Unique ONES - Entering the vibrant era of the 1960s marked a transformative shift in the automotive landscape, particularly in the realm of sports cars. This period was characterized by the powerful hum of engines and the sleek, cutting-edge designs that emerged. Iconic sports cars took center stage, captivating enthusiasts and leaving an indelible mark on the industry, paving the way for a new era of automotive excellence.
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| The Phaze II was the brainchild of Palatine, Illinois native Dave Puhl, represents a pinnacle in custom car building back in 1960s, included one of the revered creations in the Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame. (Picture from: RDZPhotographyBlog) |
Amidst this dynamic evolution,
Phaze II made its debut—a distinctive creation that mirrored the spirit of innovation and rebellion synonymous with the 1960s sports car scene. This was a time when experimentation with designs and engineering reached new heights, challenging traditional norms. Its design at first glance (especially the front fascia and color) looks similar to the
Holden Hurricane Concept which came in the same era.
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| Dave Puhl's Phaze II unique street rod concept illustrations by Henry Bradley, R&C Magazine, Oct. '69. (Picture from: MuseumOfAmericanSpeed) |
Crafting a custom, all-steel vehicle is a nuanced art, a fusion of sculpture and craftsmanship reminiscent of the works of
Darryl Starbird. Among the revered creations in the
Starbird Rod and Custom Hall of Fame, one stands out—the
Phaze II, a testament to innovation and appreciation.
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| Dave Puhl's Phaze II made its debut at the Oakland Roadster Show in February 1970. (Picture from: Kustomrama) |
Phaze II, the brainchild of Palatine, Illinois native Dave Puhl, represents a pinnacle in custom car building. Puhl's journey, chronicled in a four-part series in Rod&Custom magazine from 1969 to 1970, serves as a step-by-step tutorial on assembling a custom car—a meticulous homage to his craftsmanship.
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| The distinctive Phaze II features an all-steel body, commencing with the framework, presenting a formidable challenge for Puhl in creating the outline of the fenders, body, and hood. (Picture from: MuseumOfAmericanSpeed) |
The genesis of
Phaze II traces back to a 1964 meeting between
Puhl and
R&C editor,
Spence Murray. Both harbored a shared passion for pushing boundaries in the street rod domain, envisioning groundbreaking concepts like a bed-forward pickup or a fastback convertible station wagon—unheard of in an era dominated by front-engine vehicles. Their vision was to create a chassis layout that defied norms, setting the stage for a new era of automotive excellence.
Collaborating with stylist
Harry Bradley,
Puhl translated his concepts into tangible designs. By the spring of 1969, the vision started taking shape. Their blueprint involved integrating
an AMC 343 V8 engine and fabricating tubular rails, connecting
'71 Javelin front X-members for structural support—an engineering feat that challenged traditional street rod configurations.
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| The Phaze II was one-off street rod concept featured with a bed-forward pickup or a fastback convertible station wagon, and powered by an AMC 343 V8 engine. (Picture from: MuseumOfAmericanSpeed) |
The meticulous process of constructing an all-steel body commenced with the framework.
Puhl, a proponent of using conduit structures, sourced approximately
500 feet of 1/2-inch electrical conduit. With this material, he painstakingly crafted the outlines of the fenders, body, and hood—a testament to his dedication to detail and unconventional methods.
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| The 1960s were marked by fierce competition among automakers to produce the fastest, most aesthetically pleasing sports cars, and Phaze II proudly stood as a testament to this era of fierce innovation. (Picture from: MuseumOfAmericanSpeed) |
Phaze II stands as a collaborative marvel—a synthesis of skilled craftsmen and visionary designers. It embodies the pinnacle of Dave Puhl's illustrious career in custom car construction. The vehicle made its world debut in 1970, captivating audiences and garnering significant media attention during its three-day showcase. Its subsequent national tour elevated its status, drawing admiration from show promoters and fellow builders alike.
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The
vision of Phaze II Concept was to create a chassis layout that defied
norms, setting the stage for a new era of automotive excellence. (Picture from: MuseumOfAmericanSpeed)
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As Phaze II embarked on its journey across the national show circuit, it became a symbol of the changing tides in sports car design. The 1960s were marked by fierce competition among automakers to produce the fastest, most aesthetically pleasing sports cars, and Phaze II proudly stood as a testament to this era of fierce innovation.
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| The fusion of sculpture and craftsmanship, as seen in Phaze II, captures the essence of an era defined by the roar of engines, sleek curves, and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence. (Picture from: CNET) |
In essence, the 1960s sports car scene was a pivotal period, witnessing the birth of iconic vehicles that would shape the future of automotive design.
Phaze II, with its groundbreaking features, exemplified the spirit of this transformative era, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of custom car building. The fusion of sculpture and craftsmanship, as seen in
Phaze II, captures the essence of an era defined by the roar of engines, sleek curves, and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.
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