If you have been searching for a special one-of-a-kind Kustom classic car, the example that you are looking at right now should put a HUGE smile on your face!
‘Red Hills Rods & Classics’ is very proud to offer you this amazing 1961 Chrysler Newport 2-Door Hardtop Kustom, built by well-known automotive artist & designer Max Grundy. For those of you who don’t know, Max Grundy Design has been in business in Southern California since 2005, when he quickly became a fixture in the car culture scene w/ his unique vision of graphic, bold, and apocalyptic imagery. His love of classic American automobiles, industry, aviation, landscape, architecture, science fiction, weaponry & machinery all combine to create a universe that is both edgy and nostalgic. Max Grundy has studied art & design, and has both a BFA from Weber State University and an MFA w/ a minor in Art History from BYU. He has over 10 years of teaching experience in graphic design, and has been a professional artist for over 25 years, specializing in original artwork (paintings, prints, apparel), commercial illustration & logo design, as well as custom car building. He has always loved the space age/ rocket design era of American automobiles, so this 1961 Chrysler Newport was a very special project indeed. After its completion, it was shown at the Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS), as well as SEMA 2018 in Las Vegas, and the car got rave reviews at both events. It was recently photographed by Mike Basso and will be featured in ‘Car Kulture Deluxe’ magazine in the coming months. There are also quite a few links on the internet discussing the car on sites such as Hot Rod Network, Kustomrama, etc.
The original concept was designed by Max, w/ 3D rendering done by the ‘Moffitt Bros‘. The extensive bodywork was performed by Max, as well as by Justin Hills, Shawn Campbell, Donnie Potter, and Pete Moore. The perfect 3” chopped top was done by Max, and Justin Hills of ‘Hills & Co. Customs‘ out of Sydney, Australia, while Big Al chopped & installed all of the new glass, which could not have been done any better. Custom ‘bullet’ reverse lights were made for the stock taillights, and look awesome. ‘Best of Show Coachworks’ applied the gorgeous custom gold & pewter paint, which was provided by Glasurit, and was mixed by ‘The Colortoon’. The custom paint is simply gorgeous, and changes from silver/pewter to light gold depending on the lighting. All of the brightwork was re-chromed and looks outstanding throughout. She sits on beautiful 15” wheels, which were designed by Max Grundy for American Racing Wheels, wrapped w/ wide-whitewall radials by Coker Tires (205/75/R15). The stance can be completely adjusted using the custom Air Ride System, which was done by ‘North County Springs‘. You can drop it all of the way down for car shows & special events, or bring it up nice & high for cruising. You can walk around this car a thousand times and it looks absolutely amazing from every angle.
Pop open the driver’s door and you will find a gorgeous all new custom leather interior done by Randy Sharpe of ‘Deluxe Interiors’ w/ materials provided by ‘Distinctive Industries’ & ‘Roadwire’. The modified bucket seats are from a 1967 Chrysler Imperial, finished in black, red & white leather w/ a custom ‘forward look’ motif, which was designed by Max himself. The interior features a reclining-back passenger seat that pivots 180-degrees to face the rear, and a folding table that pivots to any of four different positions. The table is supported by a sturdy chrome-plated pillar, which can be pivoted to the right, left, or forward. In the forward position it converts into a padded armrest between the two front seats. Extended, the table opens out to twice its original size, and a lever on the table swivel support permits table height adjustments. A special tool is used for removing the table and storing it in the trunk. This was a very rare option on the 1967 Chryslers, and as Chrysler stated in their ads: “it was designed for the busy executive who must continue his work while he travels”. I just think it is super-cool, period! The 1967 Chrysler square wheel was completely restored and looks outstanding, and the gauges in the stock 1961 Chrysler dashboard were rebuilt and work beautifully. The dashboard lights up in blue, and has always been one of my favorite features on the ’61 Chryslers, as it has such a ‘space age’ look. The custom Kicker Bluetooth Audio System was installed by Rockstar Audio out of Livermore, CA., and is beautifully laid out in the trunk along w/ the custom Air Ride System (see photos).
This one-of-a-kind Kustom car is powered by a 383ci Chrysler motor, linked to the original Chrysler Powerflite automatic transmission, both completely rebuilt by Pete Moore. The original push-button controls on the dash were completely rebuilt as well, and work perfectly. The rear-end is the stock Chrysler 8 ¾”, the front brakes were converted to discs, while the rear brakes are the stock drums. While this is a ‘show car’ in every respect, it is not a trailer queen that needs to be transported to car shows & events, as Max has always made sure that his cars can be driven and enjoyed to the fullest. She fires up instantly, and runs & performs beautifully w/ the 383ci big-block providing more than enough power & torque. The Gibson mufflers also sound excellent w/ a deep, throaty growl. This long sleek Chrysler is an absolute BLAST to drive and will get more attention than you have ever had in your life! Everywhere I’ve driven it, folks pull out their smartphones to take photos and hoot & holler as I drive by. I took it to the local Starbucks and there was a huge crowd around the car within minutes.
This is a very special Kustom car w/ legendary roots, and I have never seen another ’61 Chrysler that compares in any way. Max Grundy has become somewhat of a legend in the custom car world, and his artwork is loved by thousands all over the country. He has also spread his wings, becoming a designer for American Racing Wheels, Maisto Die-Cast cars, and several other business ventures. Anyone who knows him, or knows of him, would be very proud to own one of his custom-designed classic cars. The new owner will receive a free & clear title that is still in Max Grundy’s name. This is a special opportunity to own a special vehicle, and this beautiful 1961 Chrysler Newport 2-Door Hardtop Kustom is very special indeed!