Pre Sixties Vintage Auto Supply: What type of vehicle do you have?
Rich Lomanto: 1949 Dodge Coronet Club Coupe Traditional Kustom

Can you give us some history of your car or truck? Where did you find it? How long have you owned it?
I found it up in Mt Shasta Calif back in 2008. I sold a ’54 Belair gasser project to get it because it was different.

What work has been done? What work have you done?
The goal was to build this car as someone could back in the 60’s in his driveway. All the work with the exception of spraying the paint was done by myself with the help of my family. The car is not chopped, has no bags. All done old school. Engine is still the original flat head 6 with a 1bbl. I did a 5-speed conversion to a t5 so I could run over 55 here in Socal. (best change ever).

It has been shaved, all the floors replaced, the hood is peaked, nosed and louvered. (I found the hood this way) Cut coils, blocks. NOS 60’S vinyl seat covers. My own custom hub caps using ’55 New Yorker originals. I also designed the rear taillight bezels “eyebrows” because I could not find any I liked. I begged – borrowed – sold to finance this build as I was putting 2 boys thru college at the same time.

Do you have any work planned for the future? 
I will be doing a engine swap to a v8. It will be built with all traditional parts from the 60’s so I will be on your site a lot ☺ 

What’s a favorite memory with your car or truck? 
Being invited to show it inside the Suede Palace at the 2020 Grand National Roadster Show.

Anything else you’d like to share? 
I consider myself a very lucky man. I am now 60 and this build has been a highlight in my life. It has been published here in the US and also Finland and Australia which I thought would never happen to me. The invitation to the GNRS was the icing on the cake as they say. The skull shift knob and Tiki hanging from the mirror were made by my brother in shop class in the 60’s. He was my inspiration into cars. I have met so many wonderful people thru this car. Joined a great car club, The Model Citizens of SoCal, and made lifelong friends. The Kustom world is the best.