Dick Bertolucci

From Kustomrama
Jump to: navigation, search
A photo of Dick next to Harold Ohanesian's 1940 Mercury Convertible Sedan. The photo is taken outside Bertolucci Body & Fender Shop ca 1950.
The Rodder's Journal 71 featured a story on Dick Bertolucci.

Richard Mario Bertolucci (February 20, 1929 - October 12, 2021. Known as "Dick," he was a legendary and pioneer Northern California customizer.


First Car

In 1943, when he was 14 years old, he got his first car, a 1933 Chevrolet Roadster. His dad Marino Bertolucci helped him build the engine, while Dick learned himself the basics of body working. After being caught street racing the roadster, his father forced him to replace the car with a seemingly safer hardtop. Several cars went through Dick's driveway, but he wasn't able to click with any of them, not until he bought a 1938 Chevrolet Coupe at the age of 17.[1]


The Capitoal Auto Club

In 1945 Harry Westergard, Norm Milne and Dick Bertolucci formed The Thunderbolts Car Club. The club was first called the Capitol Auto Club.[2]


Custom Body Work

In 1948 at the age of 18, Dick started doing custom work in his dad's garage. Later he opened up his own shop; Bertolucci's Body and Paint Shop at 1749 34th Street in Sacramento, California. [1]


In 2009 Dick Bertolucci was the featured Builder of the Year at the Sacramento Autorama, and had a number of his cars on display for the event.[3]


Dick passed away at 92 years old in the early morning hours of October 12, 2021.[4]


Dick Bertolucci's Personal Rides

Dick Bertolucci's 1933 Chevrolet Roadster
Dick Bertolucci's 1935 Chevrolet Standard
Dick Bertolucci's 1938 Chevrolet Coupe


Cars Restyled by Dick Berolucci

Dick Bertolucci's 1933 Chevrolet Click here to see cars restyled by Bertolucci's Body and Paint Shop<be>


References




 

Did you enjoy this article?

Kustomrama is an encyclopedia dedicated to preserve, share and protect traditional hot rod and custom car history from all over the world.




Can you help us make this article better?

Please get in touch with us at mail@kustomrama.com if you have additional information or photos to share about Dick Bertolucci.


This article was made possible by:

SunTec Auto Glass - Auto Glass Services on Vintage and Classic Cars
Finding a replacement windshield, back or side glass can be a difficult task when restoring your vintage or custom classic car. It doesn't have to be though now with auto glass specialist companies like www.suntecautoglass.com. They can source OEM or OEM-equivalent glass for older makes/models; which will ensure a proper fit every time. Check them out for more details!

Do you want to see your company here? Click here for more info about how you can advertise your business on Kustomrama.


Personal tools
Help us
facebook