Look What We Find At The 55th NSRA Nats
By Brian Brennan – Photography By Author
The 1934 Ford coupe known as the Khrome Shoppe Special, originally owned by Bob Reed and restored by Tony Pisano, is an iconic piece of hot rod history that has captured the attention of car enthusiasts for decades. This unique vehicle, which came back at the 2022 Detroit Autorama after being out of sight for many years, first gained fame in 1984 when it won the prestigious Ridler Award.
Inspired by the success of Vern Luce’s 1933 Ford coupe, which won the Al Slonaker Memorial Award at the Grand National Roadster Show in 1981, Bob Reed set out to create a hot rod that would rival the best in the industry. Working with builder Greg Fleury and designer Thom Taylor, Reed developed a concept for a 1934 Ford coupe with a distinctive track nose that would set it apart from the competition.
The result was the Khrome Shoppe Special, a stunning red coupe that caught the eye of Tony Pisano, who knew he had to own it from the moment he saw it. Despite facing numerous obstacles in his pursuit of the vehicle, including multiple owners and long periods of storage, Tony’s determination never wavered. Finally, after years of searching, he was able to track down the car in California and make it his own.
The Khrome Shoppe Special is a shining example of the innovation and craftsmanship that defined the hot rod scene in the 1980s. Its sleek design, attention to detail, and eye-catching paint job have made it a standout at car shows and events for over three decades. The fact that it is still turning heads and capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts today is a testament to its enduring appeal and the skill of those who brought it to life.
As the Khrome Shoppe Special celebrates by appearing at the 55th anniversary of the 2024 National Street Rod Association, it serves as a reminder of a bygone era when hot rods ruled the road and captivated audiences with their unique style and speed. Tony Pisano’s dedication to preserving and restoring this iconic vehicle ensures that its legacy will continue to inspire the next generation of car enthusiasts for years. MR
