Darryl Starbird is an interesting and colorful man who’s legacy began in l954. He learned on the job when body fender repair meant the art of working with old metal and lead. At the time, customizing was a new and exciting art, and his mentors were the pioneers in that field. They were the true craftsmen…men such as George and Sam Barris, and others who carved out a movement that to this day continues to grow in popularity and market value.
On the side he worked on what was to become his first show car, a 1947 Cadillac. In time his l955 Plymouth made it’s way to the cover of Rod and Custom Magazine. In the years to come Starbird’s many creations and his Star Kustom Shop received awards all across the country. His unique and one-of-a-kind custom pieces have now graced the covers of more than fifty major magazines.
In l963 he joined the Mattel Corporation as a design consultant for Monogram Models Co., a subsidiary of Mattel, where fifteen models of his original designs became scale kits, selling over one million worldwide.
Later in the mid-sixties Starbird concentrated on building his own cars and touring the country in a triple semi-truck caravan known as the Star Car Caravan. The caravan transported ten cars featured in major city shows nationwide. During the following decade his concern for the future of customizing prompted him to found the National Rod and Custom Association.
It is fair to say that Starbird was (and still is) a very busy man, for in l957 he began promoting rod and custom shows, the first of which was held in Wichita, Kansas. He soon was promoting more than fifteen shows throughout the country. As this is written, we are approaching the upcoming Starbird Rod and Custom Show, January 19,20,21, 2007 at the Century II Convention Center in downtown Wichita, Kansas.This will be the 50th annual Wichita show, and four hundred entries will fill every nook and cranny in the center. The weather will definitely be downright cold outside, but inside the climate will be perfect and crowded.
In 1995 Starbird founded the National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame museum located in Afton, Oklahoma for the purpose of honoring the efforts of outstanding contributors to the art of customizing and preserving the resulting historic cars for the future. The museum houses Starbird’s own custom creations as well as those representing customizing’s most famous builders.
The 40,000 sq.ft. museum, envisioned so long ago, sits on eighty beautiful acres on the shores of Grand Lake, just an hour northeast of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In addition to the display of some of the most unique and exotic vehicles you will ever see, many famous rod and custom car builders as well as Starbird designs are presented. The museum overflows with photos and memorabilia of customized and futuristic vehicles, and hosts rotating displays of the unique cars of famed builders. It is definitely a visual and cultural tour from the 50’s through the present through the eyes of innovative designers and builders.
Recognition of customizing’s greatest comes with induction into the museum’s Hall of Fame. Members include such well known names as George Barris, Neil Emory, Boyd Coddington, Roy Brizio, Joe Bailon and Sam Foose. Designer Hall of Fame inductees include Chip Foose, the well-known designer on the television show Overhaulin’. Two additional custom and rod builders will be inducted at a ceremony to be held at the museum on May 12, 2007.
This date coincides with the 12th Annual Hall of Fame Outdoor Car Show held on the grounds of the museum on May 11 & 12, 2007 As well, on that date the 6th Merc/Duece reunion will celebrate “75 Years of the Duece” in Afton, Oklahoma.
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Prior to this spring celebration, the 43rd Annual Expo Square Fairgrounds Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma is scheduled for February 16,17 & 18, 2007. One thousand entries are expected, with the Hall of Fame Gold Award and a $20,000 check to be presented to one of those judged to be the “Fine Nine”.
For fifty years now Starbird has worked to preserve a specific area of automotive history. He is quick to complement the tenacity of the people who have joined forces with him over the years. Others believe though that it is the tenacity of Starbird himself who never lost sight of his dream. His beautiful Hall of Fame Museum is a priceless gift to all who share his interest in hot rods and custom cars. Thanks Darryl Starbird. Thanks for the ride!
{styleboxop width=400px,float=left}Visit Darryl’s Website at: www.darrylstarbird.com{/styleboxop}
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