In the early 1990s, Darryl and Donna moved from Kansas to an 80-acre spread of land near Afton, Oklahoma. After building a home and shop, Darryl set to work fulfilling another dream: a custom car museum. The initial 10,000-square-foot facility was built in 1995, and its roof capped off with a bubbletop. In 1996, it was officially named the National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum, and earned IRS recognition as a nonprofit historical foundation.

Two new wings have been built since then, and Darryl says he'd like to add three more to bring total capacity to more than 100 cars. In addition to many Starbird creations, the museum houses vehicles from a who's who of rodding and customizing: Barris, Roth, Hines, POSIES, Coddington, and many others. The museum is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays from March through October, and by appointment other times. Darryl also hosts an annual anniversary car show at the museum to induct new members into the Hall of Fame. The 2007 Anniversary Celebration is set for May 11-12.

As for Darryl, he's not slowing down. He and Donna still produce annual car shows in Wichita, Oklahoma City, and Tulsa, with help from their sons, Cliff and Rick, and daughters Cristy Bledsoe and Debra Vogele. Darryl continues to build new customs, too, while also restoring and maintaining cars for the museum. His latest project is a full restoration on the Predicta, which he plans to finish for the 50th anniversary of his Wichita show in January 2007.

It's been more than five decades since Darryl Starbird began pursuing his custom car dreams. Since then, he has accomplished far more than even he could have imagined back in 1954. His contributions to rodding and customizing will not soon be forgotten, and his museum will ensure that enthusiasts can experience the magic of modified vehicles for generations to come.