When building your hot rod, sound, heat, and vibration probably aren’t the first things on your mind. But ask any seasoned rodder who’s done a long-distance trip in a hot, noisy cabin, and they’ll tell you it’s a real problem—one that can turn an otherwise perfect drive into something you’d rather forget.
Over the years, SA HotRods Magazine featured some incredible builds. Many of them, despite their engineering brilliance, never really got the spotlight they deserved. This one is no exception — a 1972 Ford Escort Mk2 Panel Van that has been turned completely inside out, with a full-fat V8 mounted in the cargo bay.
Classic cars need special attention — especially after the long-haul road trips and sun-soaked drives that come with the holiday season. If you’re back to being a weekend warrior, it’s time to show your pride and joy a little love before tucking it away again. Post-season care isn’t just about keeping things clean — it’s about preserving your car’s value and performance long-term.
Yukon, Oklahoma – Jan. 23, 2023
At the intersection of vintage attitude and cutting-edge innovation sits Viral — the world’s first fully exposed-weave carbon-fibre 1969 Camaro. Created by Finale Speed, this production-ready restomod masterpiece debuted at the 2023 Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, instantly commanding attention from collectors and custom car fans worldwide. Viral isn’t just another custom build — it’s a rolling showcase of what happens when iconic American muscle meets obsessive craftsmanship and modern materials science.
When you think of the Mini, a couple of things spring to mind. A student’s first car, The Italian Job (let’s go with the 1969 original, for the purposes of this discussion), two Monte Carlo rally wins, Twiggy, the Swinging 60s, and a whole lot of other pop culture idealism. And let’s not forget Mr. Bean. But do you ever stop and pause to think about whatever became of one of the world’s most iconic motoring names, before it was reinvented by BMW in the late 1990s? There’s no doubt a fair amount has fallen into disrepair or lie long-forgotten in scrapyards worldwide. Because let’s be honest, the Mini was not without its quirks and foibles. Stories abound of holes in the floor, and on cold rainy nights that can be (and you’ll forgive the pun) a bit of a dampener. For all their pop idol status, and after the takeover of the brand in the 70s by British Leyland (not a by-word for quality in the first place), the iconic Mini became just that – an icon of the 60s and early 70s.
When boss man Joe linked us up with Kobus & Sons Classic Cars, the plan was to shoot their freshly finished 1967 Pontiac project. But as is the case with these kinds of builds, there were still a few final touches left before it could stand in front of our lens. No matter—because what they wheeled out as a stand-in was no compromise. Waiting in the wings was a brutally beautiful 1955 Ford F100 Pickup, and just standing next to it felt like stepping into a 1960s time capsule—retro signage, old Americana, vintage tools and all.
According to the VIN, this 1937 Nash Lafayette Coupe rolled off the line on Tuesday, 2nd February 1937—Groundhog Day. Coincidentally, it’s also the day I was born, 23 years later. When I found that out, I knew this car and I were meant to cross paths. And as soon as I got it home, I dove straight into the build.
When production began on Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), Eleanor wasn’t even guaranteed to be a Mustang. In fact, early concepts dreamed of a Ford GT40 carving through downtown L.A., but even with a $90 million budget, that vision proved too expensive. So, the hunt began for a car that could hold its own among Ferraris and supercars—and still steal the show. The result: a radical reinterpretation of the 1967 Shelby GT500 Mustang.
Luck struck when Johann found a one-owner 1969 Ford Corsair that was in a better condition than most cars he looked at.
Johann van Zyl has built a reputation with Classic Ford builds over the years. His purple Ford Anglia graced the cover of Street and Strip magazine back in the day. The Anglia featured modifications like all-around disc brakes and a killer 3.5 Stroker V6. This was back in the early 1990s. Johann then backed that up with his second build, an MK1 Cortina which was featured in SA HotRods Magazine. After this, Johann had his sights on something different. He always kept an eye out for a Ford Corsair because the front end reminded him of the Ford Thunderbird. So, finding the perfect Corsair became the main priority.
He wanted to build an Outlaw, with a bigger motor, bigger wheels, upgraded suspension and a custom interior. The 1958 Porsche 356 Coupe started with a 2332cc engine.