Tiki and vintage Hot Rod / Custom Car culture - General Tiki

L Lukeulele Tiki Socialite So Cal-holic Joined: Feb 04, 2006 Posts: 382	L Lukeulele Posted posted on Mon, May 23, 2011 3:22 PM Probably one of the most famous customized cars ever, was Bob Hirohata's '51 Mercury built by Barris in '51/'52. Today, everyone refers to it as the Hirohata Merc, but back then, it was called The Hawaiian (way before Leong campaigned his front engine dragster). The Polynesian was built by Valley Customs for Jack Stewart. The color was more of an organic maroon. (Honduras Maroon) My personal belief is that Tiki & Hot Rod/Custom Car culture is not directly linked per say, but just another example of how the Polynesian craze that swept America in that time period affected pretty much anything and everything in its path. I can think of many cars with Poly-themed names.....The Beachcomber, Royal Tahitian, The Headhunter, etc... Also, many car clubs of the era used Poly-themed names for their club and insignia.

Probably one of the most famous customized cars ever, was Bob Hirohata's '51 Mercury built by Barris in '51/'52. Today, everyone refers to it as the Hirohata Merc, but back then, it was called The Hawaiian (way before Leong campaigned his front engine dragster).

The Polynesian was built by Valley Customs for Jack Stewart. The color was more of an organic maroon. (Honduras Maroon)

My personal belief is that Tiki & Hot Rod/Custom Car culture is not directly linked per say, but just another example of how the Polynesian craze that swept America in that time period affected pretty much anything and everything in its path.

I can think of many cars with Poly-themed names.....The Beachcomber, Royal Tahitian, The Headhunter, etc...

Also, many car clubs of the era used Poly-themed names for their club and insignia.

Post #590357 by Lukeulele on Mon, May 23, 2011 3:22 PM