26 Inch Billet Wheels Now Available From Bonspeed

If you like rollin' big then you need a set of bonspeed's new welded 26" forged billet wheels. Now that tire manufacturers have a selection of 26" rubber we thought it was time for some sick billet wheels. These 26x10 billets are available in every style and in both 5 and 6 lug applications.

Some other new sizes that are ready for custom builds:
• 24x15 rims for those layed out trucks and killer customs
• 24x8.5 hoops are now in-stock and priced lower than ever before!

So call us and lets talk rolling large. Our sales desk at 1.888.999.7258 can help you with these and just about any other size you might need.

Visit our website: www.bonspeedWheels.com

bonspeed boys- Michael Anthony & Brad Fanshaw at Barrett-Jackson, Scottsdale 2010

Every year the bonspeed boys, Brad Fanshaw and Michael Anthony (owners of bonspeed) eagerly await the Scottsdale Barrett-Jackson auction. This year was no different except getting there was more difficult due to severe weather.

Michael was scheduled to fly in on Thursday, but was forced to drive when all flights were cancelled from Southern California. Brad and his friend Mark Cilani attended the anniversary party for Lear Jet on Thursday night and still had to drive over on Friday. The good news is they made it and missed the drama of the big storm on Thursday night in Scottsdale.

ABOVE PHOTO: Michael Anthony and Brad Fanshaw were both interviewed by Speed TV
for an upcoming 40th Anniversary Barrett-Jackson
special.

The event in Scottsdale was a s exciting as ever and the boys saw many friends and plenty of great deals on cars. That's right great deals on cars at Barrett-Jackson and the boys kept their hands in pockets! Remember, Michael is building a new pro-touring Chevelle and Brad is getting ready to start on a 1969 Camaro. Our friend Bob Johnson did buy to the sum of thirteen cars?

LEFT PHOTO: Brad Fanshaw and our entire group had the best view in the house, thanks to our friends at Cox Communications who hosted us in their private skybox.



Along with their friends the bonspeed boys had a great time again this year. Thanks to our friends at Cox Communications who invited us all into their skybox. Being able to split the time between the reserved floor seats and the skybox is the way to go when you can swing it!

Remember Barrett-Jackson is part auction, part car show, part midway and part car enthusiast social event.
It is one of those events you must attend in your lifetime.

Along with all the great cars for sale there is always a tons of vendors. We saw our buddy Mike Stevesky and the guys from Mr. Norm's. They were showing among other things this Cuda that features bonspeed wheels made exclusively for Mr. Norm's cars!


So when you make it to Barrett-Jackson next year or the upcoming Orange County event, look for the bonspeed boys. They are there to have fun, meet people and talk cars and wheels!

bonspeed Supports Driverz Inc’s Open House & Car Show!

bonspeed Wheels’ newest authorized reseller, Driverz Inc, is celebrating the grand opening of their NEW shop with a car show, so of course the bonspeed owners will be there supporting the guys! We’ll be there to talk wheels with everyone and we’re also bringing some sick cars to show off. Plus, come see the new wheels display at Driverz, too! Common’…don’t tell us you have something more important to do rather than talk cars, see some hot rides, listen to some music, and maybe even win a sweet prize while you’re there! Oh, and there’ll be food there, too, so now you really don’t have any excuses. Bring your ride and meet the guys!

Driverz Inc Open House & Car Show

When: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, February 20, 2010

Where: 9036 Pulsar Ct., Unit. G

Corona, CA 92883

Years: All American-made or powered cars!

www.bonspeedWheels.com

www.DriverzInc.com

bonspeed Intense Wheels on the Cover of Street Trucks

Pick up the February 2010 issue of Street Trucks to see Josh Wiley’s 2000 Chevy Silverado with bonspeed Intense wheels gracing the cover! Josh and Eric, of the Little Shop of Horrors, took the full-size Chevy from being in pieces on a garage floor to the jealousy-inducing driver she is today. With mods such as a stock bed raised in the center only, to the cherry red “wet” paint, and to the custom billet bonspeed wheels, this truck’s a beauty. One of Eric’s favorite things about her? Her bonspeed wheels are powder-coated clear, so that means no need for ever having to polish them!

Visit www.bonspeedWheels.com to see all of our styles, color options and our killer new truck gallery!

Want more bonspeed??? Pick up the latest issue of Truckin’!

Congrats also to loyal bonspeed fan Tony Saenz from Andrews, TX on being picked as having one of Truckin’ magazine’s Top 10 Trucks of 2009 (the issue hit the newsstand Jan 2010)! His blue-flamed, gleaming green ’04 Dodge Ram sits on 22-inch bonspeed Tsunami’s and was featured in the magazine earlier in the year. It wowed editors and readers so much that it was an obvious choice for being included in the Top 10.

bonspeed's in Truckin' Magazine!

Flip a few pages past Tony’s truck and you’ll find Chassis by Aaron’s buildup, “The Show”, also featuring bonspeed Wheels! Last month, you read how the frame was designed and made. This month, check out the spindles, control arms, brakes, and bonspeed wheels being installed on the chassis. Aaron wanted the deepest lip in the rear wheels as possible, and man does it make this truck look slammin’! Aaron chose 22-inch bonspeed Quasar wheels to accentuate just how extreme this project is.

Have a sweet ride rollin’ on bonspeeds, too?? Upload your picture to our Facebook fan page and watch as others drool over your automotive art.

bonspeed boys- Michael Anthony & Brad Fanshaw Will be at Village Goldsmith, Glendora CA 11/20/09

If you are near Glendora, California tonight, (November 20, 2009) stop into The Village Goldsmith jewelry store, Glendora, California. Downtown Glendora is having its annual Holiday city walk and Michael will be at the Village Goldsmith to sign autographs and talk about his band Chickenfoot!

Village Goldsmith has been an authorized reseller of both Bonneville Swiss Watches and bonspeed sport watches since 1997! Both Michael and Brad Fanshaw the owners of Bonneville/bonspeed will be at the event to answer questions about the watch lines and talk cars and music.

Stop in and say hello; the event hours are 7-9 p.m.

VISIT bonspeed.com

bonspeed boys Hang With Car Guy Adam Carolla

The bonspeed boys; Michael Anthony and Brad Fanshaw met up with Adam Carolla today. They talked cars and drooled on Adam's Lamborghini. Watch here for information about an upcoming podcast featuring Mike, Brad and two of their own hot rides.

bonspeedWheels.com

Adam Carolla's Car Cast

Michael Anthony Will be on Adam Carolla's Podcast Friday Nov. 13th

The bonspeed boys; Michael Anthony and Brad Fanshaw ventured to Burbank, California today. They visited the Adam Carolla studios and Michael sat down for an in depth interview about Van Halen, Chickenfoot and cars.

This kick-ass interview will air on Adam's podcast Friday November 13, 2009, so be sure to check it out by clicking the link below. Trust us it is well worth tuning in on this one, Adam gets some great early Van Halen info from Michael. It is funny and very entertaining!

Watch for another segment to air in a few weeks with Michael, Brad and two of their cars. This segment will air on Adam Carolla's "Car Cast" podcast.

You can find it all at these links or at itunes.

The Adam Carolla Podcast

Car Cast with Adam Carolla

Strope With Adam Carolla- Shows Off bonspeed Wheels!

Steve Strope the man at Pure Vision is a builder that uses our bonspeed Wheels almost exclusivly. Recently, Steve took one of his innovative Chryslers over to the Car Cast studio with Adam Carolla. He gives Adam a walk around his Petrol Charger that has bonspeed Huntington Wheels.

Watch in the near future for details about the bonspeed boys; Brad Fanshaw and Michael Anthony who will be on Car Cast with Adam Carolla.

bonspeedWheels.com
purevisiondesign.com
adamcarolla.com/CarCastBlog/

bonspeed Wheels Launches NEW Website bonspeedWheels.com

bonspeed's in-house design team has just completed a brand new website. This site has tech features, photo tips, a huge photo gallery and all of our new wheel designs.

Every month we will feature a customers vehicle and we are always looking for new cars to include.

Check it out today!

www.bonspeedWheels.com

bonspeed Wheels On Feature Vehicles at SEMA 2009

bonspeed Wheels is always sure to stay on the cutting edge of the aftermarket. SEMA 2009 is no different as shown on the "RedRum" Camaro at right.

RedRum was built in Texas by Mitch Henderson and the guys at STATUS this 2010 Camaro SS is hammered to the ground with Air Ride and even has a supercharged engine. As you already noticed by now the car has an outrageous 22/24" wheel and tire combination. On the front are 22x8.5 bonspeed style "VinSpeed" wheels and the rear has massive 24x10's. These wheels are Color Forged™ with cast gray centers.

You will also need to watch for another 2010 Camaro constructed by Trent's Trick Upholstery in Ohio. This car has a fantastic electric blue and butterscotch paint job. The interior is another work of art by Trent and the wheels are 22" Color Forged bonspeed style "SS".

bonspeed continues to push the extreme with our exclusive Color Forged wheels. These wheels for Trent's 2010 Camaro feature a center with brushed finish that is sealed with a clear powder coating. The outer hoops were color matched to the electric blue on the car.

The show will also feature the "Operation Muscle Truck" a Street Trucks Magazine feature build that has bonspeed wheels and a hot rod look.

Also look for a very hot Tahoe built by Hill's Hot Rods and many other projects that we will post photos of here after the show!

bonspeed Wheels has Teamed Up with Street Trucks Magazine for “Operation Muscle Truck”

For the past few issues, Street Trucks has been working on what they’ve dubbed “Operation Muscle Truck”. The guys at this leading truck mag are taking a popular pickup platform and turning it into a “performance-inspired, cornering and handling machine”. When it came to the wheels, of course they would turn to nobody else but bonspeed Wheels.

In the latest issue, the ’95 Chevy C-1500 Cheyenne pickup was equipped with massive 20-inch bonspeed S/S wheels. The forged billet wheels look aggressive on the truck, and the large window design reveals the Baer brakes, too. Finally, the editors and bonspeed added one of the exclusive Color Forged© finishes to the wheel center in cast gray. Make sure to follow the build-up on the truck in Street Trucks magazine for the next few issues as it receives more updates.

