Month: March 2025

Some cars get restored. Others get reborn.
This 1961 Chevrolet Impala bubble top started life in New Mexico as a tired six-cylinder cruiser—until it found its way into the hands of Tim Perrin at Tim’s Garage in Phoenix, Arizona. Six months later, it rolled out as a fully reimagined pro-touring beast, built to dominate both the streets and the show circuit. And before making its way to its new home in South Africa, it earned its stripes on the legendary Hot Rod Power Tour.

Nothing gets a gearhead’s heart racing like the sound of a blower whining under the hood or the whistle of a turbo spooling up. If you’re looking to crank up the ponies under your hood, forced induction is the way to go. But the age-old debate rages on—turbocharger or supercharger? Which one’s right for your ride? Let’s break it down.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
A supercharger is basically an air compressor that force-feeds oxygen into your engine, giving it more fuel-burning potential. It’s mechanically driven, typically via a belt connected to the crankshaft, which means instant power.

A turbocharger, on the other hand, is exhaust-driven, using wasted energy from spent gases to spin a turbine that forces air into the engine. This makes turbos more efficient but also introduces that notorious turbo lag.

Both setups have their pros and cons, and choosing the right one depends on your build, driving style, and how much you like scaring the neighbors.
 

If this 1954 Chevrolet Pickup could talk, it would have some wild stories to tell. Once a workhorse on South African movie sets, this old hauler has now found a new role—gracing the streets of Durban and the pages of SA Hotrod Magazine as a full custom-built masterpiece.

When Leonard Coetzee first laid eyes on his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, he knew he’d found a diamond in the rough. Purchased from Brad Hall in September 2012, the A-body bruiser already came with a Lumina LS1, headers, and a fresh exhaust. At first glance, the plan seemed simple: spray, assemble, and hit the streets. But any seasoned gearhead knows there’s no such thing as a quick project.