Does it really have to be "just like the '50s?" Well, it doesn't always have to be, and in many cases, it shouldn't! Save for current historical and political events, these times offer one a lot that 50 years ago can't come close to, and that includes this great hobby of ours, as well. (Now, if every other car on the highway remained at the same mechanical standards and gas were a fraction the cost, that might change things a little.) But you can only look at so many chopped Mercs and still be enthused, so a change in direction here and there is healthy.

This is where our cover cars--David Engle's and Blake Weaver's '55 Oldsmobiles--come into the picture, literally. Ordinarily, both cars are traditional in most definitions of the term. But throw on a set of 20-inch five-spokes, adjust the attitude with airbags, and you've got a modern version of an old-school custom. And it's amazing the difference the change in rolling stock actually makes; some may like it, others not. Even with the old bias-ply wide whites and hubcaps, both cars are beyond cool, especially with the elaborate flames and airbrushed graphics, but with what some would call the "high-tech" additions, the 88s take on a whole new dimension.

When these two cars were first spotted a while back, they both sported the whitewalls and full wheel covers required for that time-period look. Shortly thereafter, Engle attended the OCCA's Labor Day Cruise in Costa Mesa with a set of 20-inch Intro wheels, which raised some eyebrows--but more importantly, raised our awareness of a possible new trend. We definitely liked what we saw, and knowing Weaver's '55 was a very similar style, persuaded Intro to put a set of 20s on his car, as well. We definitely had something brewing...see what you think. The style is something that the younger set can surely identify with, and that's very important, as a majority of today's youths tend to migrate toward the newer cars (mini trucks, sport compacts, etc.). When they realize the "cool factor" can be had for a fraction of what a late-model with all the bells and whistles costs, the temptation should only increase. Granted, the diehards probably won't buy into this, but that's the necessary diversity our hobby needs.

Though the cars are similar, their owners are not. David Engle is a 21-year-old student from Fountain Valley, California, who was basically born with oil running through his veins. Both his father and grandfather are enthusiasts, and they are credited with helping David with his latest project. From a fabricational standpoint, his Super 88 is primarily stock, of course, with the exception of shaved handles and a little clever shuffling of the grille emblem characters. It's the eye-searing yellow and tangelo pearl flames and graphics by Steve Van Demon (Absolutely Custom Paintwerx, Anaheim, CA) and ground-hugging stance (courtesy Master Image Customs bag kit), teamed with the Intro Twisted Vista II wheels, that provide the stunning visual appeal. The interior gets even better, as the black suede and yellow-orange shell is set off by Planet Green Shimrin hard parts sprayed by he and his pops, like the dash, moldings, etc., and two-tone seafoam green and off white vinyl (with green Zodiac piping) stitched by Westminster Upholstery. And a little further back in the trunk area, well let's just say there's more to be found than a spare and tire iron. With the help of Goldstar Audio (Irvine, CA), Engle's Olds is now equipped with a sound system worthy of being in a rap star's high-dollar Escalade. Complete fiberglass enclosures house an array of Audiobahn drivers and amps, with striping and accents by Van Demon for that added custom touch. A Kenwood head unit/DVD player is hidden behind the factory speaker grille. Finally, beneath the hood is the good-old Rocket engine, brought back to life by Jobber's Machine but given new life by Van Demon with appropriate airbrushing and paintwork.

Next we have Blake Weaver, a 34-year-old tattooist from Chino, California, who also happens to be the other half of Absolutely Custom Paintwerx (ACP for short). It's a wonder he found time between slinging ink and spaying paint to complete his Olds, but he did, and what a cool cruiser it turned out to be. Unlike David's DP90 base, Weaver started with a pearl white, then he and Van Demon laid down the blue pearl flames with green and purple striping. Also, the added airbrushed effects contribute to its coolness. Replacing the normally run caps and whities are Intro's first-series Twisted Vistas, which definitely enhance the overall exterior appeal. The interior has an almost flat-bottom ski boat feel (an image Blake didn't quite agree with!), with blue and pearl white pleated vinyl by Advanced Specialty in Brea. The old Rocket V-8 is no more; in its place resides a potent 383 stroker with a billet crank, Cosworth 9:1 pistons, Clay Smith cam, a Demon carb, and Hooker headers. A Turbo 400 trans transfers the ponies to a Ford 9-inch Posi rear. Master Image did their thing with the adjustable suspension, equipping the '55 with a four-way Fast Manual valve airbag kit.

By now, hopefully you get the new approach of modern traditionalism. Both owners agree their cars look good with the prior vintage rolling stock, but are equally impressed with the newer image. We'll let the future decide if this approach really catches on.