Pete Chiello's 1951 Ford

1951 Ford Victoria restyled by Barris Kustoms for Pete Chiello of Carlsbad, New Mexico. Pete's ford was shaved for emblems and handles. The doors and deck-lid were electrically push-button operated by solenoids. Barris crafted a new grille opening that featured a handmade floating grille made from 1952 Ford grille frames with two 1952 Ford parking lights at each ends. The grille and light assembly was mounted on springs and rubber bushings to prevent shock damage in case of accident. The headlights were extended 1 1/2 inches and frenched with the seal beam units recessed one inch. The grille shell was made from 2 1/2 inch cold roll tubing that were bent to shape, and molded to the fenders and hood. All body seams and both splash pans were molded-in. The bumpers were cleaned as well. The stock taillights were removed, and 1950 Oldsmobile 98 units were inserted and frenched right above the rear bumper. The gas filler door was welded shut and the gas filler was moved inside the trunk. Adding Cadillac Sombreros and lowering the car 5 inches in the rear and 3 inches in the front wrapped up the clean style.

Magazine Features

Hop Up September 1952
Motor Trend December 1952