Southern Modified: The Legendary Fred Engh and His Legacy of Custom Cars

Southern Modified

by Fred Engh

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5582 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	118 pages

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Fred Engh was born in 1925 in the small town of Bamberg, South Carolina. From an early age, he had a passion for cars and racing. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned home and opened a small garage in Bamberg. It was here that he began to hone his skills as a master craftsman.

In the 1950s, custom car culture was booming across the United States. Engh quickly became known for his exceptional talent in modifying cars, creating one-of-a-kind masterpieces that turned heads wherever they went. His early work included a 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air known as the "Black Panther," which featured a radical chopped top and a custom paint job that showcased his artistry.

As Engh's reputation grew, he began to attract customers from all over the country. Soon, he was working on some of the most prestigious cars in the world, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis, and Rolls-Royces. His work was featured in magazines and newspapers, and he became known as one of the leading custom car builders of his time.

In 1962, Engh moved his operation to a larger facility in Charleston, South Carolina. It was here that he founded Southern Modified, which would become one of the most renowned custom car shops in the world. Over the next four decades, Southern Modified created hundreds of iconic cars, each one a testament to Engh's skill and artistry.

One of the most famous cars to come out of Southern Modified was the "Copperhead," a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette that was commissioned by actor James Dean. The Copperhead was a stunning example of Engh's craftsmanship, with its sleek body lines, custom paint job, and powerful engine. It was named one of the "100 Most Beautiful Cars in History" by Automobile Magazine.

Another iconic car from Southern Modified was the "Silver Bullet," a 1967 Chevrolet Camaro that was commissioned by legendary drag racer Don Garlits. The Silver Bullet was a purpose-built race car that dominated the drag racing circuit in the late 1960s and early 1970s. It was one of the first cars to reach speeds over 200 mph in the quarter-mile.

Fred Engh retired from Southern Modified in 2004, but his legacy continues to live on. His cars are still highly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts, and they continue to inspire generations of custom car builders. In 2016, Engh was inducted into the National Hot Rod Association Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to his lifetime of achievements.

Fred Engh was a true master craftsman who helped to shape the history of custom car culture. His cars are works of art that continue to amaze and inspire to this day.