Golden Indian
Always known for their tasteful styling, The Alexander Brothers rebuilt a '60 Pontiac Ventura for owner Budnick. The car appeared in many magazines (it's show name of "Golden Indian" only appears in the Winter of '63 in Popular Customs). It appeared also was featured in a now-rare show card. Recently restored, it appeared at the 2002 Cobo Hall show as part of a well-deserved tribute to The A Brothers! Enjoy the photos.
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In this vintage '63 photo, the tapered, back-to-back headlights (with drilled surrounds), rolled front pan and inset side trim stand out. The car was first painted a luminescent gold. Later, it was repainted a desultory white.
During its high-effort revival, the Golden Indian was completely disasssembled and restored. Note the pearl candy gold (highlighted with a hint of green pearl).
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In this close-up shot, the neatly ordered front grille shell and personalized license plate can be seen. Note the excellent hood-to-fender fit; also, note that the front fenders, roll pan and grille surround are welded together. In the background, you can see the A-Bros. Venturian '56 Chevy.
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As an example of their subtle work, the A-Bros cut down the stock side trim, and then recessed it into the body so that it was flush with the surround sheet metal. Neat trick and almost unnoticeable. Thanksfully, the top wasn't chopped originally or since.
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The twin peaks atop the rear fenders were capped just above a neatly frenched light opening which, in turn, sits above a full-width grille shell in which horizontal chrome bars are placed. Note the flush-mounted chrome side trim. Check out the paint quality!
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The interior is Sixties-period perfect. Restored to its original glory, look at the floating console which Ford recently mimicked in its lovely Forty Nine concept car. One more errant thought: Cushenbery used parts of a '60 Pontiac in his famed Car Craft Dream Rod .
The Golden Indian was recently photographed at an outdoor show by Charles Stark. All photos following are courtesy of Charles Stark. Thanks Charles!
Charles Stark Photo
Charles Stark Photo
Charles Stark Photo
Charles Stark Photo
Bibliography:
Here are the references we at the Custom Clinic have found to this great car. If you know of other references, please let us know via e-mail.
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Speed & Custom |
March |
1962 |
pgs. 10-15 |
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Custom Rodder |
March |
1962 |
pgs. 10-15 |
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Rod & Custom |
November |
1963 |
pgs. 26-27 |
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Popular Customs |
Winter |
1963 |
pgs. 14-17 |
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Popular Hot Rodding |
December |
1963 |
p. 52 |
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Car Craft |
April |
1964 |
p. 44 |
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Car Craft |
July |
1964 |
p. 49 |
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Custom Car Yrbook |
#2 |
1964 |
pg. 105 |
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Custom Pictorial |
#206 |
1965 |
pgs. 16-17 |
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Rodders' Journal |
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2002 |
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