EDITED BY ALAIN LEMIRE
PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBRE 4, 2024
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The golden-haired magicians of Kindig It Design are brought to the scene with three stunning car creations, including the winning car of the prestigious Ridler award, awarded to the most beautiful car at the Detroit Autorama. This award has the particularity of crowning a vehicle of the Great 8, a selection of the 8 most interesting vehicles.
The three pieces of jewellery by Kindig It Design detailed in this article are:
1. The CF-1 Roadster - A modernized version of the 1953 Corvette.
2.
TwelveAir - The perfect blend of retro design and modern technology.
3. The 1963 C10 - A dark truck that
shakes the ground when it starts.
Get ready to be dazzled!
The CF-1 Roadster by Kindig It Design has made the Syracuse Nationals look wide, and for good reason! Imagine a car so elegant that even James Dean would be jealous. Although the CF-1
production numbers are 3 digits, it is said that only 20 to 25 units planned, this beauty is as rare as a private concert of U2.
And she wins prestigious awards such as the John D'Agostino Award of Excellence at the SEMA show 2022 with copy #005.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Why create such a marvel?
Dave Kindig, the genius behind Kindig It Design since 1999, wanted to pay tribute to the first generation classic Corvettes while adding a modern touch. The CF-1 Roadster is equipped with a 673
hp LS7 427 Lingenfelter engine and a 618 foot pound GM Performance 4L80E automatic transmission, enough to make even the most demanding drivers want it. The car was presented in world premiere at
the SEMA show in 2021.
A removable roof as shown on the model #006 was developed at the request of the customer. An electric version was also produced. Each of the CF1 produced will be unique in interior/exterior color
adapted to customers. And a copy with a hood pierced to let pass the trumpets of the carburetor was also made on the 4th car produced.
The investment required to purchase a CF-1 Roadster is US$500,000. A 2 year wait is to be expected and as I like to say: "This is not a car that can be bought like a bag of chips at the
grocery store!"
Every detail has been thought of to offer an unmatched driving experience, combining power and elegance.
MY REMARKS
With its clean lines of 70-pound carbon fibre body and impeccable leather interior finishes, the CF-1 Roadster is a true masterpiece on 21 and 22-inch wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot S4
tires.
Whether you are an expert collector or simply a fan of beautiful mechanics, this car will not fail to seduce you at its sight.
Ready to embark on a journey in an imaginary time?
The TwelveAir by Kindig It Design made a splash at the Syracuse Nationals, attracting all eyes like a magnet. Imagine a car so elegant that even Humphrey Bogart would be jealous of this unique
wonder which is as rare as a diamond.
A LITTLE HISTORY
Why create such a marvel?
Dave Kindig created the Kindig TwelveAir to push the boundaries of his creativity and custom automotive engineering. Inspired by his work on the 1953 Corvair Corvette CF-1 Roadster and concept
car, he spent more than five years with his team building this unique beauty, eager to meet the strict criteria of the Detroit Autorama Ridler Award. His motivation was to create a piece of
automotive art combining innovation, design and performance.
The TwelveAir, winner of the prestigious Detroit Ridler Award in March 2024, is powered by a 9.2-litre V12 LS engine specially designed by Race Cast Engineering. This naturally aspirated engine
produces an impressive 1,000 horsepower. An automatic transmission from GM Performance 8L90E, enough to make any enthusiast pale with envy, equips the speedboat.
Its steel body adds a touch of robustness and elegance, with every detail carefully thought out to provide an unmatched driving experience and a stunning allure.
THE CRITERIA FOR ELIGIBILITY FOR THE RIDLER AWARD
To win the coveted Detroit Motoring Ridler Award, vehicles must meet several strict criteria:
1. Originality and creativity:
The vehicle must have a unique and innovative design.
2. Quality of manufacture:
The quality of craftsmanship and finishes must be exceptional.
3. A new vision:
The vehicle must not have been presented at any other show prior to the Autorama.
4. Functionality:
The vehicle must be operational and capable of driving on its own.
5. Attention to detail:
Every aspect of the vehicle, from mechanical components to aesthetic elements, must be carefully designed and executed.
These criteria are designed to ensure that only the most impressive and best-built vehicles can compete for this prestigious award.
In addition to the award, the winner receives a US$10,000 award with recognition in the modified automotive industry. Extensive media coverage and a professional studio photo session for
specialized publications or advertising use.
WHERE DOES THE NAME "RIDLER"?
Don Ridler, a MHRA-engaged promoter and organizer of the event in the 1950s, helped promote the Detroit Autorama.
Thanks to his creativity, the event grew and moved to the Cobo Center in 1961.
In 1963, the Autorama named the Ridler Prize after him.
MY REMARKS
The TwelveAir is a motorized piece of art that eclipses even the most beautiful sculptures. Its clean lines of its specially-built steel body and its impeccable finishes make it an object of
desire for connoisseurs.
What is Dave Kindig’s secret super power? Turning modest dreams into rolling masterpieces!
In season 9 of “Bitchin” Rides”, the team at Kindig-It Design took a 1963 Chevrolet C10 truck and transformed it into a masterful rolling masterpiece. The owner, Bernard Steimann, was initially
thinking of a simple restoration, but he soon realized that his C10 had much greater potential. Thanks to Dave Kindig’s ambitious vision, this truck went from “just a project” to
“wow, it’s amazing!”
A LITTLE HISTORY
Imagine a 1963 Chevrolet C10 truck that turns into a real racing beast thanks to a 572 Chevy Big Block engine. This monster can spit between 620 and 750
horsepower, with a torque of 645 to 710 lb-ft – enough to make the fastest sports cars pale!
The gold satin-brushed trumpets of the carburetor are not only there to make pretty, they add a touch of 60s madness and aggressiveness that would make even the most accomplished hot rods blush.
And to top it off, clever cutouts in the box floor allow for larger rear tires, giving the truck an even more imposing look and a grip worthy of a race track.
MY REMARKS
This 1963 Chevrolet C10 truck is so low that it could almost go under a door! With only 3/4 of an inch between it and the ground, it has a low and racy look that
makes pumpkins spin on halloween.
The unique wheels, designed as custom shoes especially for this project, perfectly complement the C10’s custom style adding a touch of elegance and performance.
And what about the custom-drilled hood? The carburation trumpets that come out add a distinctive finishing touch, like a precious stone on a crown. This highlights the team’s meticulous work and
attention to detail, proving that this truck is much more than just a vehicle.
Imagine, with wide eyes, these three cars coming straight from the magic workshop of Kindig Design exposed at the Exhibition Center of Syracuse Faireground!
These masterpieces on wheels, built by the expert hands of the master craftsmen, are simply breathtaking. And as if that wasn’t enough, I had the chance to chat with Dave and Kevdog, two great
guys who are generous with their fans.
For the record, I discovered the show “Bitchin Rides" during the holiday season of 2023, during a two or three day marathon. Suffice to say that I had time to understand the funny and tedious
characters of these two fellows.
Between the jokes of Kevdog and the perfectionism of Dave, we never get bored!
A personalized automotive portrait signed by Alain Lemire offers a unique way to celebrate and immortalize your beloved vehicle.
The high-end printed printed piece of art thus reflects your special bond with it, prompting praise and questions from visitors about the work, a daily source of inspiration,
recalling your passions and successes.
Since 2014 from Laval, Canada, Alain Lemire has managed a specialized website that shows his passion about classic, modern, and exotic cars and write about their history.
An image creator specialist
As a photographer and automotive portraitist, he uses his artistic knowledge to create stunning images restoring the ambiance of a world-class nationals US events, prestigious Concours d'Élégance, and auto shows.
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