Al Esper Ford's Chief Test Driver Comics
Forget boring car brochures and corporate jargon.
Back in the late 1940s and 50s, Ford had a much cooler way to talk to drivers: full-color, action-packed Sunday newspaper comic strips. Starring Ford’s legendary Chief Test Driver Al Esper
As Ford’s Chief Test Driver in the 1940s and 50s, Al Esper didn't just drive cars—he punished them.
From red-dirt tracks to secret proving grounds, he pushed prototype Fords to their absolute breaking point to make sure they were tough enough for the American public.

these weren't just funny pages, they were survival guides for your machine.

titles:
* A Heavy Foot can cost you money says Al Esper, Fords Chief Test Driver to JIM WOOD.
* When Its your turn to pass... Al Esper, Ford Chief Test Driver tells ED LONG.
* Al Esper, Fords Chief Test Driver tells ED Brown
Aren't these 1949 comic strips are pure automotive history. Cheers Skip'
Hot Rod Rumble Movie 1957
Hot Rod Rumble (1957)
Film packed with period hot rods typical of mid-1950s Southern California car culture.
Most are heavily customized 1930s Ford-based rods (especially 1932 “Deuce” roadsters and coupes, along with other pre-war Fords),
mixed with later 1940s–early 1950s models.
79-minute low-budget black and white teen drag-racing drama directed by Leslie H. Martinson
The story follows Arny Crawford (Richard Hartunian), a rough-edged mechanic and member of the Road Devils hot-rod club.
After a heated clash at a club party, a fatal car crash leaves one member dead and Arny’s girlfriend Terri (Leigh Snowden) injured. The club quickly turns against Arny, convinced he caused the accident. Shunned and sabotaged, he rebuilds his car to compete in a high-stakes $1,500 cross-country race that will decide both the prize and the truth.
Hartunian’s only film role draws frequent comparisons to a tougher Marlon Brando or James Dean, while Leigh Snowden was already a familiar face to teenage audiences. Supporting players include Wright King, Joey Forman, and Brett Halsey.
Real race footage was shot at the Auto Club Raceway in Pomona, giving the drag and cross-country sequences authentic period cars and atmosphere.
Exact year-by-year identification of every vehicle is not well documented, as the production used a mix of local enthusiast cars and stock footage.
Shot in just two weeks in early 1957 and often shown as a double feature, the film is a classic example of mid-1950s “carsploitation” drive-in entertainment, complete with a swinging jazz score by Alexander Courage.
YOU TUBE FULL 🎬 LINK
1955 Mercury Custom
Here's a cool 1955 Mercury Custom! I think it's a Montclair. Love the stance, gold paint, shaved doors and Trunck and other mild Kustom details... don't you?
The 1955 Mercury is an iconic classic car that embodies the style and innovation of the mid-20th century American automotive industry. Introduced by the Mercury Division of Ford Motor Company, the 1955 model marked a significant step forward in design, engineering, and luxury for Mercury vehicles.
Launched during a period of rapid growth and optimism, the 1955 Mercury featured distinctive styling cues such as sleek curves, a prominent grille, and elegant chrome accents. It was available in various body styles, including sedans, hardtops, and convertibles, catering to a wide range of preferences.
Under the hood, the 1955 Mercury offered powerful V8 engines, providing impressive performance for its time. Its advanced features and stylish appearance made it a favorite among car enthusiasts and collectors today.
The 1955 Mercury remains a symbol of 1950s Americana, representing a blend of innovation, style, and the American Dream. Its legacy continues through restored models and its influence on automotive design history.
1955 Chevrolet Bel Air Restomod...
The 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air is an icon of American automotive history, renowned for its stylish design and timeless appeal. Sometimes, enthusiastic car lovers take this classic to new heights by transforming it into a Restomod, a perfect blend of vintage aesthetics and modern performance.
This particular Fake Patina Bel Air has been meticulously restored and upgraded with all the latest technology. Under the hood lies a custom-built 6.0 Litre LS engine, a powerhouse borrowed from modern muscle cars. This engine not only delivers impressive horsepower and torque but also offers reliability, efficiency, and ease of maintenance that surpasses vintage powertrains.
The exterior retains its iconic 1950s charm, with sleek lines and chrome accents, but the real magic happens underneath. The suspension, braking system, and interior have all been upgraded to provide a smooth, safe, and comfortable driving experience.
Me... I like the old school stuff more, but Restomods like this exemplify the passion of car enthusiasts who want to preserve the beauty of classic cars while embracing the performance and reliability of modern technology
1950 Chevy Hard-Top Custom by Doug Thompson
The 1950 Chevy Hardtop customized by Doug Thompson for Larry Cochran is well-known among custom car enthusiasts. Thompson's work on this car stood out because he combined traditional 1950s custom techniques with unique design elements, creating a style that was distinctly his own.
The car’s modifications included a sleek roofline, refined chrome accents, and a meticulously detailed interior, all of which contributed to its prestigious Harry Bradley Design Achievement Award win in 1986.
Thompson’s approach often emphasized clean, smooth lines and an elegant aesthetic, which was highly influential in the custom car scene.
This particular Chevy became emblematic of the era’s best work in custom car design, blending classic aesthetics with modern customization techniques.
If you're interested in further details and info...
Here's a link to Rik Hovings excellent and comprehensive article / post about this cool Custom...
@ customcarchronicle.com














