Every set of bonspeed Wheels is custom-built to your specifications, offering wheels from 17-inches all the way to 26-inches. bonspeed was the first to offer the Color Forged© program, ensuring that your wheels are as unique as your car.

Find out more about bonspeed Wheels at www.bonspeedWheels.com.

Eddie Van Halen's- Van Hauler Original Photo!

I heard recently that the truck that Boyd Coddington and I designed and built for Eddie Van Halen was being resurrected. Duane Mayer at American Hot Rods called to ask if I knew anything about the truck that was built at Hot Rods by Boyd for Eddie? I replied that I did and where was it? He informed me that someone had called about restoring it and they were bringing it to his shop.

This was one bad ass sport truck with Corvette suspension, drive train and the full Boyd sport truck treatment. We even made one-off wheels that replicated Ed's stripe pattern. The side stripe not only had his stripes but, it ends with the shape of a guitar head. I do remember driving the truck through Los Angeles and many a Van Halen fan strained to see through the tinted windows. They knew what that stripe represented and they thought maybe the guitar god was behind the wheel.

Somewhere I have a photo of Eddie and I with the similar, but less modified giveaway truck in the Petersen Publishing photo studio. If I find it we will post that at a later date.

It is great to see the truck is being granted another life, but in my opinion a restoration instead of modification would have been better and more valuable!

PHOTO ABOVE: Brad Fanshaw, Eddie Van Halen and Boyd Coddington the day we delivered the truck at the 5150 studio.

VISIT:
Van Halen News Desk
bonspeed.com
bonspeedWheels.com
bonspeed Boys

bonspeed Wheels Invades Austin's Big "Texas Heat Wave"

bonspeed Wheels teamed with Hill's Hot Rods and braved the Texas July heat to invade this year's "Texas Heat Wave". The name was true to form and the sun was bright with Texas sized heat all weekend.The show was great and featured all kinds of cars and trucks. Yes, if you look at that sign Austin was the debut of 26" bonspeed wheels!

Thanks to Jason Hill and the gang from Hill's Hot Rods they hosted us and shoed us the best place for Mexican food in Austin!

Visit:
bonspeedWheels.com
bonspeed.com
hillshotrods.com

Scott's Hot Rods Show Off Mustang at GoodGuys Columbus With bonspeed Wheels!

Goodguys in Columbus, Ohio is always the location for the debut of many a top car! bonspeed's President; Brad Fanshaw walked in the gates on Friday and in the HOT staging lanes were two muscle cars wearing bonspeed's. These two cars were waiting their turn for the timed autocross, a must for competitors in the "Street Machine of The Year" competition.

The otrageously nice black Mustang was brought from California by Justin Padfield/Scott's Hot Rods. This car that features bonspeed "T-Rex" wheels and a "T-Rex" steering wheel was built for Mike Dingman.

You can see a feature on that Lime Green Mopar in the background in this months "Muscle Car Power". The cover car features bonspeed "Atom-Bomb" wheels.

VISIT:
bonspeedWheels.com
bonspeed.com
scottshotrods.com

bonspeed Wheels At GoodGuys- Des Moines, Iowa With MagMotoringWheels.com

The Summer always means that you will find bonspeed Wheels traveling the USA and attending the best car shows! One show we recently attended was the GoodGuys Heartland Nationals in Des Moines, Iowa on July 4th weekend.

bonspeed's President attended to support one of our dealers; MagMotoringWheels.com of Omaha, Nebraska. Mark and Damon Grimes the leaders at MAG had a great booth and brought two cars to represent the bonspeed wheel line.

At the booth was one of the baddest 1972 Camaro pro-street cars you will ever find! The car was built by MAG Motoring and has 18x8 bonspeed Huntington wheels in the front and 20x12 bonspeed Huntington wheels in the back. This killer ride has a full Air-Ride suspension and a big block for power.
Outside the guys from MagMotoringWheels.com rolled in a 1971 Chevelle with a bunch of cool modifications including the bonspeed Malibu wheels 18x8 front and 20x10 rear. This car was also constructed by MAG, these guys know how to build cars that have the stance!





VISIT:
bonspeedWheels.com
bonspeed.com
MagMotoringWheels.com

bonspeed Wheels at GoodGuys Des Moines, Iowa Event

bonspeed Wheels is starting the summer show season this weekend in Des Moines, Iowa. bonspeed's owner, Brad Fanshaw is attending the event with MagMotoringWheels.com our dealer from Omaha, Nebraska.
The event is the Goodguys Heartland Nationals and is sure to be a packed with cool cars, both hot rods, trucks and muscle cars. This event is open to a variety of hot rods and also features the autocross.

MagMotoringWheels.com is a long time dealer and builder from Omaha, Nebraska owned by Mark Grimes. They will have a full selection of bonspeed wheels on display indoors throughout the July 4th holiday weekend.

Stop by and see the new styles of bonspeed wheels and our new billet steering wheels!

VISIT: bonspeed Wheels website
VISIT: Mag Motoring Wheels website

Dixon Wins Again - Top Fuel Win In Norwalk!

PHOTO ABOVE: Larry Dixon the two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion is all smiles with bonspeed co-owner Michael Anthony at the "bonspeed Rock-n-Roll Bash" in Las Vegas, Nevada last November 2008.

You can bet that Larry Dixon had just as big a smile in Norwalk, OH last weekend, June 28th, 2009. He not only grabbed the #1 Top Fuel qualifying position but he backed it up with another win.

This win has placed Dixon firmly in the #2 spot overall and looking good for the upcoming race to the championship. It looks like he is settling into the new sponsor and dragster.

Again we must mention that he won this race wearing his bonspeed/Bonneville watch!

Our Friend and bonspeed Boy Larry Dixon Wins Englishtown

Good friend of everyone at bonspeed, Larry Dixon the champion top fuel pilot of the Al-Anabi/Alan Johnson Racing team wins his third national of the year! Congrats goes to Larry who makes the Englishtown, NJ NHRA national a step closer to yet another championship.

The win places Dixon in third overall in the standings as the the chase for top ten is closing quickly. Way to go Larry, we all think its the Bonneville/bonspeed Watches that you wear while flying down the quarter mile.

VISIT ALAN JOHNSON RACING
VISIT bonspeed.com

bonspeed's Michael Anthony Goes on Tour Today With Chickenfoot!

bonspeed co-owner, Michael Anthony, and his highly-anticipated band, Chickenfoot, head out TODAY on the first part of their world tour! The first leg kicks off for almost 30 days in Europe at the Nova Rock Festival in Austria and then, after cruising through the other continent, Michael and Chickenfoot will return to North America for the North American leg.

After a sold-out “Road Test” tour of just 9 cities and top-5-charting debut of the album, the band is sure to sell out and wow crowds. Support the bonspeed boy by rocking out at one of the shows, by joining the Chickenfoot Fanclub or by purchasing the new CD.

Michael told us that he loves touring but is going to miss his freshly rebuilt ’57 Nomad. The car just came back from Troy Trepanier’s Shop with new mods including a set of 18/20 bonspeed Delta Wheels.

To find out more about Chickenfoot and their upcoming tour, visit www.chickenfoot.us.

For more on bonspeed, go to www.bonspeed.com or follow us on twitter.

You can check out the bonspeed Wheels at www.bonspeedwheels.com.

Swing by Mother’s and Check Out bonspeed Wheels!

bonspeed Wheels is cruising the Hot Rod Power Tour with the Mother’s semi! We’ve got a brand new, slick wheel display riding around showing off our wheels and new steering wheels.

The Hot Rod Power Tour kicks off tomorrow, so go by and check out the bonspeed wheels in any of the cities on the tour.

Saturday, June 6
Madison, WI
Alliant Energy Center

Sunday, June 7
Racine, WI
Downtown Lakefront

Monday, June 8
South Bend, IN
St. Joseph County Fairgrounds

Tuesday, June 9
Mt. Clemens, MI (Detroit)
Metro Beach Metropark

Wednesday, June 10
Dayton, OH
University of Dayton Arena

Thursday, June 11
Somerset, KY
The Center for Rural Development

Friday, June 12
Bristol, TN
Bristol Motor Speedway

Saturday, June 13
Bristol, TN
Bristol Motor Speedway (Long Hauler Awards)


Later this summer, watch for some great deals only available at the bonspeed display with the Mother’s semi.

Footday!

Michael Anthony, part owner of bonspeed Wheels and one of the bad to the bone bonspeed Boys, is gearing up for the release of the first album from his new band, Chickenfoot! Today, (June 5, 2009) is the day the album drops and has been dubbed by the band as Footday, jabbing at the band’s obvious strange name.

The even more electrifying news is that tonight, Chickenfoot will also be rocking on the new Conan O’Brien led Tonight Show. FootRageous! With it being the first week of the new Conan show, of course the band will be there to leave their footprint with a live performance of “Oh Yeah”.

bonspeed Wheels is stoked to have their co-owner grace the stage at the Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien and reminds bonspeed Wheels enthusiasts to support Michael and Chickenfoot.

For more information about Chickenfoot, go to www.chickenfoot.us or www.MadAnthonyCafe.com.

Keep watching our bonspeed blog and Twitter for more on Michael, Chickenfoot and bonspeed.

bonspeed Scores the Cover of Super Chevy Magazine

Just like you we are always excited to see a cool car on the cover of a magazine. When we grabbed the May issue of Super Chevy we found Dave Wynne’s brilliant orange ‘69 Camaro! Yep, that Camaro is shod in bonspeed Malibu wheels. Dave added 18×8’s up front and 20×12’s in the rear. One fine Camaro!

CLICK HERE to Visit bonspeedWheels.com

Follow bonspeed Wheels on Twitter

Sign up to follow bonspeed Wheels at: http://twitter.com

We thought Twitter was kinda weird at first, who wants to know what is going on day by day at bonspeed Wheels? Then we had an idea why not give all our gearhead friends a chance to follow our adventures and get some deals and freebies along the way!

