Chassis No.
182420062
Known as one of the first and finest when it comes to applying his visions and skills to custom-built cars, Rick Dore has crafted some of the most respected one-off customs in the world and has effortlessly built a worldwide reputation. Dore blends the elegance of the Classic Era with the drama of modern form, creating machines that look as if theyve driven straight from a dream. His builds are sleek, flowing, and meticulously detailed, and push the limits of contemporary craftsmanship. His ability to capture emotion in metal has earned him countless awards, magazine features, and the admiration and rightful place in noted collections worldwide.
Beautifully crafted in 1997, this one-of-a-kind creation by Rick Dore made its public debut as "Tangerine Dream" at the Oakland Roadster Show. Much like all of Dores creations, this example caused a sensational stir and of course captured best custom at the show and would go on to be voted Best Custom of the Year in back-to-back years. Starting life as a Ford Five-Window Coupe, the all-steel body was chopped four inches, completely shaved, and the sheet metal was stretched three-inches to give the car a more balanced look and feel. The running boards were stretched and smoothed out, a 1940 Packard grille was molded into the front, and 1937 Zephyr rear fenders were attached to the rear of the body.
For the drivetrain, a 350-cubic-inch V-8 engine was selected and upgraded with Edelbrock aluminum performance heads, a performance cam was added to the block, and an Edelbrock carburetor was equipped. A 350 automatic transmission and Mustang two front suspension with power steering was also selected, making it easier to drive.
Pinned with a long list of awards, which includes its back-to-back Custom of the Year award, it also boasts a Good Guys Custom of the Year award, Best of Show, Best Radical Custom, and Best Paint at the Oakland Roadster Show, and Best Overall Design award with the winner chosen by the Ford design team. So celebrated and admired was this custom, Jada Toys did a run of diecast cars, where it was sold in major retail stores across the country.
After collecting a significant number of accolades and being one of the most photographed customs during its era, "Tangerine Dream" was sold in 2000 and would trade hands with a few private collections, before Rick Dore recently reacquired his build and began reimagining it. First, he stripped it to bare metal, selected a new color, and renamed it "Midnight Special". At this same time, new chrome plating was applied, a new interior and seats were added by noted West Coast upholsterer, Ron Mangus, and a new convertible top by Carson Tops was added. Further, new exhaust, glass, and several other unique features were updated. Finished in 2026, the transformation is nothing short of showstopping and gives its next owner the rare opportunity to debut a Rick Dore custom for the first time again.
With Rick Dore completing his final custom coach-built automobile in 2026 and closing the door on one of hot rodding's most celebrated careers, "Midnight Special" stands as a rare opportunity to acquire an authentic creation from a craftsman whose artistry will never again be mirrored.
* A one-of-a-kind creation by industry pioneer and famed customizer Rick Dore
* Back-to-back Custom Car of the Year
* Winner of an array of prestigious builder awards
* Featured in a long list of hot rod magazines and international publications
* Recently reacquired by Dore and completely reimagined
* Rare opportunity to debut a Rick Dore custom for the first time following restoration
From the Kruse Auctions
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