70s Time Warp - National Rod & Custom Car Hall of Fame Museum - Afton, OK

[Der Stig]

Get your sideburns and rhinestones out for a wacky ride through Darryl Starbird's creations.

He's got an eclectic collection of cars he designed and from other designers from the 60s-70s through present day. He's most notably known for his work with bubble top prototypes and (sadly) those ghastly wire wheels (in collaboration with Weld) that adorned many 70s-80s customs. Afton, Oklahoma wouldn't be more than a road sign if it weren't for this museum, which was built back in the early 90s on the family estate. Darryl has also hosted a number of great car shows over the years in the area (none that I'd been too, but another museum patron enlightened me).

Buckle up!

 

[Der Stig]

Let me know when to stop

 

[Der Stig]

@CraigB this may save you a trip lol

 

[Der Stig]

Okay, last one. Blown Daihatsu and the Pacer Brat are choice.

 

[93Flareside]

Well, I'm glad you went to get these photos but uh, sometimes imaginations should stay in your head and not become IRL creations.

something something awful 90s band lyrics

 

[CraigB]

Starbird had serious talent, but by the late 1970s I'd say his style was played out.

That being said, I still want to go, and I can't believe I haven't been considering it's just a hop skip and a jump for me.

Thanks for sharing, @Der Stig !

 

[Crazyjeeper]

Wow...

No denying the talent, but exactly nothing in there is to my taste.

Modifying a car for speed is timeless. For style, that will always look dated.

 

[Der Stig]

Yup, that was about my reaction.

Definitely was expecting more hot rods and less custom cars that aged like milk.

All his cars were done with sheet metal abd lead filler, no fiberglass, so plenty of quality work indeed. His cars ran and drove, too. He certainly had a good grasp of the custom car climate in the 70s/80s, but unfortunately those styles did not age well.

 

[93Flareside]

All his cars were done with sheet metal abd lead filler, no fiberglass

Jesus Christo....

 

[CraigB]

I'm hearing rumor that the museum is closed and most of the cars are going the museum at Speedway Motors in Lincoln, Nebraska. Sad if true, as I still haven't seen the museum in person. I have heard good things about the Speedway Motors Museum though. May have to drive up and check it out sometime.

 

[Der Stig]

Ah too bad, but not surprising. His wife was up there in years, although still ambulatory when I visited. Hopefully she is still doing okay.

The building and cars were not in the best of conditions. The upkeep must have been constant and funds probably not the most free flowing. Glad they'll have a new home though.