In 1952, Galpin Ford in Los Angeles customized a Ford from their pool of cars available on the lot. An on-the-lot convertible was made unique with swapped-on Mercury and Lincoln parts. Galpin also did some body modifications, including Frenched headlights garnering much attention. So much so, that the convertible appeared on the June 1953 cover of Motor Trend and created quite the buzz.
College student Bert Boeckmann joined the dealership as a car salesman in 1953. He embraced “Galpinizing,” and the dealership became known for the unique Fords on its lot. In 1960, Bert worked a deal with company owner Frank Galpin to get equity in the business instead of cash commissions. Boeckmann became Galpin Ford’s majority shareholder four years later.
Flash-forward to September 2013: Galpin held an open house and car show to commemorate Bert’s 60th year at Galpin – and 60 years of Galpinizing.
Most enthusiasts don’t realize that many customizing “firsts” originated at Galpin Ford. For example, the first “production” sunroof in the U.S. – on a 1965 Mustang — was done at Galpin by customizer Heinz Prechter. Prechter launched American Sunroof Company (ASC) shortly thereafter as a result of a large order from Ford. In the early 1970s, the dealership’s customized “surfer” Econoline van for a family friend helped launch a subculture that still exists today.
Over the years, Galpin became one of Ford’s largest non-commercial customers. Most months, Galpin sells the more new Fords than any dealership in the world. This thriving new-car business prompted the dealership to add stores for most other brands that have been Ford holdings or partnerships: Mazda, Jaguar, Lincoln, and Volvo. The portfolio also includes VW, Honda, Lotus, Subaru and Aston-Martin.
As the new-car business boomed, “Galpinizing” took a back seat. Then Bert Boeckmann’s son Beau assumed an executive position at Galpin in the early 2000s. He prioritized a return to Galpin’s customizing roots – Beau wanted to recapture the excitement he remembered at the dealership in the 1970s.
So, Galpin Auto Sports (“GAS”) was created as a custom shop catering to all vehicles – not just ones sold by Galpin. GAS started in a back service bay at one of the Galpin dealerships. It had a skeleton crew, and many of the specialized services were subbed out.
In 2004, opportunity knocked. A strip mall and furniture warehouse across the street from Galpin Ford went up for sale. Then, the producer of MTV’s “Pimp My Ride” had a what-if conversation with Beau about hosting the show. To make the TV show’s schedule, Galpin bought the for-sale properties and re-launched GAS in a stand-alone location.
Thanks to “Pimp My Ride” and GAS’s A-list clientele, the shop is now one of the country’s premier customizers. The 60th Anniversary Party provided the public a rare opportunity to see the Galpin Collection, an automotive museum discreetly housed in what was formerly the furniture warehouse. The Boeckmann family owns several rare Mustangs and Shelbys. Beau Boeckmann also has the world’s largest collection of Ed “Big Daddy” Roth vehicles. Some have been restored to better-than-new condition by GAS. Other kars in the Kustom Kulture Kollection include George Barris and Von Dutch kreations.
For many car enthusiasts, the Galpin 60th show offered a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see influential cars in the flesh. Galpin customers and Southern California gearheads displayed their own creations: everything from scary-fast Mustangs to patina’d rat rods.
The event had one notable omission: nobody seems to know what the heck happened to that ’52 Ford that planted the seed for all this?