Sign up to follow us and along with the mundane info you can watch for 15 minute specials and even free offers only available on Twitter.

Sign up for the bonspeed Wheels tweets at http://twitter.com

Hotchkis Suspension Install on the bonspeed El Camino

bonspeed Wheels Pro-Touring El Camino Build-Up

Way back in 1996 the bonspeed El Camino was emblazoned across the cover of Car Craft. The car was the very start of the pro-touring trend in styling. The car had exotic (by 1995 standards) 18" wheels and oh my gosh four wheel disc brakes!

It did feature a quick steering box, a chassis built at the original Hot Rods by Boyd and a motor and trans that had been smoothed and painted body color. This El Camino with the Big Block and coil-over suspension was exotic for the day.

Fast-forward to 2009 and the car looks nice but it lacks some serious hardware underneath. bonspeed Wheels has teamed with Travis Noack, the editors of MuscleCar Power to remake the car and bring it back to cover car status. The El Camino will get among other parts BAER 6-piston brakes with 14" rotors front and back, Hotchkis tubular A-arms, sway bar and a complete suspension tune-up, shorty headers and new exhaust and of course a
new set of bonspeed Wheels. The wheels will be a 19" front and 20" rear set of our newest style, the "VinSpeed".

Follow the build in MuscleCar Power magazine beginning with the August issue (on sale date: May 26, 2009) and here at the bonspeed blog. You can even see a video of the of the suspension install now at Hotchkis.net.

(LEFT): Travis Noack from MuscleCar Power magazine loaded the El Camino on his H&H "Speedloader" trailer and hauled it off to Hotchkis for a full front suspension update.








bonspeed Wheels: www.bonspeedWheels.com
See the video: http://www.hotchkis.net/
Read the Magazine: MUSCLECAR POWER

Mopars at the Strip Build Car features bonspeed Wheels

The Mopars at the Strip event will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 20-22, 2009. This annual event is a mecca of cars for the Mopar fanatic. Every year the cars converge on Vegas and tear up the strip and shine in the desert sun. This is also an event that we wait to see what new parts and cool Mopar cars will emerge for the new year. We hear that the guys from Mr. Norm’s are bringing something pretty cool and it will feature bonspeed wheels.

The Mopars at the Strip event is also known for building some cool Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth during the show. Again in 2009, Steve Strope from Pure Vision will lead the build-up. This year the car is a 1967 Cornet and bonspeed Wheels along with Hotchkis, Pirelli and Wilwood will contribute to making the Cornet happen!

For more information:
THE EVENT: http://www.moparsatthestrip.com
THE WHEELS: http://bonspeedwheels.com

bonspeed boys- Brad Fanshaw and Michael Anthony Hot Rod TV

Hot Rod TV asked the bonspeed boys if they could follow them around the Grand National Roadster show in Pomona, California. What were we supposed to tell them, no?

bonspeed boys At Barrett-Jackson as Seen on Speed TV

bonspeed Wheels In HTC FUZE Phone Commercial

If you watch much TV you may have seen the commercial for AT&T's HTC FUZE mobile phone that features the Steve Strope built 515 GTB Charger. The car was built at Strope's shop in Simi Valley, California and is one of the coolest Chargers you will find. Plus the car is right hand drive!

What makes this bad boy even better are the one-off bonspeed wheels that we machined from solid 4" plate aluminum. The knock-off style wheels are based on a vintage Lola wheel. Check out the wheels in the video above and check out bonspeed wheels at the link below.

If you need some unique one-off wheels that no one else has then give us a call we can design and build you a set too. Our bonspeed kustom shop is ready to machine dreams- 714/666-1966.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT bonspeed wheels

bonspeed Has Great Holiday Gifts for Car Enthusiasts!

A great place to find garage gear, tools, organization and lots of other stuff that guys will like is the bonspeed.com website. If you are looking for holiday gifts that your automotive enthusiast, hot rodder or garage guy will love check them out!

The site has tools, car care, organisational items and great hot rod and car guy t-shirts!

VISIT CLICK HERE: bonspeed.com

bonspeed Limited Production Skateboard Art Decks

bonspeed Wheels began a new tradition at this years bonspeed bash, skateboard decks that double as wall art. These highly collectible decks were shown for the very first time at the party and they were met with great excitement.

These are the first three styles released in limited quantities and each is signed and numbered by the artist, bonspeed's own art director Rick Martin. They are also signed by the bonspeed owners; Michael Anthony and Brad Fanshaw. The decks are a natural because so many car enthusiasts grew up with skateboarding and skateboards were sometimes a first experience with speed and handling. bonspeed felt why not create a cool piece of art on a skateboard that can hang on a shop or office wall.

The limited run for this series will most likely be sold out by the time you read this, but bonspeed will be compiling a list for the next series of three styles. If you are interested in some skate art contact bonspeed at bonspeed@aol.com.ABOVE: Michael Anthony holds up two skateboard decks that bear his name.

bonspeed Wheels Website
bonspeed Website

bonspeed bash Goodie Bags

Everyone who attended the 2008 bonspeed Bash walked away with a limited edition t-shirt. Our celebrity and VIP guests each received one of these cool swag bags. Each bag was loaded with a limited edition bonspeed Bash t-shirt, an autographed bottle of Michael Anthony's hot sauce, two of Michael's very rare bonspeed guitar pics, a carbon fiber pen from Lear Jets, an issue of Velocity Magazine and a Flexjet cap. bonspeed would also like to thank Brian Benson Cellars, the makers of "Ed's Red" wine for participating and Knucklenuts Titanium rings.

bonspeed Releases Forged Aluminum Steering Wheels

bonspeed is best known for its forged aluminum wheels, but after numerous requests we have added steering wheels. Currently available in six (6) styles bonspeed offers full leather wrap, half wrap and solid billet aluminum. Leather matching and a variety of colors are available as well as most popular adaptor hubs.

Call our tech/order line for pries and information: 714/666-1966

ABOVE: Huntington style shown in solid aluminum; polished.


ABOVE: Delta style shown in black leather half wrap.


ABOVE: Laguna style shown in gray leather wrap.

ABOVE: Palisade style shown in burgandy leather.

bonspeed Wheels Rock & Roll Bash at the Hard Rock Hotel

bonspeed Wheels threw what many said was undoubtedly the party of the year; in conjunction with SEMA 2008! The exclusive invite only party was Wednesday night in a huge Hard Rock Hotel celebrity suite on the penthouse level high above the Las Vegas skyline.

The party was hosted by bonspeed boys; Brad Fanshaw (President & Owner), Michael Anthony (Owner and founding member of Van Halen) and Larry Dixon (bonspeed sponsored 2-time World champion top fuel driver). This was just like a backstage experience and as the invite stated; "In Vegas there are plenty of places to party like a rockstar; only bonspeed wheels invites you to party with the rockstars"! This party had rockstars aplenty and not just the musical type, the guests included the most talented builders, racing legends like Bob Bonduraunt, TV celebs like Genevieve Chappell, magazine editors and more.

All of the bonspeed Bash guests were treated like rockstars with laminate backstage passes, cocktails, and when they departed each received a limited edition t-shirt (only 150 were made) and our VIPs each got a very cool swag bag.

bonspeed plans to make this an annual event for its top customers and industry friends. The bonspeed Bash is certain to grow and in 2009 even more celebrities and surprises are sure to be expected. There is no better way to show off the newest wheels and products that bonspeed has to offer than with friends and a few cocktails during the SEMA event week!

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE!.......
ABOVE: Oh yeah, just like some hot nightclub there was a line to get into the bonspeed Bash!
Warren (Hard Rock Security with the clip board) was monitoring for party crashes while Troy Ladd of Hollywood Hot Rods (Black Hat) gets his laminates.

ABOVE: Once inside, joint was jumpin'!

ABOVE: Frank from Prodigy Customs (Black Shirt) grabs a cocktail.

ABOVE: bonspeed's dealers and VIP guests were invited to draw for some cool prizes. These included pinstriped bottles of Ed's Red wine, bonspeed Watches, bonspeed Titanium Knucklenut rings and limited edition bonspeed skateboards. Here Troy Trepanier draws for a prize while noted hot rod builder Bobby Alloway (Balck Jacket) waits for his chance. In the background laughing it up (Green/White shirt) is Bill Hancock the head sales guy at bonspeed.

ABOVE: Art Morrison and Craig Morrison talk chassis ideas with Michael Anthony.

ABOVE: Steve Strope (an old rocker himself) admires Michael Anthony's custom bass that was designed by bonspeed's art guy extraordinaire to commemorate the winning GT40 race cars. Watch for Michael to be wielding this ax on his next tour with Sammy Hagar.ABOVE: Just before the party started our favorite Top Fuel pilot; Larry Dixon had time for a quick photo with Michael. Dixon is so fast he is hard to get in any photos!ABOVE: Genevieve Chappell from Velocity TV was at the bash talking cars and looking for new story angles. She also took time for a photos with Steve Strope of Pure Vision (again) and Brad Fanshaw.ABOVE: Jason Hill of Hill's Hot Rods, one fantastic truck builder scored one of the limited edition bonspeed Wheel skateboards. bonspeed created three designs and just ten of each board, these limited edition boards are highly collectible art pieces. Each board was signed and numbered by our art director Rick Martin and the bonspeed boys; Michael and Brad.ABOVE: bonspeed's super sales guy Bill Hancock (green/white shirt) was working the room all night. Here he is cheering on Hal from Godfather's Customs while he draws for one of the VIP prizes.

Top Hot Rod, Kustom and Truck Builders at bonspeed Bash 2008

The bonspeed Bash was a "Who's-Who" of the automotive world! The party that was hosted by the bonspeed boys, Brad Fanshaw and Michael Anthony had enough automotive talent in one place that anything could have happened. bonspeed's master art director managed to corral some of the crew for a quick photo at the party.

