Cat Face Taillight Bezel

The Cat Face Taillight Bezels are an early example of aftermarket or custom accessory parts in the automotive world. Their origins can be traced back to the Huntington Park and Southgate area in 1937. The crucial evidence linking these unique accessories to this time and place comes from a photograph in The Glen and Forey Wall Collection, showcasing Glen Wall with his 1928 Chevrolet Coupe adorned with one of these bezels. Photo from The Glen and Forey Wall Photo Collection.

A Cat Face Taillight Bezel from Dan Michael's collection. The bezels stand out for their unique design, a fusion of functionality and artistic expression. The incorporation of green glass eyes, reminiscent of 1930s Western Belt stud hardware, adds a distinctive and stylish touch to these automotive accessories. Dan has one of the three known Cat Face Bezels in his private collection. "This bezel is actually what got me started in making parts," he told Kevin Murray. "It's very near and dear to me." Photo courtesy of Dan Michael.

Far from being mass-produced items, the Cat Face Taillight Bezels are distinguished by their artisanal quality. An in-depth analysis of their construction by Kevin Murray reveals characteristics such as scribe lines, center punches, and a consistent wall thickness, all indicative of a handcrafted process. This bespoke craftsmanship suggests that each bezel was individually made, possibly using double-pressed sheet metal filled with an unknown alloy. According to Murray, only three covers were known to exist in 2024; "One is in Japan, one was lost to the bowels of eBay, and one is with a good friend." Photo courtesy of Dan Michael.

Dan also has a rare Dog Face Taillight Bezel in his collection. Photo courtesy of Dan Michael.

A write-up by Kevin Murray that summarizes his research and findings on the rare Cat Face Taillight Bezels.

The Cat Face Taillight Bezels are an early example of aftermarket or custom accessory parts in the automotive world. Their origins can be traced back to the Huntington Park and Southgate area in 1937. The crucial evidence linking these unique accessories to this time and place comes from a photograph in The Glen and Forey Wall Collection, showcasing Glen Wall with his 1928 Chevrolet Coupe adorned with one of these bezels.

Unveiling the Mystique: The Craftsmanship and Rarity

Far from being mass-produced items, the Cat Face Taillight Bezels are distinguished by their artisanal quality. An in-depth analysis of their construction by Kevin Murray reveals characteristics such as scribe lines, center punches, and a consistent wall thickness, all indicative of a handcrafted process. This bespoke craftsmanship suggests that each bezel was individually made, possibly using double-pressed sheet metal filled with an unknown alloy. According to Murray, only three covers were known to exist in 2024; "One is in Japan, one was lost to the bowels of eBay, and one is with a good friend."

The Design: A Blend of Function and Aesthetics

The Cat Face Bezels stand out for their unique design, a fusion of functionality and artistic expression. The incorporation of green glass eyes, reminiscent of 1930s Western Belt stud hardware, adds a distinctive and stylish touch to these automotive accessories. This design choice not only enhanced the aesthetic appeal of the vehicles they adorned but also reflected the creativity and innovation prevalent in the custom car community of the time.

A Symbol of an Aspiring Custom Car Culture

The story of the Cat Face Taillight Bezels is emblematic of the early custom car culture in Southern California. Their discovery and continued interest highlight the rich history of automotive customization and the ingenuity of early car enthusiasts. These bezels are not just rare artifacts; they represent a significant chapter in the evolution of car customization, encapsulating the spirit of innovation and individuality that defined the era.

Inspiring Modern Creations

The legacy of the Cat Face Taillight Bezels continues to influence contemporary artists and fabricators in the custom car world. Artist and fabricator Dan Michael of Antiquated Motor Co has one of the three known Cat Face Bezels in his private collection. "This bezel is actually what got me started in making parts," he told Kevin Murray. "It's very near and dear to me." In 2024, Dan was working on his interpretation of the beloved Cat Face for a top-secret chopper build. Michael's project to recreate these bezels directly reflects their enduring appeal and historical significance. This ongoing fascination underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating such unique elements of automotive history.

Help Us Unearth the History of the Cat Face Taillight Bezels

The Cat Face Taillight Bezels are more than just a piece of automotive history; they are a testament to the creativity and passion of early custom car enthusiasts. Their connection to South Gate in 1937, revealed through historical photographs, provides a fascinating glimpse into the origins of custom car culture and the early days of automotive personalization. If you possess any additional information about these rare pieces, or if you're lucky enough to have a similar bezel in your collection, we invite you to share your knowledge and stories with us. Your insights could be vital in piecing together this fascinating chapter of automotive history. Please get in touch with us at mail@kustomrama.com.

Acknowledgements

This article is enriched by Kevin Murray's detailed research, along with historical insights from The Glen and Forey Wall Collection. Follow the updates on Instagram @RoughDesignCo and @antiquatedmotorco for more on the journey of these captivating bezels.