The Egoless Car

[Ryan]

Remember that little model-t that we did a feature on a few months ago? It was sinister in simplicity. Through restraint, the owner/builder was able to create something that was worth more than the sum of it's parts. It's hard for me to put into wo...

To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.

[Kustomkarma]

It's the simplicity of the early cars that make them so beautiful. It really reminds one of the fact that they were machines designed to do a job. Modifying one to create a new feel without going overboard or losing sight of the machine's original intent takes real talent and restraint.

[theHIGHLANDER]

As usual you nailed it. "Egoless"...what an interesting term. You're right about the ego. For some it's in the caliber of their work. In the showcar/streetrod world of today it's more than quality or bling. It's also 'how much'. Anyone that goes through that looking glass doesn't really talk about it. It's just there. So much so that it completely covers the car's soul and perhaps the owner's as well leaving only the builder to tread water in that angry sea. The car you posted as well as those in the text, yeah man, you're right...as usual. Can't wait for the mag dude. Lookin forward to it.

[junk yard kid]

brilliant

[SteadyT]

It's such a tug'o'war between cars that are 'ego-less' and ones that were clearly derived from 'ego'.

I guess I love both sides of spectrum.

Something I have never realized really until this post is that the humblest of builders I have seen/known without an exposed ego whatsoever let it out only through the machine they created. WILD.

[BeatnikPirate]

Very well stated. I like that Tudor a lot.
I'm trying to achieve something approaching that in terms of simplicity and absence of bling.
But it's a great temptation to keep adding stuff.

[Gigantor]

Thanks for the read, Boss. I need to re-read that again. Or at least my ego does.

[SinisterCustom]

You had me at "remember".....

[JeffreyJames]

I was just talking about this sedan last night with Boobie. There is just something about that car that stuck in our heads. The stance, the tire selection, the....lack of chop? It's what was NOT done to this car that makes it stick out or at least stick in our thoughts even when we are not looking at it.

And let's really get into the nitty and gritty. How many sedan's do we see being built recently that carry as much weight as this one. To be honest the sedan has really gathered a reputation for dudes that love to hammer their cars as low as possible and like it to scream "look at me". For every ten or twenty that look like they have zero clearance under their frame and body there comes one....maybe one that leaves the fenders in tact and nails the stance to a "T". Ladies and gentleman, what we have here is a thing of beauty.

[1950ChevySuburban]

Simple cars are like a blank canvas in a way. They can remain as they are, or be changed easily. I think that may be why they're viewed here with respect.

Absolutely great read, Ryan. Thats a good one.

[Jive-Bomber]

With over-modifying our cars: "know when to say 'when'"
So true...

[Tman]

A good pal told me something really smart when I was originally describing the details on my touring. He said "you can't use EVERY cool part and idea on one single car" He was right. The best cars DON'T have all the buzzword parts on em.

[saltflatmatt]

Just let the car speak for itself, less is more.

[50Fraud]

I'm not sure I get "egoless". I do cars that are understated, and generally they don't attract a lot of attention, but my ego looms large. If my car is looking sharp -- clean and shiny -- my pride in it is huge.

An observation about the model A sedan at the top of the thread: a stock, full fendered sedan looks like an old man, not very powerful or athletic. THAT sedan still looks like an old man, but he's buff and tanned. The wheels, tires, and stance completely change the image of the car to one that's sure-footed and strong (even if it's not).

I think it would walk proudly, maybe even run occasionally.

[Chili Phil]

It's STILL "Form follows function". Gimcracks and geegaws don't say hot rod.

[LOWBLAZERO1]

Is that why i've always liked un-chopped cars? i'm pretty sure your right, simplicity should be the goal. it takes major dedication to not keep "refining" a car into a tacky piece of crap. the well thought-out, well executed, and simple cars are the ones that i have always admired.

[Ryan]

Originally Posted by 50Fraud

I'm not sure I get "egoless". I do cars that are understated, and generally they don't attract a lot of attention, but my ego looms large. If my car is looking sharp -- clean and shiny -- my pride in it is huge.

An observation about the model A sedan at the top of the thread: a stock, full fendered sedan looks like an old man, not very powerful or athletic. THAT sedan still looks like an old man, but he's buff and tanned. The wheels, tires, and stance completely change the image of the car to one that's sure-footed and strong (even if it's not).

I think it would walk proudly, maybe even run occasionally.

Yep, I think that's kind of the point. Egoless in an ego world is hard to accomplish.

[Thor1]

Ryan,

I know what you are trying to say and I have difficulty putting it into words as well.

For me the sedan you pictured in your post simply "means business". It is serious and purpose built. It is intentional and it has intentions. When you look at cars like this...cars that mean business, you can sense their intentions or their soul if you will. With the right car, it can put you on edge and kind of give you the heebie-jeebies.

There are only a few cars that have this effect and these cars may be different for different people. Once in a rare while one of these cars will surface that effects nearly everyone in the same way. These cars are special...and...they mean business.

Thor

[The Brudwich]

Ryan, I'm really glad you featured this car. This build definitely stands out to me, and I'm happy that I'm not the only person that noticed it. Too many of the sedan builds in the past five years have taken the other route: overchopped, 2 inches of ground clearance, etc.

[Kraz]

It takes all kinds...there is a yin to every yang. You don't appreciate the good times without the bad...you don't quite respect the understated 'till you see that custom trainwreck that looks like a hot rodded Mr Potato Head.

That is the way the world works my friends!


"Upon reading this post you will receive total consciousness".fficeffice" />>>