PICTURED back row L to R: Tim Strange, Rick Dore, Troy Trepanier and Steve Strope.
PICTURED front row R to L: Larry Dixon, Brad Fanshaw, Bobby Alloway, Michael Anthony and Jason Hill.

This was just a handful of the talented builders, industry owners and VIPs that partied eleven stories above the Vegas skyline. It is no wonder all of these influential people know that bonspeed wheels and its family of products which include watches and apparel set the trends that others follow!

bonspeed Wheels Releases New Styles

In conjunction with this years 2008 SEMA show bonspeed Wheels gave dealers, builders and VIP guests a sneak peek of the latest styles to emerge from its California speed & design studios. bonspeed threw an exclusive invite only bash in the celebrity suite of the Hard Rock Hotel's top floor. The newest designs are fresh and technical and as Troy Trepanier stated; "You bonspeed guys have moved the wheel designs to a new level".

Available now are these new styles from bonspeed Wheels:

ABOVE: bonspeed "JAG-X" shown in brushed center/polished outer

ABOVE: bonspeed "S/S" shown in polished finish

ABOVE: bonspeed "SuperStar" shown in polished finish


ABOVE: bonspeed "T-REX" shown in polished finish

ABOVE: bonspeed "VinSpeed" shown in polished finish

CGS Ford Flex Rides on bonspeed Wheels for SEMA 2008

SEMA 2008 is just around the corner and the guys at CGS are busy wrenchin' on another in a long line of projects. This year they are building one trick Ford Flex the new crossover from Ford. In addition the many mods, including a one-off front fascia bonspeed Wheels will machine a special set of 22" wheels.

Look for this flax in the Ford booth at SEMA and for sure in all the magazines!

VISIT: www.bonspeedwheels.com

Sport Truck Features Xtreme Blazer

This is one bad-ass frame dropped blazer with 22" bonspeed Huntington wheels and they look like monsters under this truck. Check out more pics by clicking the link below!

CLICK HERE: Xtreme Blazer with bonspeed wheels

VISIT: bonspeedWheels.com

bonspeed Scores the Cover of Super Chevy Magazine

A recent cover of SUPER CHEVY MAGAZINE featured this fine 1969 Camaro owned by Ned Jackson. You see, Ned wisely chose a set of bonspeed "Delta" wheels for his pro-touring ride.
The details in his car stood out because of the choice of wheels; at least we think so.

This '69 rides on bonspeed "Delta" style wheels; 18x8 up front and 18x9 in the rear!

Read more about Ned's car at Super Chevy online:
Ned Jackson's 1969 Camaro with bonspeed Delta Wheels

bonspeed Wheels.com

Over 100 Sport Trucks all With bonspeed Wheels

Recently, we were doing some web surfing of our own and found that by searching at the Truckin' website we could see over 100 trucks with bonspeed Wheels. Click below and check them out!

Shopping for wheels see tons of bonspeed wheels on all kinds of trucks.

CLICK HERE: Over 100 bonspeed trucks

bonspeedWheels.com

bonspeed Clothing and Accessories

bonspeed's Ford F-150 Super Street Truck

You might know bonspeed as a wheel, but our design firm creates and builds too! Back in 2004 when Ford was introducing the new F-150 they handed one over to the bonspeed design team and we went crazy.

First we gutted the truck and removed every part inside and out. Then we installed a supercharged GT motor, six-speed manual transmission and an independent rear suspension.
I told ya we went crazy, about 600 man hours and bundles of cash later the dark eggplant purple screamer rolled from our shop. Check out all the info on this dream truck by clicking on the link below.

bonspeed F-150 Article

bonspeedWheels.com

bonspeed.com

Truckin' Features 1988 Silverado with 22" bonspeed Huntington Wheels

Check out Truckin' Magazines online home for a recent feature of a sweet 1988 Chevy truck rollin' on 22" bonspeed Huntington wheels. There is a link below to the article and be sure to visit the bonspeed Wheels website.

TRUCKIN'-1988 Chevy Silverado

bonspeed Wheels Website

Hot Rod TV is Re-Airing Shows Featuring the bonspeed boys, Brad Fanshaw and Michael Anthony

Hot Rod TV is re-airing the episodes featuring the bonspeed boys, Michael Anthony and Brad Fanshaw as part of a Saturday marathon. Tune in Saturday, August 2, 2008 for the following episodes:

• 9:00 a.m. "GT-40", with a cameo appearence by Michael Anthony and his personal Ford GT.
• 9:30 a.m. "AMBR", the bonspeed boys provide insight and observations from the grand-daddy of hot rod shows.
• 11 a.m., "MAD ANTHONY", Michael and Sue Anthony take their prized Shelby for a complete facelift, the show includes background and interviews with both Michael and Brad.

bonspeed Apparel Featured in Truckin' Magazine

Truckin' has published the 2008 Hot Rod Apparel Guide and it is full of bonspeed stuff!

A few months ago the editors of Truckin' called and asked if they could bring some models to where we manufacture our bonspeed Wheels? What they wanted was the factory as a backdrop to shoot the 2008 apparel guide.

We swept the floors and pulled out the t-shirts, the Truckin' editors did everything else! Be sure you click on the link below and visit the Truckin' website to see the entire article.

ABOVE: The Truckin' girls wearing the bonspeed "Dixie Dragstrip" and "Roadhouse"

CLICK HERE: Visit Truckin' '08 Apparel Buyers Guide
CLICK HERE: Visit the bonspeed Apparel Website

bonspeed Wheels the Originators of Color Forged© Wheels

Nothing looks better than a polished aluminum wheel, except maybe a custom bonspeed Color Forged© aluminum wheel!

bonspeed wheels was born in 1996 and has never looked back. Our styles are regularly praised as the cutting edge of wheel style and the Color Forged program that our company originated is stronger than ever.

The bonspeed Color Forged program allows customers to personalize their wheels more than ever. Now billet forged wheels can be made to accent your vehicle your way. It is personalization that makes a car a hot rod.

The idea is to let customers imagine the bonspeed wheel anyway they want, polished, brushed, clear coated, powder coated center or?

RIGHT: A bonspeed Vector in brushed finish with selected black powder coating and clear finish.

BELOW: The bonspeed Rodr' in polished with standard grey spoke insets and clear coated.

Vist: bonspeed Wheels

Truckin' Magazine Uses bonspeed "Clutch" Wheels

Truckin' Magazine just posted a build-up on a 2008 GMC Sierra shortbox pickup. The red truck features a nice look with bonspeed "Clutch" wheels. Check out the link below to see the online build!

CLICK HERE: Truckin' GMC

VISIT bonspeed Wheels

bonspeed boys Seen on Paparazzi Website

The paparazzi website Mavrixonline.com had their paparazzi posted outside of Mr. Chow's last Friday night. The bonspeed boys, Michael Anthony and Brad Fanshaw had just walked out after dinner when the cameras blazed. The paparazzi was, of course after the famous bonspeed boy; Michael Anthony. Known more to these celebrity hounds for his years with Van Halen, they asked Michael what he was planning for the summer. Visit the link below and you can see the photos and what he had to tell them!

The bonspeed boys were with friends for dinner at the world famous Mr. Chow's, after a taping of the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Jay was friendly as ever, and gave us all the backstage treatment and showed off his car that he drove to the studio that day!

CLICK HERE: See Michael Anthony photos
CLICK HERE: Visit "bonspeed boys" website
CLICK HERE: Visit bonspeed.com
CLICK HERE: Visit Mad Anthony Cafe.com

bonspeed GMC Sierra Featured in Truckin'

bonspeed's Award-Winning GMC "King Sierra" Featured in Truckin' Magazine

Check out the bonspeed "King Sierra" in Truckin' Magazine or at the Trickinweb.com site. The editors of Truckin' had us follow them to a remote photo location for the feature, after swearing us to secrecy. With cool photo locations in So. Cal. disappearing as quickly as the glaciers we promised not to tell of this place.

Check out the entire article and all of the specifics of the truck bonspeed designed and constructed for the 2007 SEMA show. The "King Sierra" truck has 22" bonspeed Velocity wheels with a custom powder coating

CLICK HERE to see the bonspeed "King Sierra" Article

CLICK HERE to visit bonspeed Wheels

CLICK HERE to visit bonspeed's other websites

bonspeed boys on Hot Rod TV

If you are a fan of "Hot Rod TV" on Speed then keep your eyes peeled for re-airings of episodes featuring the "bonspeed boys"; Brad Fanshaw and Michael Anthony. The producers of "Hot Rod TV" asked the boys to work with them on three shows.

The first was the two-part coverage of the 2008 Grand National Roadster show in Pomona, California. Brad and Michael spent the afternoon walking the show commenting on the cars, seeing friends and drooling over the craftsmanship while the cameras roll.

Hot Rod TV's episode about the legendary GT-40 featured bonspeed boy Michael Anthony and his fine Ford GT. The cameo shows Michael zooming around in his personal GT, that is so fine with the massive bonspeed wheels.

The most extensive episode is a re-build of Michael and Sue Anthony's GT500 Shelby. The orange Musclecar was shipped to Gateway Classic Mustangs and the camera crew followed the action. Interviews with both Brad and Michael give a great look at the fun they have. It was all filmed at the secret Southern California warehouse that houses some of the bonspeed boys cars.

Watch Speed listings for re-airings and it will also be available on dvd.

SEMA 2007 bonspeed Storms the Show!

The SEMA show is a massive car Mecca and you must do more than just be there. Make a statement, be bold and be seen...that is what bonspeed and the bonspeed boys did at SEMA 2007! The new booth seen above was created by our in-house graphic guru "RM" and you could see it for rows and rows.

The new bonspeed Wheels catalog was so popular that we blew through thousands. The bold graphic theme was created by the team at bonspeed and everyone dug the new look.

The new catalog features the seven new styles we introduced at SEMA and features a few of the vehicles rolling on bonspeed wheels.




No party at SEMA is complete until the celebrities are in attendance. At the bonspeed Wheel booth fans could meet NHRA Top Fuel Champion Larry Dixon. Again in 2008 be sure to watch Larry's visor for the familiar bonspeed logo. Larry is a good friend of ours and the fans lined up for autographs and photos.











