Dropped and Chopped

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January 22 - March 27

Explore the classic years of traditional rods and customs between 1946-1960, including Sacramento’s notable cars and legends such as Dick Bertolucci, George Barris and Harry Westergard.

This 1940 Mercury convertible sedan was purchased by Eddie “Buddy” Ohanesian in 1945 and taken to Harry Westergard and Less Crane for restyling. Dick Bertolucci completed the effort in 1949, adding a removable hardtop custom crafted from the front half of a 1946 Chrysler top, the back half of a 1941 Buick, and the rear window from an Oldsmobile. The maroon paint color, with Venus Martin no. 9 gold powder added, became known as “Sacramento Maroon” or “Bertolucci Maroon,” due to Bertolucci’s frequent use of the color.

A 1936 Ford Phaeton (convertible sedan) that was modified as a classic “K Street Cruiser” in the early 1950s. An unrestored example of a unique Sacramento custom, designed for cruising downtown avenues on summer weekend nights, still owned by the family of its builder.

This ‘32 Ford was built on the East Coast in 1948 and raced at Bonneville in 1951.  The owner passed away shortly thereafter and the car was sold.  Ken Wentworth, whose father was the original owner, recently tracked down the car, bought it back and brought it to California.  This will be the first time the car has been shown on the West Coast.

The Marquis was built by Bill Cushenberry in the 1960s, based on a 1956 Ford Victoria hardtop. The car debuted on the show circuit in 1962 and has won numerous awards.