Baltimore





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Rockets on Rubber: The Rise of Baltimore’s Postwar Custom Car Scene
On April 17, 1949, The Baltimore Sun published an article titled “Rockets on Rubber” by Frances Smith, offering a rare window into the emerging custom car and hot rod culture in the Baltimore area. At the time, the movement, popularized in California, was rapidly spreading east, inspiring a new generation of mechanically inclined young men to transform old cars into sleek, high-powered machines.[1]
The article spotlighted a number of Baltimore-area builders and enthusiasts who were redefining what was possible with secondhand autos. Among them was Ed Kairis of Catonsville, described as a highly regarded mechanic and authority on supercharging. Working with Dan Millians, a credit insurance man, the two were part of a growing circle of speed-hungry innovators pushing the limits of performance and design. Their experimental engines, sometimes assembled on kitchen tables, reflected the hands-on, trial-and-error ethos of the time.[1]
Another standout mentioned in the article was Harry Heim, a Baltimorean with a Jaguar that featured a special, chopped removable top. He even crafted a custom-built steering wheel modeled after aircraft yokes, showcasing the creative crossover between aviation and automotive technology that influenced many early hot rodders. But perhaps the most iconic local custom of the era belonged to Ray Giovannoni, whose 1936 Ford convertible had already earned national attention. Known for its clean, stylish lines and expert craftsmanship, Giovannoni's Ford was considered Baltimore’s top custom at the time and had been featured in Hot Rod Magazine, setting a new bar for East Coast custom car builds.[1]
The article noted how Baltimore’s young customizers were often former servicemen—veterans of World War II, who returned with mechanical skills and a hunger for speed. They stripped down old sedans, added performance upgrades like higher compression pistons, dual manifolds, and even homemade superchargers. Weight was reduced by removing non-essentials like fenders and bumpers, and many went so far as to hand-fabricate parts to achieve a personalized look and feel.[1]
While Southern California remained the epicenter of the movement, the Baltimore scene was thriving in its own right. In garages, basements, and makeshift machine shops across the city and suburbs, Maryland's earliest hot rodders and customizers were laying the foundation for a local tradition that blended ingenuity, resourcefulness, and a deep love for the automobile.[1]
Hot Rods of Baltimore, Maryland
Conrad W. Jacobs' 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe - "The Klondyke Koupe"
Earl Phillips' 1936 Ford - The Ford-O-Rocket
Custom Cars of Baltimore, Maryland
Ronald Schmidt's 1957 Chevrolet Corvette
Custom Upholstery Shops of Baltimore, Maryland
Citizens of Baltimore, Maryland
Conrad W. Jacobs
Earl Phillips
Ronald Schmidt
References
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