What is cooler than having the bonspeed designed and constructed 2008 GMC Sierra blasted across the big screen? The truck was displayed at the Sony Xplod display for the duration of the show, but GM kept the crowds in full view.

The bonspeed "King Sierra" went on to win the coveted GM Design Award!

The truck features one of our newest designs the bonspeed 22" Vector wheel.








Barry Meguiar grabbed bonspeed boy, Brad Fanshaw and Larry Dixon for an interview with Car Crazy.

The two spoke with Barry about Larry's NHRA Top Fuel title chase, hot rods, bonspeed and the new projects that are being created at the bonspeed design studio in Orange County, California.

Watch for this interview as part of Car Crazy's coverage of the SEMA 2007 event.


No mention of the SEMA show would be complete without talking about the parties!
SEMA is THE party of the year for car guys
and needless to say the bonspeed boys partake
in as many as we can.

So there it is another year of walking miles, talking and meeting friends, endless nights preparing and swearing we will never stay out so late on a tradeshow night...yeah we say that every year!

Hey see you in 2008 and thanks for representing for bonspeed!

bonspeed Wins GM Design Award at SEMA 2007

SEMA has grown to such a size that even a die-hard car guy can push overload! This is the show that has thousands of top quality cars, trucks and exotics. Industry heavyweights are rubbing elbows with auto executives and everyone is looking for that extra something...somthin'.

bonspeed "the california speed and design studio" and wheel manufacturer came to SEMA with seven new wheel styles, a new booth , a new catalog and a 2008 GMC Sierra. We left with tons of new business, some stories that are better left in Vegas and the GM DESIGN AWARD!

The GMC Sierra was designed and constructed at the bonspeed shop with some expert assistance from our partners. The truck arrived about five weeks before SEMA and we immediately tore it apart. After choosing the paint colors of; Dupont's Kandy Sunset with a Kandy Apple Red stripe over a black base we added the tan pinstripes. The paint was completed at L&G Paint in San Dimas, CA. The pinstripes were laid down by Theresa who has mad skills!

Thanks to all of our partners and the skilled people who assisted us in making the truck a reality.

Build List:
Paint- L&G
Suspension- Custom Truck Shop
Interior- Andy Harrison
Wheels- 22x8.5 bonspeed Vector (what else!)
22x10 bonspeed Vector
Tires- Pirelli Scorpian 245/45/22
Suspension- McGaughy's 3" and 4" drop
Audio/Video- Sony Xplod
Audio install- Mark's Auto Sound
Brakes- SSBC 14" rotor/6-piston
Exhaust- Borla stainless steel
Bed Cover- Retractable aluminum by Peragon
Expanded Wire Grills- SES Trims

Watch for our bonspeed "King Sierra" in leading magazines.

VISIT: bonspeedWheels.com

Dixon Chases Top Fuel Title in Pomona

It was the final race of the year; NHRA's World Finals in Pomona, California. Larry Dixon the bonspeed sponsored driver of the Don Prudhomme Top Fuel dragster was in the top four and things looked great! Boyd and Jo Coddington joined Brad Fanshaw for a trip to the races. During round one we were invited to watch from the starting line, directly between the two thundering dragsters. Wow, what a rush horsepower and nitro.

Between rounds our hosts; Larry Dixon and Don Prudhomme took time for a quick photo. Even though Larry was unable to clinch a third top fuel title in Pomona there is some great news. The 2008 season will see Larry driving with the U.S. Smokeless banner, formerly Skoal.

Thanks to the Don Prudhomme team for a fantastic season, bonspeed is very happy to be associated with the team and Larry Dixon.

Hell Freezes Over at SEMA 2007

Brad Fanshaw and Boyd Coddington made big news at the SEMA show in Las Vegas by announcing that after eleven years they would again team up! One reporter asked if, Hell had frozen over? He referred to the fact that when the two split, it did not seem as they would ever reunite. Read more below from the actual press release:


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Charlotte Mielke
info@bonspeedMedia
714.666.1999

Boyd Coddington Links Hot Rodding Past With the Future

Innovator, Fabricator and TV Star Teams With Former Partner

Anaheim, CA- October 16 2007- Boyd Coddington may be most commonly known today, as the under-the-gun, deadline-stomping star of “American Hot Rod”. Coddington’s on-screen persona may give the impression that he storms through and demands others to make the impossible happen. In fact, Coddington is a hot rod industry icon, that is more automotive stylist than drill sergeant.

The legend of Boyd Coddington and his now familiar and very copied look began in his backyard garage in 1976. The Disneyland machinist had an ability to execute his innovative ideas. It is his eye for color, textures and a smooth high-tech look that are his trademark. The first to machine aluminum parts and wheels for a personalized and functional approach, Coddington built a team to develop his dreams.

Coddington’s innovations have become not just hot rodding touchstones, but influences that have helped the entire aftermarket industry flourish. In the late 1990’s, as Coddington’s unique billet aluminum wheel line began to grow, he met a young car enthusiast, Brad Fanshaw. Fanshaw had just completed several years of growing a popular skate, surf and snowboard brand to huge success and sales exceeding $100 million. Coddington recognized the value of a true car enthusiast with ideas born from a cutting-edge industry and the business acumen to help his fledgling hot rod shop and wheel company.

The team of Coddington and Fanshaw is famous to some in the aftermarket industry and yet an enigma to many enthusiasts. Together, the two stormed the hot rod industry creating products, promotions, celebrity of some employees and most notably the industries first publicly held wheel company on NASDAQ.

Making the company an industry leader was due to the efforts of many talented people; however, Coddington and Fanshaw developed and executed the strategy. It was Coddington’s skill in the factory and the hot rod shop that kept things rolling. Fanshaw, the ever behind-the-scenes man promoted, marketed and created the mystic of the legendary brands while positioning the company for an IPO.

“We had most likely, the finest group of fabricators ever assembled under one roof. There was magic when we built a hot rod and I enjoyed every car that our shop constructed. Beyond the cars and products, it was the branding and innovative ideas that allowed us to grow.” says Boyd Coddington. The creative hot rod think tank kept turning out innovative cars, wheels, apparel and accessories.

“I believe Boyd does not get the credit he deserves, he is what I call a conceptual designer. He may not be able to draw or sketch his cars or ideas, but he is no less a designer. Boyd looks at a car or develops an idea in his head, sure someone else must draw it, but only so it can be executed. He is never credited with the open attitude in which he has tutored others like Chip Foose and Jesse James they were allowed the opportunities that provided them with a foundation for accomplishment.” states Fanshaw.

The business relationship between Coddington and Fanshaw split in 1996. The IPO took its toll on the working relationship and each went their separate ways; with Coddington continuing his wheel and hot rod business and most recently his fame on TV. Fanshaw applied his ideas and marketing skills in creating a Swiss watch manufacturing company before returning to the aftermarket industry with wheels, apparel and gauges.

At a time when Coddington’s star is as shiny as the billet parts on his custom creations, the hot rod legend is certainly not standing still. With television, corporate endorsements, licensing deals and a customer waiting list he is ready to create even more magic. So after no more than casual meetings at car shows or trade events in the last eleven (11) years, the two have announced that they are again working on some special projects, ideas and developing new business strategies.

“There are times when everything just runs perfect, no misfires or stalls and it is due to the team with who you surround yourself. I am certainly not taking a step back, but rather a leap forward while remaining true to the past. You know the best hot rods always blend the old and new. The combined knowledge, new ideas and positive influences of people like my wife Jo will allow me to embark on projects that before now were only dreams.” explains Coddington.

The Coddington Companies and the “Boyd Look” supplied a baseline for the aftermarket industry. Now after eleven years Boyd Coddington will team with Brad Fanshaw to bring a new generation of enthusiasts as well as loyal die-hard fans more Boyd magic.

About Boyd Coddington and The Boyd Coddington Company
Boyd Coddington is an internationally recognized automotive designer, builder, fabricator and television star. He is recognized as one of the winningest hot rod builders of all-time and has been included in many automotive Hall of Fames. The Boyd Coddington company is well-known for designing and constructing numerous show quality custom automobiles for celebrities such as ZZ Top and Michael Anthony of Van Halen. The corporations that have sought Boyd Coddington include Budweiser, White Cap, Sobe, Old Milwaukee Beer, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Hershey. With his name representing companies and products world wide it is not uncommon for the Boyd Coddington name to be found in most automotive stores. His trademark billet aluminum wheels the product that launched an industry are today manufactured under a license to American Racing.

For additional information contact:
bonspeedMedia at 714.666.1999 or visit www.boydcoddington.com

Bonspeed Boys Website

We have a new website called the "bonspeed Boys" and man do we have some cool stuff planned. The new site is a photo blog of what trouble the boys at bonspeed can find or conjure up!. The mis-adventures, projects, places we go and the people we meet.

Michael is going on tour with Sammy Hagar in October and bonspeed is building three new show cars so you never know what you will see at the site. Let me tell you it will make for lots of behind the scenes action. There is already a great look at the adventures of the Boys posted. Coming soon, Monterey, Private Jet Customizing, boats in Newport Bay, SEMA GMC truck build, project updates and Michael preparing for tour.

Tell your friends and check out the website every week. If we can keep up with the bonspeed Boys and their out of control lifestyles this will be one hell of website.

CLICK HERE: bonspeed Boys website

Car Guys On My Space.com!

Ok, I admit that until recently I thought that myspace.com was for kids, bands and movie trailers. Then while doing internet research I began visiting the site. I was surprised to find that there are thousands of car guys, truck guys and girls who participate at myspace.com.

I visit forums like pro-touring.com and yenkos.net, at those sites it is hard core car guys. I enjoy reading the posts, interacting and learning. At myspace.com, I found young guys and girls from all over, but also enthusiasts of every age. It really gives me and our company a chance to interact one-on-one with customers. Not just that, but car events too, yeah tons of cool events for car guys.

