West Coast

Before becoming a world-famous artist, Vincent Lawrence Garrison was just a young car enthusiast growing up in San Diego, California. Born in Detroit in 1923, Larry’s family split their time between Michigan and California, but by the late 1930s, they had settled on the West Coast, right as custom cars were taking off. A skilled painter and designer, Larry worked for Coca-Cola painting billboards by hand while still in high school. In 1941, he put his artistic talents to use on his first custom, a sleek 1936 Ford Cabriolet. He gave it a 1939 Ford front end, shaved the running boards, and added a chopped and padded top. Finishing touches included fender skirts, flipper hubcaps, and ripple bumpers. Photo courtesy of Paul Garrison.

"Rockets on Rubber" – This feature from The Baltimore Sun, published April 17, 1949, spotlighted the rising custom car culture in Maryland. It showcased the creativity and technical skill of local builders and enthusiasts like Ed Kairis, Harry Heim, and Ray Giovannoni, whose 1936 Ford roadster became one of the most iconic East Coast customs of the era. The article reflected how returning WWII veterans helped ignite a national movement, often referring to their creations as “California Jobs” in homage to West Coast styling trends.

Keeping West Coast History ALIVE! Click here to check out our official Kustomrama West Coast Division Supporter Merch.

The West Coast, especially Southern California, is the birthplace of the hot rod and custom car culture. With its car-friendly climate, booming postwar economy, and wide open spaces, the region became a breeding ground for innovation and style. In the 1930s and 1940s, dry lakes like Muroc and El Mirage drew speed-hungry rodders, while urban centers like Los Angeles became hubs for custom car builders. Legendary shops such as Barris Kustoms, Valley Custom, and Watson's House of Style all emerged from the West Coast, shaping trends that would influence the world. To this day, the West Coast remains the heart of traditional hot rodding and customizing.

West Coast Custom Cars

Lawrence Garrison's 1936 Ford Convertible