Dick Katz' 1949 Chevrolet

As it appeared in Car Craft January 1958. Photo by Peter Sukalac

Photo by Peter Sukalac.

Photo by Peter Sukalac.

Photo by Peter Sukalac.

Photo by Peter Sukalac.

Photo by Peter Sukalac.

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1949 Chevrolet Sport Coupe restyled by Dee Wescott of Wescott's Auto Restyling in Portland, Oregon for Dick Katz of Dalles, Oregon. Dick's Coupe is a great example of a late 1950s custom built on a early 1950s car. The hood, deck lid and door handles were shaved and operated electrically. The side trim originated from a 1953 Packard. Dee extended the front fenders, and stretch the rear fenders as well. The taillights were from a 1955 Chrysler, slightly tunneled with parking lights located beneath. Aerials were placed on top of the fenders. A hand made bracked was molded to the split bumper to provide the needed opening to have room for both the license and club plate. The unique scoop in the quarter panels featured teeth from a 1954 Pontiac grille. Up front, the headlights rested under the shades of the extended fenders. A custom grille opening was made and fit with a 1955 Chevrolet grille. The license plate was deeply frenched by using the stock overrider. In order to get the right stance, it was lowered up front with dropped spindles and reworked A arms, and it was C'd in the rear. The car was also quite fast, sporting a 1957 Oldsmobile Rocket engine with Hydramatic.

Magazine Features and Appearances

Car Craft January 1958