The myspace.com community allows me to notify my friends with message blasts. Lets say I am posting new images of the bonspeed project car or we are planning an open house. My friends at myspace can get a message that appears at their myspace page. They are the first to see our newest information!

Old tech for some, but many of you are still old school and need to get a profile set-up. If you do not experience myspace you are missing a ton of fun, friends and cars!

Go to www.myspace.com/bonspeedwheels and check out the profile, also be sure to become one of our friends. It is a new world for car enthusiasts!

www.myspace.com/bonspeedwheels
http://bonnevillesports.com/index.htm

bonspeed Sponsored Larry Dixon- In Run for NHRA Top Fuel #1

Larry Dixon the driver of the Don Prudhomme Racing- Sky Tel dragster has clinched a position
in the NHRA Top 8! Larry who is sponsored by bonspeed has clinched a position by commanding constant driving skills.

The new points system that NHRA is using has proven to be exciting!

We congratulate Larry on his 2007 NHRA season and wish him the best on grabbing another Top Fuel Championship!

See the NHRA Standings
Visit bonspeed.com
See the bonspeed boys!
bonspeed Wheels at My Space

Scottsdale in January is Car Mecca!

It's January and that means that the "bonspeed boys" and our friends are headed to Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale in January is like Mecca for car guys, it has something for everyone.

There are so many car auctions you begin to wonder just how many rare cars are out there. You also realize that almost every enclosed transport company has there fleet parked in town.

From January 13th to the 21st there is the Russo and Steel auction, RM Auction, Kruse and the Barrett-Jackson event. Between these events you can find a car, an atmosphere and some fun for just about any like.

Brad Fanshaw, bonspeed's President has been attending the Barrett-Jackson event for over 20 years. Brad began trekking out to the event when he was young and could only dream of the cars that crossed the block. Now years later he has transacted over 12 vehicles at the event.

It was five years ago that Brad and his wife Charlotte introduced Michael Anthony (bonspeed co-owner) and his wife Sue to the Barrett-Jackson extravaganza. Since then they have not missed a year and have bought two cars; a GT 500 Shelby for Sue and the '57 Nomad above.

The great thing about the auction week in Arizona is you don't need to buy or sell to have fun. These events are cars shows, excitement and the car world is in attendance. So plan a trip to Scottsdale and find us, the "bonspeed boys" and say hello!

PHOTO ABOVE:
Sue, Michael their daughter Elisha and Brad on stage at Barrett-Jackson 2006. Michael was the winning bidder on this super clean 1957 Chevrolet Nomad custom. Our Friend Jim Peterson is hiding behind Brad while Mike Riley (in black T in front of auctioneer) is considering out-bidding Michael for the car.

bonspeed Boys On Speed TV!

In case you missed it over the holiday's the "bonspeed boys" were featured on Speed TV! The segment was part of the Barrett-Jackson event coverage on their show "Life on the Block" entitled; "ROCK-ON!

The show aired on December 18th and again several times including Christmas day and New Year's day. The crew at Speed TV followed Michael Anthony and Brad Fanshaw, the owners of bonspeed as they sold five of their cars and helped Sammy Hagar sell his prized Shelby GT 500.

Speed's producer Jana DeHart did a fantastic of job capturing the excitement and crazy tension of moving almost $575,000 worth of cars across the block one after another!

Watch for re-airings of the show throughout the year on Speed TV! You can also check our bonspeed website as we will post the air times as we learn of them.

Click Below to visit:
bonspeed website
Speed TV
Barret-Jackson

New Year...New Project Cars

© bonspeed 2006

The new year is more than parties and Times Square around the bonspeed design studio. While most car guys in the Midwest and East are safely storing their cars for winter, we are dreaming up new SEMA projects. Yes, SEMA! I know that show-of-shows just ended a month ago, but the car makers already want new fresh ideas.

Every year at this time we are conceptualizing our newest ideas for the factories. Some of the ideas are accepted and others are thrown in a drawer. Some of those ideas are damn good ones too!

In 2006 bonspeed was asked by Ford to create a design that would make the already steller Mustang GT 500 Shelby even better. This car never was built, but these illustrations will show you just one project gone but not forgotten, maybe one day we will dust off the drawer of old ideas for a customer or ourselves!

Wait till you see what we are designing for 2007!

© bonspeed 2006 All rights Reserved

New & Improved bonspeed!

Everything is new at bonspeed; a new website, new products and a new catalog. Check it out and let us know what you think? You could even shop online while you are there!

CLICK HERE: Visit the new website
CLICK HERE: See New T-shirt Designs
CLICK HERE: Order the bonspeed Catalog

Edsel Ford's Hot Rod Has bonspeed Wheels!

Edsel Ford II, the grandson of Henry Ford is a real car guy, but he is also a giving guy. The bonspeed boys have had the opportunity to get to know Edsel. When asked if we would create a set of wheels for his charity '32 roadster we jumped!

Wanting the car to have the right look Edsel asked for a set of bonspeed's. We built a set of 18" wheels for the front and 20" wheels for the rear. The style is the bonspeed "V8", our retro inspired kidney bean, baby moon look. The Hot Rods and Horsepower built roadster debuted in the Ford booth at SEMA and Edsel had a big grin.

Edsel's charity is the JDRF, (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), and he has teamed with Hot Rods & Horsepower who will build the cars. This first car, #7532001, will be signed and driven on-stage by Edsel Ford II, at the Barrett-Jackson Auction in Scottsdale, January 2007. The entire proceeds will benefit the JDRF. In addition to the premiere vehicle, Edsel Ford II will sign an additional 9 cars, each with a $25,000 premium that will be donated to the nearest local chapter of the JDRF to where the purchaser resides.

Learn More:
hotrodsandhorsepower
bonspeed Wheels

When Muscle Cars Cruised The Streets!

Are there any real cruise nights anymore? Not the fairground cruises that Goodguys and NSRA promote. Those overly structured, local parking lot gatherings do not count either. What I am seeking is a place where every week, on a given day, street machines, muscle cars, hot rods and barely street legal race cars just know where to go and when to be there.

No glossy advertising, monthly magazines or even a flyer, you just know. That is how it was on Van Nuys Boulevard, or Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona and even one of my stomping grounds Dodge Street in Omaha, Nebraska.

Towns big and small around the country all had a local cruise night. Some cities had numerous cruise night locations! It was just a known fact that places like these existed. They were unorganized bastions of youth rebellion where your shouts were made with Hooker headers and screeching tires.

Like I said, Dodge Street in Omaha, Nebraska was where I learned the ways of real car cruising. Every Friday and Saturday night, from the first night in April (above 45 degrees) until late Fall, we gathered on Dodge. I learned quickly that parking was done in a hierarchal manner. Just pulling in anywhere could get you at best, leering stares, at worst a fight. On Dodge, it was Big O Tires, McDonalds, the Music Store and National Automotive. Sure there were other places to park but these were where “The Cars” parked and National Automotive was “The Show”.

During my second season of Dodge Street cruising, I was asked by a guy with a notable LS6 triple black 1971 Chevelle SS if I wanted to park at National? No need to ask twice, I was in the show!

That night, my 1967 Chevelle SS drove down Dodge with a newly found swagger. I pulled up to the driveway of National and inched my way into a parking space. The night was warm and humid the exhaust fumes just hung around and made the night air grey. The haze was no annoyance, this was the spirit of horsepower.

My Chevelle was ready for this night, the car was unmistakable with a bright Vega Orange paint job that sat in stark contrast to the Blue, Black and Red muscle cars of the day. The big block was bored .40 over, with an Holley 850 double-pumper, Hooker headers, a Powerglide with a high-stall converter, B&M shifter and 9” slicks wrapped around Corvette rally wheels. Ready, if someone wanted to meet at Abott Drive by the Airport for a late night street race.

Nothing worth mentioning happened that night. But, I can still remember seeing my car parked at National amongst the best cars on the street. Nowadays, that collection of cars would command millions at Barrett Jackson.

Cars like “ThunderColt” a Pearl White Mach 1 Mustang, a Black 1969 COPO Camaro, Hemi cars of all types, a flamed H.O. 455 Olds, the dual-quad Galaxy lightweight that ran pop-can Thrush glass packs. So many notable cars that were impressive then for their command of the street not the auction block.

I guess those days and those cruise nights are gone forever? Today, liability limits the parking lots and corporate-minded promoters organize the cruise. I’ll keep searching and if you know of a place that still exists, let me know. Maybe I will visit it sometime!

Barrett-Jackson 2006 Revisited

Every January Barrett-Jackson plops a giant tent in the Arizona desert and sells some of the finest cars, trucks and motorcycles in the world. This year bonspeed brought five concept cars and Sammy Hagar's GT500 Shelby to the event.

It was hard to see these cars cross the auction block. Each represents hours of fabrication, our original ideas and the collective creative soul of the bonspeed crew. The cars included the 2004 bonspeed X-Type Jaguar, 2003 "Speed Cult" Pontiac Sunfire, 2004 bonspeed "Banshee" F 150, 2005 bonspeed "Black Rose" Mustang GT and the 2003 Saleen "bonspeed Edition" Thunderbird.

Sure we emptied the warehouse and refueled the bank account by selling these cars. Still it was difficult to see the cars drive away. in one case literally. The new owner of the F-150 drove his new purchase home, even after I advised against it. The bonspeed concepts are not just show cars they are one-off vehicles built for the factories and really represent part of american car culture and history. It was nice to know these enthusiasts bought our cars out of the 1500 or so at the event, but deep down I had hoped they would go to a museum or maybe a foreign country. Some place I could visit them regularly or that far off land where I would never again see them.

The F-150 buyers trip home, Phoenix to Palm Springs, it is just what the truck was built to do, however, I recommended, after you familiarize yourself with the GT motored six-speed road demon. I also directed him to the fiberglass front fascia and like all of the bonspeed concepts, it represented the only one in the world. A late night run across the desert might prove fatal to such a part!

Maybe I'm just an automotive parent who hates to see the kids leave or maybe deep down I wish they still had a place in my warehouse?

