George Vidana Contaoi

George's ID card from Sturges High School, 1949.

George Contaoi's 1941 Ford Tudor, of San Bernardino, California was restyled in 1950.

George Contaoi's 1941 Mercury Coupe. George was a member of the San Bernardino Krankers car club. He bought the Merc in 1952, began restyling it in 1953, and completed the build in 1956. The work was performed by George, Al Andrade, and Dick Richardson at Dick Richardson's Custom Shop. The car survived, and was still around in 2020. At the time it was located in Barstow, California.

George in 1956, next to his 1947 Merc.

George Contaoi's 1949 Oldsmobile fastback. George's Olds was restyled in 1955.

George Contaoi's 1955 Ford F-100 of San Bernardino, California, was restyled by Dick Richardson's Custom Shop and Barris Kustoms in 1956. Von Dutch striped it and made a mural on the tailgate along with Dean Jeffries.

George Contaoi's 1957 Ford Fairlane, of San Bernardino, California was restyled by Dick Richardson's Custom Shop in 1957.

George finally reunited with his old Mercury in February of 2024. 63 years had passed since 90-year-old George sold his car back in 1961. As he stood by his Mercury, it was clear that the decades melted away, leaving a gleam of nostalgia and maybe, just a hint of a tear, in his eye. A wonderful and memorable day! Photo by Olav Kvipt.

George Contaoi of San Bernardino, California was born on October 28th 1934. In 1949 George became a member of the San Bernardino Krankers. At the time he was a graduate at San Bernardino, and he drove a customized 1941 Ford Tudor. George later owned several custom cars, and in 2014 he was still active in the car scene.

George Contaoi's Cars

George Contaoi's 1941 Ford Tudor
George Contaoi's 1941 Mercury Coupe
George Contaoi's 1949 Oldsmobile Fastback
George Contaoi's 1955 Ford F-100
George Contaoi's 1957 Ford Fairlane