“Rampage” 1936 Dodge Wins America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod in Pleasanton
Thirteen years ago, Pacific Northwest rod builder Kevin Bischoff set out to “make an ugly car beautiful.” Mission accomplished. He and wife Angie’s 1936 Dodge was crowned Goodguys 2014 Flowmaster America’s Most Beautiful street rod, beating out a national cast of finalists during last weekend’s Goodguys 28th West Coast Nationals in Pleasanton.
Working out of his Vancouver, Washington Shop (Kevin’s Restoration), Bischoff and his team were able to turn a pre-war stocker into an elegant and beautiful millennial gem. The upright stance of the sedan was transformed by narrowing then laying the grill shell back one and a half inches and dropping it by one inch. They took two inches off the roof line, took five and a half inches out of the trunk back then laid it (along with the rear window) forward. They added five inches to the bottom of the doors and molded the fenders and running boards for cohesive, flowing lines. Once the gaps were perfect and all was massaged into place, Kevin sprayed it House of Kolor Apple Red, blending in some Brandywine for extra shine.
Not only beautiful, the car runs comfortably down the road thanks to a Morrison air spring chassis outfitted with a Thunderbird steering rack, 9-inch rear end and Wilwood brakes. Te 5-spoke wheels are Billet Specialties “Magnitude” (18×7 front and 201×10 rears). Providing the get up and go is a heavily disguised GM 350 with custom made Chrysler hemi valve covers and Hedman headers. The delicious exhaust note is courtesy of custom two and a half inch exhaust with Flowmaster Hushpower mufflers.
The cabin is just as beautiful as the heavily-reworked exterior. Full leather trimmed seats were stitched by B & R Auto Upholstery, while the modified stock dash houses Classic Instruments’ “BOG” package (Big Ol Gauge). A leather booted Lokar shifter and Billet Specialties steering wheel add sporty elegance.
When the finished jewel, aptly named “Rampage” was displayed at the 2014 Portland Roadster Show this spring, it won the Rose Grand Cup Sweepstakes, signaling great things to come. With the America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod crown added to the mantle, it makes that thirteen year journey worth the effort and then some. “This car came into the shop 13 years ago as just a paint job,” Bischoff said. “Funny how those things go. We’re blown away with this award.”
This marks the second time Kevin’s Restoration has built a Goodguys Top 12 award winner. In 1999, the shop built Gene Ray’s 1952 Plymouth suburban wagon, which captured the Goodguys Custom Rod of the Year crown.
For their win in Pleasanton, Kevin & Angie will receive travel accommodations to the Goodguys 17th Southwest Nationals, November 14-16 in Scottsdale, Arizona to be part of the Goodguys Top 12 cars of the year display. While in Scottsdale, they’ll also receive a custom toolbox from Snap-on and more.
The top five finalists for the Goodguys 2014 America’s Most Beautiful Street Rod award included Janeen Drinkard, Leander, TX (1940 Chevy), Dave Hall, Phoenix, AZ (1939 Ford), Larry Carter, Los Gatos, CA (1933 Ford), Kevin & Angie Bischoff, Vancouver, WA (1936 Dodge) and Justin and Randy Semadini, Jordan, UT (1934 Dodge).
Goodguys Rod and Custom Association
Goodguys is celebrating 38 years of shows, swaps, rodding and revving this year! Check out the schedule of events HERE and plan your visit!
Goodguys Rod & Custom Association
PO Box 9132
Pleasanton, CA 94566
(925) 838-9876