This last weekend Dean took a 1951 Mercury Custom that our shop built for Tom Kowalski to “The” show for these cars in Sacramento, California. The Sacramento Autorama is the longest running indoor car show at which they give away an award for “World’s Most Beautiful Custom”. Our car was entered simply to get the our name out there for the publicity and the ‘mingling’ aspect of the business, and for the customer (for bragging rites). It was entered with the expectation of, well, none actually. Maybe a pat on the back from other builders/owners, an award for our display (of which is a LOT of time and money invested), or at the most a “thanks for being here” award.

Well, on Sunday the names were called for the custom owners to come to the stage. I believe 8 names were called, our shop included. We were up against some of the BIG names in Custom builders, and this is our shop’s first! Most notable owner would be James Hetfield, lead singer/guitar of Metallica. As the awards were given out, 15 or so, for paint, interior, engine, undercarriage . . . some people recieved several, but Dean - was just standing there.

Then the announcer called out for the main award to be given to Tom Kowalski (car owner) for “World’s Most Beautiful Custom” and the jaws dropped. Couldn’t belive it. Others at the show had said things to the effect of “we figured we were a shoe-in, until you guys showed up!” earlier in the weekend. Some of the other builders/owners even scowled a bit at the news, especially after they heard my boss say this was our first Custom build! After the award ceremony a few people came up to Dean to congratulate us and James Hetfield stopped by to give the car a “once over” and talk to Dean about the car. Future customer? Probalby not, but it doesnt hurt to make those connections.

JW