The Cut Outs of Long Beach Photo Collection

The "Strawberries and Cream" version of Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker. In 1957, Dick's Studebaker underwent an extensive restyling at Art's Custom Shop, earning its sweet nickname "Strawberries and Cream." Featuring sidetrim from a 1954 Buick, peaked and extended rear fenders with scoops, and frenched taillights, the car was finished in Oldsmobile Rose Mist and pinstriped by Mike Clines. Inside, the white Naugahyde tuck and roll upholstery completed the look, creating a custom car that truly stood out. Photo courtesy of The Cut Outs of Long Beach, provided by Ross Ruiz of 46to64.

A photo of Bob Shelby's 1957 Ford. Shelby’s approach to customizing his Ford was a masterclass in subtlety and style. Rather than altering the car's iconic lines, Bob chose to enhance its natural beauty with a sophisticated blend of paint and upholstery. Striking scallops by Mike Clines gave the car a distinctive yet tasteful look. The wheel spinners, sidepipes, and chrome bullets in the taillights added just the right amount of flair, while the matching interior and chrome tape on the roof created a harmonious and cohesive design. Photo courtesy of The Cut Outs of Long Beach, provided by Ross Ruiz of 46to64.

A photo of Chuck Bell with his 1932 Ford roadster. Scan courtesy of Kustomrama, provided by Dick Gonzales.

A flyer for the 5th Semi Annual Cut Outs of Long Beach Poker Run Dance, held March 28, 1957. Scan courtesy of Kustomrama, provided by Dick Gonzales.

Another photo from the 1957 Crash Helmet Magazine photo shoot, taken in front of Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury, Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker Speedster and Gary Thorton's Pickup truck. Clubs represented in the photo include members from the Cut Outs, Sportsmen of So Cal and Challengers of So Cal. Photo courtesy of the Cut-Outs of Long Beach, provided by Dick Gonzales.

A group of Cut Outs cars at an outdoor car show in 1956. Photo courtesy of the Cut-Outs of Long Beach, provided by Dick Gonzales.

A photo showing a lineup of Cut Outs club cars taken in 1957. From left to right, we can see an Oldsmobile, Gary Thorton's Pickup truck, the "Strawberries and Cream" version of Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker Speedster and Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury. Photo courtesy of the Cut-Outs of Long Beach, provided by Dick Gonzales.

A Crash Helmet Magazine group shot of some Cut Outs members taken in 1957. The members in the photo are, from left to right, Ron Dulin and Dick Gonzales. The two gentlemen in the center are unidentified, while Glenn and Gary Thorton sit on the right side. The guys are posing in front of Ron Dulin's 1956 Plymouth Fury, the "Strawberries and Cream" version of Dick Gonzales' 1955 Studebaker Speedster and Gary Thorton's Pickup truck. Photo courtesy of the Cut-Outs of Long Beach, provided by Dick Gonzales.

Kustomrama Photo Archive

The Cut Outs of Long Beach, California, stand as a testament to the early days of car culture in Southern California, a region that would become the epicenter of the custom car movement. Organized on April 16, 1941, the Cut Outs quickly established themselves as one of the most prominent and oldest car clubs in the Long Beach area. With a strong emphasis on organization and discipline, the club was more than just a gathering of car enthusiasts—it was a brotherhood bound by a shared passion for automotive excellence.

From its inception, the Cut Outs operated under a strict set of guidelines that included a constitution, by-laws, and a solemn oath of membership. To earn a place in the club, prospective members had to meet rigorous standards. Ownership of a car that could hold its own at a car show was a non-negotiable requirement. This meant the vehicle had to feature enough modifications and be maintained to such a high standard that it would be deemed acceptable by both the show’s sponsors and the existing club members. The car not only represented the individual but also the prestige of the Cut Outs, earning the right to carry the club plaque.

Membership came with other stringent qualifications as well. Candidates had to be over 16 years old, possess a valid California driver’s license, and carry adequate insurance on their vehicles. Safety was paramount, with each car required to pass a safety inspection. But the commitment didn’t end there. Regular attendance at the club’s weekly Sunday evening meetings, held in their own clubhouse, was mandatory, as was the payment of dues—a dollar a week—and the purchase of the club jacket.

The club's by-laws enforced a strict code of conduct, reflecting the Cut Outs' commitment to maintaining a positive reputation. Drag racing on public streets, drinking at car shows, or at club meetings were grounds for suspension or expulsion. The club even imposed fines for traffic violations, with penalties up to one dollar per mile-per-hour over the speed limit, accompanied by a 21-day suspension of the offender's jacket and plaque privileges.

By 1958, the Cut Outs were recognized as members of the Associated Car Clubs of Long Beach. At that time, the club boasted 24 active members, with an average age of 20, as documented in Rod & Custom November 1958.

Thanks to long-time member Dick Gonzales and custom car historian Ross Ruiz of 46to64, a wealth of historical material from the Cut Outs' past has been preserved and shared with Kustomrama. Their contributions, including scans from the Cut Outs' scrapbook, offer a rare and invaluable glimpse into the rich history of this storied car club. These artifacts serve as a bridge to the past, allowing enthusiasts and historians alike to appreciate the legacy of the Cut Outs of Long Beach—a club that helped lay the foundation for the vibrant car culture that thrives in Southern California to this day.

Further Reading

Cut Outs of Long Beach