Wild, Weird & Wonderful Customs

wild, weird & wonderful customs

CAROL A. SIMS

A NUMBER OF beautiful and painstakingly prepared custom bikes were sprinkled amongst their fourwheeled counterparts at the third annual International Car & Boat Show, held at the Los Angeles Sports Arena and sponsored by the Tridents Car Club.

Metalflake or pearlescent paint jobs, fur trimmings and an ever-present abundance of chrome seem the current trends for California customizers, and, to our great pleasure, we observed that high riser handlebars are fast slipping from favor. Only three of the nineteen machines displayed were encumbered by these dangerous devices, while the rest sported Western-style or low, clip-on bars.

Indicative of the amount of time, money and effort expended to create an individualized two-wheeler was the comment by one owner when asked how much he had invested in his bike. His succinct reply — “Too much!”

. . . and in Hartford, Connecticut

THERE WERE twenty unique two-wheelers on display at the 1963 Hartford Autorama, each modified or customized in such a way as to best meet the owner's particular requirements. Many cycle enthusiasts are discovering that a personalized machine provides more satisfaction than one which remains in stock condition - and for some, part of this satisfaction comes from exhibiting their creations at custom shows.