: A Hot Rod Legend in the Making

Bodie Stroud’s journey is the stuff of American dreams. From humble beginnings as a heavy diesel mechanic, he climbed the ranks over 15 years, only to realize his true calling lay in the world of custom hot rods. In 2007, he took the plunge and opened Bodie Stroud Industries, a small shop in North Hollywood, California. Fast forward to today, and Bodie is recognized as one of the most talented and visionary custom car builders on the planet.

A Storied Past
Originally purchased in 1968 by the famous British hairdresser Frank Fowden, this E-Type has a legacy as fascinating as the car itself. Fowden, a man who was well-connected with some of the world's most famous personalities, including Margaret Thatcher, Mick Jagger, and Hillary Clinton, was known for his exquisite taste—something clearly reflected in his choice of automobile.