September is back to school month, and we here at RideLust began to reminisce the other day about our years in school and the joyful time spent riding in the coveted back of the bus. With the benefit of about 20 ft of seats and 40 noisy kids between you and the bus driver, riders in the back of the bus were enshrouded in an invisibility cloak of sorts. That, coupled with the average driver’s decidedly “hands off” approach to child safety, generally meant that your primary concern was if you were caught smoking unfiltered menthol’s, that you had enough to share with everyone.

Yesterday, I was at the supermarket picking up some delicious Labor Day foods, and on my way out I heard a loud, lovely, harmonious sound coming from way over yonder. Luckily I had my camera with me.

It was a very pretty ‘41 Willys Coupe with a beautiful 426 Hemi elephant. That’s a lot of engine for a little coupe. I only wish I had a chance to see it go fast.
Thanks to Al Davis Jr. and his dad for letting me take pics of their beautiful car.

Hennessey Challenger SRT600

Unlike the Mopar-tuned Dodge Challenger drag racers, the new Hennessey Challenger HPE600 Turbo’s are completely street legal and completely bad ass. A product of Hennessey Performance Engineering [HPE], the Hennessey HPE600 Turbo package is geared towards drivers looking to upgrade the already impressive stock performance of their Dodge Challenger SRT8 models. Utilizing forced induction for a turbo-charged power boost, the HPE600 Turbo upgrades the Challenger SRT8’s OEM output an incredible 195 units to 620-hp. Coupled with 650 lb-ft of torque, the Hennessey Challenger earned itself an awe-inspiring 11.9-second quarter-mile laptime during test runs.

More Pics & Specs After Jump

Even through the pain of the after-effects of last night’s drinking binge, we still managed to work ourselves into a lather over our eBay Motors Find of the Day: a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme. For some hot-rodders, there’s a point where a ride can jump the shark, and it’s usually somewhere between “Lambo doors” and “Louis Vuitton upholstery.”

We here at RideLust, however, can’t get enough of “tastefully overdone” custom jobs - and we absolutely lost our minds over this one. Its got everything we cream over: suicide doors, 12″ sub woofers, a remote-start Corvette LS-1 engine, and it’s positively drenched in Louis leather.

To view full gallery, click “Read More”

Our first eBay Motors find of the day; a 1947 modified lead-sled. Although it’s not in the same shape as the cars we usually feature, we [read: “I”] have a certain weakness for Stude’s, especially the California Business Coupes.

Most of the work done so far on this Studebaker has been cosmetic; all the fender seams have been welded, drip rails removed, head and taillights frenched [snicker]. The frame is largely rust-free, which scores big points with us since rod’s that haven’t been fully restored yet usually look a lot rougher. The engine is a 289 Ford 4v with a Mustang radiator – not what I personally would’ve chosen [I see a ’47 Stude as being better suited for a 638ci Merlin BBC, but that’s just me], but I do give them points for an Edelbrock intake and carburetor.

During my daily troll through the hot rod classifieds, I found a babied 1953 Chevrolet 150 hot rod that is being reluctantly put out to pasture. To add insult to injury, the asking price has apparently been drastically lowered due to lack of buyer interest - just barely over 2 grand.

According to the story, this bitchin’ Barbie car began its life in 1931 as a Ford Model A. The first modification was made by its original owner for use as a farm tractor by replacing the rear half of the car with a pick-up truck bed. In the mid-50’s, the Model A received almost a total overhaul.

The Model A’s pick-up truck bed, engine, transmission, and dashboard were all replaced with parts from a 1952 Cadillac (thereby earning its new name of “Fordillac”). The headlights were free-formed from scrap metal and the taillights were created using 4-inch aluminum irrigation pipes frenched into the trunk - lenses for both were from a Mercury Comet (photos below are of completed project).

Another reason why eBay Motors will ultimately land me in debt-management counseling: this absolutely beautiful 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air. It’s sharp color-coordinated interior, tropical turquoise exterior, and lustrous chrome accents make for absolutely delicious eye candy - but it’s what’s under the hood that takes your breath away (more pictures below).