Art Deco

The Eugene Von Arx Special of California. Built in 1940 by Bungholers of Hollywood member Eugene Von Arx Jr., the Eugene Von Arx Special is a rare prewar custom roadster that fused dry lakes performance with high-end coachbuilding. Designed and hand-formed by Eugene's father, an alum of the Walter M. Murphy Company and Don Lee Coachworks, the body featured Art Deco styling, 1937 Chevrolet and 1937 Oldsmobile lighting, and a split Duvall windshield. The chassis was crafted by Frank Kurtis using twin 1939 Chevrolet frames, and the car was powered by a rare Riley OHV-equipped Ford flathead V8. It recorded a 114.4 MPH run at El Mirage in May 1942. In August 2025, this early piece of California hot rod history returned to the spotlight, offered at Mecum's Monterey Auction.

Art Deco was a design movement of the 1920s and 1930s known for its bold lines, geometric shapes, and streamlined forms. It had a strong influence on early automotive styling, with many factory and custom cars of the era featuring swept fenders, chrome trim, and sculpted grilles that echoed the movement’s aesthetic. Early customizers, especially those building prewar customs, often drew from Art Deco design, blending elegance with modernity. The influence can be seen in details like V-ed grilles, molded bodywork, and symmetrical trim. Art Deco helped set the visual foundation for the clean, flowing lines prized in traditional custom cars.