British magazines Classic Fords Modified and Retro Ford Magazine feature 10 pages of the top modified Mustang and Ford builds from SEMA Show ’22, in the latest issue. SEMA is the largest automotive aftermarket event of the year. If you are lucky enough to experience SEMA you are sure to experience Kevin Oeste. Kevin hosts SEMA Ignited and SEMA Central which include interviews with automotive celebrities, industry experts and influencers. SEMA 2022 was anticipated by many after coming off the pandemic years; however, SEMA 2023 just may prove there are further enhancements and higher exceptions.
Photography by Mike Rysiecki, SEMA, Zack Miller & Cole Reynolds.
The story of this 1962 Buick Electra convertible is a fascinating journey through automotive history and personal milestones. Featured in one of the earliest episodes of V8TV, the Electra initially received attention for its engine work and a disc brake conversion.
In 1998, automotive enthusiasts David Freiburger and Rob Kinnan, known from Car Craft and Hot Rod Magazines, bought this Buick for a Car Craft Magazine project focused on creating a “cheap and fun” weekend cruiser. They gave it a fresh tune-up on the original carburetor, applied a vibrant bright yellow paint job, and enjoyed driving it around before putting it up for sale.
The Buick’s Next Chapter
Paul, a friend of the V8 Team, purchased the Electra from Freiburger and towed it from sunny Southern California to his home in the Midwest. He enjoyed the car for a couple of summers until the original Buick 401 Nailhead engine failed. With limited resources at the time, Paul opted to replace the engine with a small block Chevy V8 that he had on hand.
Life events, including a new job and starting a family, took precedence, and the Buick remained in storage for nearly two decades. Now, the Electra has arrived at the V8 Speed and Resto Shop, where the V8 Team is set to complete the engine conversion and restore this classic car to its former glory, making it a driver once again.
Almost Famous Again – V8 Radio Podcasts
This Buick Electra has been the subject of several episodes of the V8 Radio Podcast, we welcome you to click and listen (and subscribe!) to hear more from Paul himself!
On this episode, Mike Clarke and Kevin Oeste chat about the current state of some successful print car enthusiast magazines including recent releases Rodding Revolutions and Wheel Hub, as well as longtime favorites The Rodder’s Journal, Hemmings Motor news, and of course, the return of CARtoons Magazine!
They also touch on a cool ’77 Pontiac Trans Am that just went home after a visit to the V8 Speed and Resto Shop for an engine replacement. That’s pretty routine in our shop, but the fact that the owners are twin 16 year old guys is not! It’s great to see younger people digging these kinds of cars.
Our hosts also chat about the recent placement of V8 Radio on the iTunes “Popular Automotive Podcast” listings! You’ll also find the usual trivia question and some other nonsense, and you’ve got the latest episode of V8 Radio!
V8 Radio Podcast
V8 Radio Podcast: Car Magazines, iTunes, Kids With Cool Cars, and More
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop built ’69 Chevelle landed a full feature in the February 2015 issue of Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine! Thanks Hemmings, and congrats to the owner Al and the V8 Crew!
The 1955 Chevrolet Gasser “Mr. Chevy” and its companion 1955 Chevy hauler are featured in this month’s Hemmings Muscle Machines Magazine! Congrats to owner Larry Frees and to the V8 Speed & Resto Shop Crew on their work on the truck! Video after “Read More” below!
The V8 Speed & Resto Shop built 1969 Camaro “Lou’s Change” was selected by the staff of Super Chevy as a recipient of their “Top 10” at the 2014 Super Chevy Show at Gateway Motor Speedway, and even got a photo in Super Chevy Magazine! Congrats to owner Lou and the V8 Crew!