It was the Monday after Barrett-Jackson and the phone rang at the office, it was him! I wondered, what happened is my truck wrecked...ummm....is his truck wrecked? Worse, maybe it was something mechanical and he was stranded in some desert town and totally pissed at me. I picked up the phone and his cheery voice exclaimed something to the effect of, "What a truck! I got 18 miles to the gallon and it drove perfect, I love this thing.

I hope the other cars are appreciated and will be put to good use, I even hope to see them again some day. Now it is time to begin filling that warehouse again and we have already begun working on two new concept cars here at the bonspeed studios. When the time is right we will tell you about them here. We will design them, build them and some day sell them.

See the cars at: www.bonspeed.com
Also Visit the new bonspeed homepage

Rock-N-Road Michael Anthony & Sammy Hagar On Tour

It was hot, really hot last Friday when I jumped in the car and fought Friday traffic on the 15 Freeway. If you don’t live in Los Angeles you cannot imagine how many people pile in their cars to drive the 15 on their way to Las Vegas.

But who am I to complain? I was headed to the Glen Hellen Pavillion; just off the 15 freeway for an afternoon in the sun at Michael and Sammy’s pre-tour rehearsal. This would be the last fine tune before they head out for an entire summer of concerts. They had invited some close friends and family to watch the run-through of songs and last changes.

Sammy, who I had not seen since the Barrett-Jackson auction; when we sold his Shelby was in great spirits. It was either he was ready for a summer tour or he had already hit the Cabo Wabo tequila bar? Michael was trying out each of his bass guitars and tuning his bonspeed designed Ford GT bass he will be using this summer.

Guitar Row Backstage

These car guys will be away from their cars all summer, so support them by attending as many shows as possible! If you are up front where Michael can hear you, give a shout out for bonspeed, Michael will surely give you the big thumbs up!

Check out these links for tour dates and more information!
http://redrocker.com/
http://madanthonyblog.blogspot.com/
http://madanthonycafe.com/

Von Dutch - Ed Roth - Rat Fink & Robert Williams

Car Art: Ed Roth, Rat Fink Von Dutch

A few weeks ago, I attended an RM Auction at the Petersen Museum in Los Angeles. The auction was a collection of art and memorabilia from the Brucker Collection. This auction was a collection of items from the once museum; Movie World: Cars of the Stars that closed in 1979.

When they cleaned out the museum the brothers Bruckner stored anything and everything in an airplane hanger. This included a turbine powered car, to paintings, signs and even personal items from such low brow artists as Von Dutch, Ed Roth and Robert Williams!

The treasure trove survived thanks to these guys and was vast because Roth worked for them and Von Dutch had his home there (an old bus parked out back). Every sign, toolbox and office item has now become a part of Kustom Kulture because the hands of these artists and usually their striping brushes touched them!

The auction was small and attended by true enthusiasts of the low brow art world. I ran into a few old friends like Craig Stysek a supporter of the art since before it was cool to like the style.

I must say, I felt that estimates were low in the catalog but the prices even surprised me! The Von Dutch pinstriping box fetched an incredible $270,000, the tailgate from his truck got a whopping $149.000.

Roth items also grabbed some big prices like $25,300 for an ink drawing used for t-shirt and sticker art. Almost all of those drawings went for prices in the thousands of dollars.

I had my eye on a few items like the Howard Hughes motor on a pinstriped stand by Von Dutch. One of the many paintings by Robert Williams or the striped tool boxes, those however were scooped up by much wealthier enthusiasts than me!

Later in the day I found my chance and was able to get something for my own collection! An original Ed Roth ink drawing complete with a monster, blown motor and huge tires. The drawing was mine at the drop of the hammer and I can now say I own something that Roth drew in the 1960’s.

Check out all of the auction results at: http://rmauctions.com/index.cfm

Click Below to Visit our Other Blog!

Why Car Guys Love Cool T-Shirts

James Dean and Steve McQueen both were t-shirt guys that enjoyed cars. Both of these icons had the choice of any t-shirt; as long as it was white. We have the choice today of t-shirts emblazoned with virtually any type of car, performance product or event.

T’s are great because they show your pride in Chevrolet, Ford, Mopar, Ferrari or whatever you drive. Now they come in a variety of colors including the ever popular belly-reducing black. Admit it, black looks cool and promotes your bad-boy image, but, it also hides the results of too many late night burger runs.

Ebay has a great selection of vintage t-shirts and even some very nice reproductions. You can also find a huge selection of car-guy t-shirts at car shows. The t-shirt tells the world who you are and what you like, it also says you have style; so I would recommend a bonspeed T!

http://www.bonspeed.com
http://www.ebay.com

For Sale 1967 Chevelle SS

My Dad asked if I was interested in looking at a car his friend had for sale? I was 15 years and 11 months old, so needless to say, I would have looked at a ratted-out Pinto. Dad then told me that his friend had a 1967 Chevelle for sale, an SS he added.

Although, my Dad always had powerful Fords with 429 Interceptor motors he was not what you would call a car guy. His cars were ordered with the legendary motors because he traveled a lot and wanted the power for the open highway. When he uttered the words Chevelle, immediately followed by SS, he honestly didn’t realize my knees were weak.

All Dad knew was his buddy had a car that seemed like something I might like and it fit my budget. Yes, three words that are never mentioned in the same sentence anymore; “muscle car and budget”. It was 1978 and this 1967 Chevelle Super Sport with a 396 and posi-traction rear end could be mine for a post negotiation price of $535.00.

This 35,000 mile Chevelle was all original in Marina Blue with a black interior. This is the car we all dream of finding in a garage or barn today. In 1978 it was transportation for a family in Iowa and was soon to become mine!

I bought the car with my paper route money and the proceeds from selling my YZ80 dirt bike. Times change and today cars like this even in nearly junkyard condition, fetch $5-$6k while a 30,000 mile original would cost far more than paper route money.

Unlike so many people who can only wonder what happened to the muscle car they drove in high school, I know. My Chevelle sits apart awaiting restoration in my garage. It was a high-milage car when stored and now after 26 years of gathering dust, it is a low-milage jewel. I better get that car back on the road before I’m high-milage and unrestorable!

Hot Rods Need To Be Reinvented!

It was a great idea in the 1950s when guys began building hot rods. They were bored, wanted cars that would go faster and desired something with a cool, new look. In the 1960’s, hot rods took a turn toward futuristic design with bubble tops and gimmicks.

It was the late 1970s that hot rods again changed, builders wanted cars that handled better and took advantage of the technology of the day. Jaguar independent rearends, power windows and late model drivetrains found their way under the bodies of the 1920s and 1930s. It was thought that these cars could get no better.

As the 1980s dawned, innovative thinkers reinvented the hot rod again, the “Vern Luce Coupe” and the “Jamie Musselman Roadster” dramatically changed hot rods forever! These two hand-built hot rods utilized aerospace machining technology and artistic vision to create what is considered commonplace today. These were the hot rods that introduced billet wheels, billet components, smooth style and laid-back grills and windshields.

The 1990s saw this style of hot rod refined and developed virtually every way possible. It was a fantastic time for hot rodders as imagination, innovation and opportunity loomed around every shop. As the Millennium grew closer so did the anticipation that a new era in hot rodding would dawn. Who would usher in the next era? What new style would some innovative hot rodder develop?

Just like the ballyhooed Y2K scare, nothing happened! It is now 2006 and still no new innovative look has emerged. The cars that win Riddler and the GNRS all would look virtually the same if painted white. The smooth look sans door handles and flush mounted everything is now overdone. The only new look in hot rods has been rat rods. I love rat rods and have been happy to see this trend grow, but it is the restoration of a 1950s look.

Sure, I see cars that I really like and I see parts or small details that scream with innovation. What I don’t see, is a fresh new look, an overall design that changes how everyone imagines building a hot rod. Maybe it is the intimidation of the high six-figure cars that scares away anyone from trying. It could be that anyone who cares enough is looking to retirement and, hot rods are becoming a dying breed.

Will hot rods be replaced with the next generations interest in muscle cars? That is where the money is being spent, just look at Alan Johnson’s latest project, a 1971 Plymouth Cuda that has raised the bar and the standard for muscle cars or street machines, as you like. Nothing like that has found its way from a shop wearing a hot rod skin. It could be an evolution that will dawn, not the revolution of style.

The time is now for hot rod builders to take a forward looking eye at what they build. Hot rods have become a big business and any good businessman knows that products trend and that your next product better be new and improved!

See More Photos and read about the Alan Johnson built Cuda:
http://popularhotrodding.com/editorial/0604phr_cuda/

Hot Rods by Boyd 10.5 Years Ago

A little over ten years ago my days were filled with attorneys, accountants and tons of billet aluminum. It was 1995 and I had just achieved a tremendous goal, taking Hot Rods by Boyd and Boyds Wheels public!

I was the guy behind the scenes; Boyd Coddington’s business partner and President of both companys. Just six years earlier, I had joined a small but creative hot rod shop and now we were listed on NASDAQ. You have heard the saying, “These are the best of times and the worst of times.”. That pretty much sums up my last year with Boyds.

PHOTO: Boyd Coddington and Brad Fanshaw on Wall Street the day of Boyds I.P.O. 1995

The best of times are so endless, that I cannot even list them all, but here are some highlights:
• Leading the creative marketing and a team that crafted some of the finest hot rods and innovative wheels ever built!
• Working with Harry Hibler (Hot Rod Magazine’s Publisher) and Gray Baskerville (Hot Rod Magazine Legend)
• An assembly of the finest employees and friends to work with; such as all of the Swedes like Larry, Karl, Andy, Pele and Johnny, Keith Russell and Greg Morrell (Painters Extraordinary), Jesse James, Chip Foose and Lil’ John Buttera. Yeah it was quite a team!
• The planning and completion of the I.P.O.
• Having a job that was all about cars!

Instead of going into the worst parts, I’ll leave it on the positive side. The people, the cars and the projects are what made Boyds the incredible company it was. When I resigned and sold my stock in the company, I thought that I was out of hot rod and wheel business forever. If you love cars, I mean really love cars you can’t just walk away.

