JOHN D'AGOSTINO, has probably put together over 65 cars during the last 4 decades. They include: The Marilyn Tribute '53Cadillac, The Gable Tribute '41Packard, The Cadster, '59 Cadillac, The Golden Star '57 Olds, The Aladdin '61 Olds, The Caribbean '56 Packard, and many, many others. But his latest Blockbuster Award Winner is "The Egyptian"...a phenominal 1958 Olds Super 88 like none you've ever seen before.
Visitors here on our Hall Of Fame Legends WebSite actually heard about this newest project BEFORE it was ever in John's Garage ! Here's how that happened: in our get-together last year (2008) at the 28th Annual KKOA Lead Sled Specatacular in Salina, Kansas, John, George Barris and myself spent about an hour or so talkin' cars, kustom history, and, checkin' in on John's next build. as well as George's current projects.
My 'Cuz, John, had called me before the event to tell me about a car he'd seen that was owned by someone who lived right in John's area of Discovery Bay, California. It was a '58 Olds Super 88 Hardtop...a car you rarely even saw when they were new !
For those of you too young to remember, 1958 was another recession year, and Detroit wasn't moving much iron at the time. Plus, for most 1958 models it was a one-year-body-style that had to tied the dealers (and the public) over 'til the new '59's hit the streets. So, when John and I talked about the '58 Olds he was going to pick-up the next day after our Interview, he was very excited and had projected that this car would be taken to Oz's Oroville, CA. shop to get a very smooth hammer & torch treatment.
FAST FORWARD TO SALINA, 2009 and the 29th Annual KKOA Lead Sled Spectacular when John, George & I got together for our yearly session and I quizzed my 'Cuz on the outcome that came from the humble beginnings of that Super 88 that became the gorgeous, golden colored "EGYPTIAN".
This literally became PART 2 of the Oldsmobile Story that you will love ! BTW: Look around YOUR neighborhood, you may just find your next build right around the corner.
(AND, yes 'Cuz, we will continue our yearly Sunday Morning Meeting again next year at the 30th Annual KKOA Lead Sled Spectacular ! I've already got a page full of topics for you, George, and myself to cover. JK )
(Above left: Great artist rendering from the Original 1958 Olds Dealer Brochure; Above right: "The Egyptian" in finished form.)
The Egyptian will be traveling with John, and George Barris, on a World Tour into 2010.
To See More Of John's Kool Kustoms Check-Out His WebSite: http://www.johndagostinokustomkars.com/
[Photos on this page courtesy of John D'Agostino & Traditional Rod & Kulture Magazine]
