DARRYL STARBIRD is one of the most multi-talented individuals you'll ever meet !   One of the things that has always impressed me about Darryl is that he's NEVER stopped working at his craft.  He still tries to build a new car every year to debut at either his Wichita or Tulsa Show. 

BUT, Darryl "proved his point" many years ago...he could have stopped building cars 40 years ago, and his Legend would have lived on.  So I wanted to know what keeps driving him on to work on his cars day-after-day.

Darryl also made the move many years ago from his native Kansas to Oklahoma where he has 80 acres...a portion of which is touched by the Grand Lake which is heaven to many boaters.  The Grand Lake has 1,300 miles of shoreline, which makes for some really great crusin' !  WELL,  I also wanted to know what made him decide to make his move to the "OK" State of Oklahoma.

(Above left: The Grand Lake at its best ! ; Above right: JK & Darryl crusin' on the Lake )

Finally,  I wanted to ask Darryl about the resurgence of the true Legends of the Industry.  Winfield, Barris, Bill Hines, Spence Murray, the late Dick Dean, the Alexander Brothers, and many others, Darryl included, who during the last 15 - 20 years have finally been getting the recognition they deserve.  Accordingly, I wanted to know Darryl's feelings on this revitalization of these Master Craftsmen.

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We talked at Darryl & Donna's home, located adjacent to the National Rod & Custom Car Hall Of Fame/Museum, shortly before we headed for the Lake where Darryl piloted some of the Legends and myself on a Sunday tour on the "Starbird"...his aptly named yacht. 

Darryl's an old friend, and although you've seen his fantastic Bubble Tops & Custom Creations for decades, once you hear this Interview I think you'll gain a new and rare insight, and respect, for Darryl Starbird: the man himself.     JK

(Above left: Here's a sneak preview of Darryl's chopped '57 Eldorado Brougham in its early stages; Above right: Captain Darryl getting the "STARBIRD" ready to shove off. )

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  WHEN CADILLAC INTRODUCED the 1957 Eldorado Series it consisted of 3 Models: The Seville (2 Door Hardtop); The Biarritz (Convertible); The Brougham (4 Door Hardtop) . 

   The Brougham turned out to be the rarest of them all !   It was priced at $13,074.00, and with it, GM was trying to lure some sales away from Lincoln's flagship Continental Mark II.  However, as with Lincoln, GM lost money on every Brougham they sold.  AND, for 1957 only 400 were produced. 

NOW THINK ABOUT THIS: The Eldorado Seville & Biarritz sold for $7, 286.00 each. SO, for just a little more than the price of a Brougham...you could have had BOTH a Seville AND a Biarritz in your garage in 1957 !     

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  DON'T FORGET:  Check-Out Darryl's personal website for great info, pix, and, complete lists of all of the Hall Of Fame Members:  www.darrylstarbird.com