Many things happen in ten years and it was 1996 that I was starting a new part of my automotive life, that is when bonspeed was born. Born under the name Bonneville Sports and later the Bon was combined with Speed; “bonspeed”. This blog represents a new era and it is a great way to begin the next ten years.

That brings me back to a question, where were you? Leave your comments about where you were ten years ago and what you drove.

Top photo:
Boyd and I proudly showing off the newest creation from Hot Rods by Boyd. The Larry Erickson designed “Smoothster”, a hot rod that set new standards. With us is the team of craftsman who made the cars from Hot Rods by Boyd reality. Look just behind me and you will see Chip Foose, he had just recently been hired to sketch the hot rods.

http://www.bonspeed.com
http://www.bonnevilleworldwide.com

Car Collectors Need More Room!

The wish for a larger garage is never satisfied, no matter how many square feet. We all could use just a little bit more room. You have most likely seen the guy in a magazine with a huge car collection that sits in a 25,000 square foot warehouse. Undoubtedly, he has said at least once, “I could use a little more room.”

Now, I do not have a garage that is anywhere near 25,000 square feet, but I feel quite lucky to have a sizable garage. By Orange County, California standards, I have a huge garage. Mine is 1500 square feet and that does not include the garage where my wife parks her car. I actually should say, where she previously parked her car, before, I installed the car lift and stored another three vehicles in her space.

There was a time when the family room or den was the guys domain, now for car guys it’s the garage. Today, some garages have cable or satellite TV, phones, internet, heat and A/C. The days of impressing your friends by having the old refrigerator filled with beer in the garage are past.

Organizing a garage is also a big deal and having the best hardware is essential. Everyones needs are different but some items are just “Must Haves”! Here are a few things that anyone could use in their garage.

Cord or Air Hose Hanger:
If you still have an old Cragar SS hanging on the wall with an extension cord or air hose wrapped around it, tear it down. Fabricated aluminum hangers that look cool and hold your cords and hoses tangle free are now available.

Flashlight Bracket:
Everybody has a flashlight, the problem is you can never find it when you need it. The darn thing has rolled under the car or it is hidden in plain sight. Time to hang it up on the wall with another of those handy yet simple aluminum mounts.

Reproduction Posters:
Vintage posters are also great items to cover those walls. Today, so many enthusiasts want to remember the past that a huge variety of reproductions are available.

We will never have enough room, enough time or enough money. We can have a better looking and better organized garage.

Garage Gear: http://www.bonnevilleworldwide.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BSS&Category_Code=RB-1
Retro Posters:
http://www.bonnevilleworldwide.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=BSS&Category_Code=PO-1

bonspeed Turns Up the Bass

The bonspeed studio designs and builds trend-setting cars, clothing, watches and accessories. Recently, we also designed some innovative Yamaha guitars!

Michael Anthony, the bass player of the legendary rock group Van Halen is also one of bonspeeds owners. Because Michael and everyone at bonspeed have a love of hot rods and rock-n-roll the graphic ideas came easily!

Designed at the bonspeed studio each bass was crafted at Yamaha’s custom shop in Hollywood, by John Gaudesi. Each guitar began with one of Michael’s signature models. John at Yamaha put hours into each guitar to ensure that the graphics stayed true to our designs.

Here is the scoop on each Yamaha bass (Left to Right):

• bonspeed “Black Rose” Bass
This Yamaha bass has a gloss Black base paint and Pearl Black graphics that match the hood of the “Black Rose” Mustang GT concept car. The graphics are positioned on the head and the body has bonspeed in red. This guitar was given to the lucky winning bidder of the bonspeed “Black Rose” at the recent Barrett-Jackson auction. Michael was on-hand to autograph the guitar!

• “Speed Cult” Sunfire Bass (Shown with Michael Anthony)
Painted to match the gargoyle graphics on the GM concept car, built by bonspeed this bass is painted a bright “Road Stripe” Yellow. This guitar was given to the winning bidder of the bonspeed “Speed Cult” Sunfire at the recent Barrett-Jackson auction. Michael was on-hand to autograph the guitar!

• “banshee F-150” bonspeed Logo “b” Guitar
The bonspeed supertruck came complete with its own matching guitar as well! The dark Currant colored bass has the bonspeed “b” graphically angled across the Yamaha body. The new owner of the bonspeed Ford F-150 also had Michael lay some ink down on his new bass.

• Ford GT40 Gulf Bass (Center)
the team at bonspeed also designed this bass that pays tribute to the famous Gulf Oil sponsored, Ford GT40 race cars. Michael took delivery of a new 2005 Ford GT and it was displayed at SEMA with 20” bonspeed wheels. Custom wheels were not enough, so we designed this bass to display with his new car.

Michael will play this Yamaha bass on-stage when he tours this summer with Sammy Hagar. Visit Michael’s, Mad Anthony Cafe website for tour dates!

www.bonspeed.com
www.madanthonycafe.com
www.van-halen.com

Our Muscle Cars Cruised The Streets!

Are there any real cruise nights anymore? Not the fairground cruises that Goodguys and NSRA promote. Those overly structured, local parking lot gatherings do not count either. What I am seeking is a place where every week, on a given day, street machines, muscle cars, hot rods and barely street legal race cars just know where to go and when to be there.

No glossy advertising, monthly magazines or even a flyer, you just know. That is how it was on Van Nuys Boulevard, or Central Avenue in Phoenix, Arizona and even one of my stomping grounds Dodge Street in Omaha, Nebraska.

Towns big and small around the country all had a local cruise night. Some cities had numerous cruise night locations! It was just a known fact that places like these existed. They were unorganized bastions of youth rebellion where your shouts were made with Hooker headers and screeching tires.

Like I said, Dodge Street in Omaha, Nebraska was where I learned the ways of real car cruising. Every Friday and Saturday night, from the first night in April (above 45 degrees) until late Fall, we gathered on Dodge. I learned quickly that parking was done in a hierarchal manner. Just pulling in anywhere could get you at best, leering stares, at worst a fight. On Dodge, it was Big O Tires, McDonalds, the Music Store and National Automotive. Sure there were other places to park but these were where “The Cars” parked and National Automotive was “The Show”.

During my second season of Dodge Street cruising, I was asked by a guy with a notable LS6 triple black 1971 Chevelle SS if I wanted to park at National? No need to ask twice, I was in the show!

That night, my 1967 Chevelle SS drove down Dodge with a newly found swagger. I pulled up to the driveway of National and inched my way into a parking space. The night was warm and humid the exhaust fumes just hung around and made the night air grey. The haze was no annoyance, this was the spirit of horsepower.

My Chevelle was ready for this night, the car was unmistakable with a bright Vega Orange paint job that sat in stark contrast to the Blue, Black and Red muscle cars of the day. The big block was bored .40 over, with an Holley 850 double-pumper, Hooker headers, a Powerglide with a high-stall converter, B&M shifter and 9” slicks wrapped around Corvette rally wheels. Ready, if someone wanted to meet at Abott Drive by the Airport for a late night street race.

Nothing worth mentioning happened that night. But, I can still remember seeing my car parked at National amongst the best cars on the street. Nowadays, that collection of cars would command millions at Barrett Jackson.

Cars like “ThunderColt” a Pearl White Mach 1 Mustang, a Black 1969 COPO Camaro, Hemi cars of all types, a flamed H.O. 455 Olds, the dual-quad Galaxy lightweight that ran pop-can Thrush glass packs. So many notable cars that were impressive then for their command of the street not the auction block.

I guess those days and those cruise nights are gone forever? Today, liability limits the parking lots and corporate-minded promoters organize the cruise. I’ll keep searching and if you know of a place that still exists, let me know. Maybe I will visit it sometime!

Barrett-Jackson Where bonspeed Sold Out!

Every January Barrett-Jackson plops a giant tent in the Arizona desert and sells some of the finest cars, trucks and motorcycles in the world. This year bonspeed brought five concept cars and Sammy Hagar's GT500 Shelby to the event.

It was hard to see these cars cross the auction block. Each represents hours of fabrication, our original ideas and the collective creative soul of the bonspeed crew. The cars included the 2004 bonspeed X-Type Jaguar, 2003 "Speed Cult" Pontiac Sunfire, 2004 bonspeed "Banshee" F 150, 2005 bonspeed "Black Rose" Mustang GT and the 2003 Saleen "bonspeed Edition" Thunderbird.

Sure we emptied the warehouse and refueled the bank account by selling these cars. Still it was difficult to see the cars drive away. in one case literally. The new owner of the F-150 drove his new purchase home, even after I advised against it. The bonspeed concepts are not just show cars they are one-off vehicles built for the factories and really represent part of american car culture and history. It was nice to know these enthusiasts bought our cars out of the 1500 or so at the event, but deep down I had hoped they would go to a museum or maybe a foreign country. Some place I could visit them regularly or that far off land where I would never again see them.

The F-150 buyers trip home, Phoenix to Palm Springs, it is just what the truck was built to do, however, I recommended, after you familiarize yourself with the GT motored six-speed road demon. I also directed him to the fiberglass front fascia and like all of the bonspeed concepts, it represented the only one in the world. A late night run across the desert might prove fatal to such a part!

Maybe I'm just an automotive parent who hates to see the kids leave or maybe deep down I wish they still had a place in my warehouse?

It was the Monday after Barrett-Jackson and the phone rang at the office, it was him! I wondered, what happened is my truck wrecked...ummm....is his truck wrecked? Worse, maybe it was something mechanical and he was stranded in some desert town and totally pissed at me. I picked up the phone and his cheery voice exclaimed something to the effect of, "What a truck! I got 18 miles to the gallon and it drove perfect, I love this thing.

I hope the other cars are appreciated and will be put to good use, I even hope to see them again some day. Now it is time to begin filling that warehouse again and we have already begun working on two new concept cars here at the bonspeed studios. When the time is right we will tell you about them here. We will design them, build them and some day sell them.

See the cars at: www.bonspeed.com