Ivan & Victor Peroff's Chop Suey

Ivan and Victor Peroff's "Chop Suey" is a custom car from Kaneohe, Hawaii, symbolic of the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of the Peroff father-son duo. Renowned for their inventive automotive creations, the Peroffs embarked on the ambitious "Chop Suey" project, which spanned three years and incorporated parts from 16 different cars.

An old newspaper article about the Peroffs. The story describes the family as "Hawaii's first family of drag racing." A primered iteration of "Chop Suey" can be spotted in the photo along with a couple of other customs the family had built.

Ivan and Victor Peroff's "Chop Suey" is a custom car from Kaneohe, Hawaii, symbolic of the innovative spirit and craftsmanship of the Peroff father-son duo. Renowned for their inventive automotive creations, the Peroffs embarked on the ambitious "Chop Suey" project, which spanned three years and incorporated parts from 16 different cars.

Building the "Chop Suey"

The project began with a 1942 Plymouth body, onto which the Peroffs grafted 1951 Chevrolet front fenders and a narrowed hood from a 1951 Ford. To achieve the unique look of the "Chop Suey," they utilized 1937 LaSalle rear fenders, a 1937 Lincoln front bumper, and a 1951 Ford rear bumper. The top door panels came from a Rambler Station Wagon, and the 1939 Ford tail lights added a vintage touch to the car's rear.

A significant highlight of the build was the powerful 1955 Cadillac engine and transmission, which provided the car with its robust performance. The interior featured front seats from a 1962 Ford Thunderbird, and the car's frame was a 1951 Ford. The assembly of these varied parts required meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail to ensure a cohesive and functional vehicle. The Peroffs' extensive knowledge in bodywork and mechanics was critical in transforming these disparate elements into a unified and aesthetically pleasing custom car.

Despite its eclectic assembly, the "Chop Suey" was registered as a model of unknown origin, reflecting its unique nature and the creative process behind its construction. This custom car remains a significant piece of Hawaiian automotive history, showcasing the ingenuity and skill of Ivan and Victor Peroff.