Dropped and Chopped

"Dropped and Chopped: Early Hot Rods & Customs" is an exhibit which runs from January 22 through March 27, 2011 at The California Automobile Museum in Sacramento, California.

The exhibit highlights the early days of hot rods and customs with a special focus on legendary Sacramento craftsmen whose designs had national impact. This automotive art took an especially advanced form on the West Coast including Sacramento as a hotbed of activity. The Sacramento influence was most strongly felt during the early years between 1946 and 1960.

Harry Westergard, Dick Bertolucci, and the Barris Brothers (George and Sam) were among the master craftsman who took cars and sculpted them into true masterpieces, leaving no body panel untouched as they chopped, shaved, and smoothed the cars to new heights of low, streamlined beauty. In addition to high style, many of the early rods and customs featured substantial engine modifications for larger, more powerful and louder engines to match their show.

The grand opening of this exhibit was Saturday, January 22, 2011. Dick Bertolucci was special guest for a meet and greet. The historic custom cars will be on display through March 27, 2011. The exhibit is included in museum admission and is free for Gearhead members. For more information call (916) 442-6802 or visit www.CalAutoMuseum.org.

Featured Cars of the Exhibit

The Lightning Bug
Eugene Wentworth's 1932 Ford Roadster
Darel Kehlet's 1936 Ford Phaeton
Dick Bertolucci's 1933 Chevrolet Roadster
Bart Bartoni's 1939 Mercury Coupe
Ed Hagerty's 1940 Mercury Convertible Sedan
Harold Ohanesian's 1940 Mercury
Terry Cox's 1940 Mercury Coupe
Gene Boucher's 1956 Ford - The Marquis
Dick Bertolucci's 1958 Chevrolet Pickup