Editor's Choice Award
Our Editor's Choice award went to Rob and Lisa Kohlbacher of Dayton, Ohio, for their stunning '64 Fairlane. They also took home Best Race Car and Pro Street on Saturday and Sunday, and a Top 20 on Sunday. Over the course of several years, Rob and his father, Dick, took the ailing Fairlane and made it into the dream machine you see here.
Chassis work came first, with a tubular Mustang II front suspension conversion and a ladder bar rear suspension, with a 9-inch rear stuffed with a Detroit Locker and 3:50 gears hung from the bars. Disc brakes up front and big drums out back were added to the mix, with 15x4 American Racing Salt Flat specials up front, and 15x8 Wheel Vintiques Cruisers out back.
With the chassis handled, a 460 built by Ohio George Montgomery was placed into the engine compartment. Putting 575 hp to the tire isn't an easy job, so an old-school Super T10 four-speed was employed to transfer the power back to the 9-inch. The exhaust system is a custom 3-inch setup with an x pipe system and Edelbrock mufflers for a distinct sound.
Once Rob could put the power to the ground with his new drivetrain and chassis, it was time to make the 'Lane look as good as it moved, which is where Mayabb's Hotrods & Hawgs took over. The guys at Mayabb's expertly sprayed House of Colors Sunset Pearl over every square inch of metal for an impeccable look. While the paint was being shot, Dennis Gamble of Sew What stitched up a killer interior and custom console.
Rob and Lisa drive the Fairlane to many events, often logging over 100 miles each way to a cruise or show. But don't think this is another Pro Street poseur, no sir-this brute can click off 10.90 e.t.'s all day long with little effort.
Rob felt that since his car...
Rob felt that since his car has a little "Thunderbolt" look to it, he should have the nose art of a Thunderbolt airplane on the air cleaner. He said he gets all sorts of great looks from young kids and loves their comments about the "shark teeth on the engine."
The air cleaner lid on Rob's...
The air cleaner lid on Rob's car was signed by Ohio George Montgomery. When we asked about the counting marks on the side, Rob gave us a devilish grin and just said, "Those are kills." We can imagine the look of some kid in a Honda getting waxed by "some old car." Yes, sir, indeed!