Roots – 30+ years of builds

Inspiration ~

in·spi·ra·tion | \ˌin(t)-spə-ˈrā-shən, -(ˌ)spi-\ – a divine influence or action on a person believed to qualify him or her to receive and communicate sacred revelation

Everyone starts somewhere, for me it was with a legend, my uncle Dick Bertolucci. Just google his name and be amazed at his contributions to kustom car building. He is renowned worldwide as one of the originators of the California ‘Kustom’ automobile. One fan from the Netherlands maintains an extensive online database cataloguing his work.

One of his most notable builds the Ohanesian Merc was named one of the Top Ten Kustoms of All Time by Hot Rod Magazine. The metalwork in the car’s removable custom roof marked the then barely-out-of-his-teens Bertolucci as a master craftsman. The car survives today and has been featured at Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance.

With legend’s like George Barris stating they learned tricks of trade from the master, Dick Bertolucci, that should put into perspective the impact he has had upon the industry.

As a young boy my uncle Dick took me to the Auotrama and everybody knew him, Mario Andretti, Al Unser, AJ Foyt coming up and chatting with him. He introduced me to George Barris and I got to sit in the Batmobile!. Imagine the impact that would have on a young boy, BAM!! I wanted to be just like him! When I was older, I started pushing a broom at the body shop and got to drive my first Ferrari. And so my journey began.

Nobody on this planet has had a bigger impact on my life. First and foremost, he modeled community, the car community is global and transcends all nations, all cultures, young and old. He modeled for generations the art of the build; a master craftsman doesn’t stop with body work. His vision encompasses every aspect of the art, from motor to tires and everything in between. Your legacy Uncle Dick will surpass the pages of time.

As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.
Prov. 27:17

Here are a few of the builds I’ve done over the years