Ralph Ferks' 1954 Oldsmobile
1954 Oldsmobile 98 Convertible restyled by Dave Puhl for Ralph Ferks of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The car, also known as the Startling Starfire, was designed by Bob Dzemske, a Milwaukee show promoter.. Dave modified the car by chopping the windshield 4 inches. The front fenders were extended 3 inches and reshaped to accept a pair of frenched quad 1958 Mercury headlights with Lucas lenses. A Studebaker lower pan was molded in with the fenders and grille shell. Dave also fit the car was fit with 1959 Pontiac Bonneville side trim. The taillights on the car were constructed from a 1958 Mercury Park Lane taillights. The taillights were placed inside a groove that ran the entire length of the rear fender. Many components in the engine compartment, and all undercarriage components were chrome plated on the car. The car was upholstered in pearl white throughout, including the padded dash, steering column, door panels, kick panels and the custom made center console. The car was also modified with front swivel seats for easy entry and exit.[2]
Ralph sold the car to Bob Dzemske. Bob painted the car blue, and fit it with a clear plastic "peek-a-boo" hood so spectators could get a view of the chromed engine compartment. The car was later painted in a two-tone blue and white. The car swapped hands before it ended up in Kurt McCormick's posession. Kurt sold the car to a guy in St. Louis where it sat outside for several years. The Startling Starfire is still around, and is currently undergoing a restoration.[3]
Rick Klibenski
In February of 2018 the Startling Starfire was owned by Rick Klibenski of Parma, Michigan, and the car appeared in an episode of American Pickers called "Double Bubble Trouble."[4]
Magazine Features
Popular Customs Winter Issue 1963
References
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