Nick Kallos to Display “The Contender” Ford Model A Roadster at Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction in Las Vegas
When the world famous Barrett-Jackson auction begins selling over a hundred rare autos today at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, there will be two cars on display that won’t be for sale. These unique cars belong to Nick Kallos of Las Vegas (Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com) .
Nick Kallos
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
If you’re in the casino business in Las Vegas you probably know Nick as the owner of Casino Gaming School — the largest school for casino dealers in Las Vegas. But if you’re a car enthusiastic you know Nick as the man who built “The Contender”, a 1929 Ford Roadster that has been featured in car magazines around the world. Nick is also displaying “Blackie”, his 1932 3-Window Coupe. What really makes these cars unusual is that Nick didn’t restore them, he built them from the ground up.
Nick Kallos with “The Contender” 1929 Ford Model A Roadster at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
Both cars will be on display in the Meguiars space at Barrett-Jackson. Nick developed a sponsor relationship with Meguiars when they met at the 2011 AMBR (America’s Most Beautiful Roadster) Show. Meguiars will also be displaying Nick’s cars at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas.
Nick Kallos with “The Contender” 1929 Ford Model A Roadster at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
“The Contender is a 1929 Ford Model A Roadster on ‘32 rails and the front end is pinched 2 inches,” said Nick. “So-Cal Speed Shop provided the frame, brakes, front axles, rear shocks and springs. And the entire car was built on their showroom floor so customers could watch.”
“The Contender” 1929 Ford Model A Roadster at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
Nick feels that the popularity of “The Contender” is based on its simplicity and color combination. “Everyone told me not to use this color but I had been dreaming about having a car in this color since I was a kid so I knew it was going to work,” said Nick. “I used Wimbledon White, a cream color, on the firewall and the matching wheels. It all blends together. And there are enough subtle modifications to catch everyone’s eye.”
“The Contender” 1929 Ford Model A Roadster at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
Nick has made several improvements since the time we photographed The Contender, including a removable top manufactured by Ramon Hernandez at Master Custom Upholstery and installed on a custom metal framework created by Nevada Scorpions. “It took us a year and three tries to get it right,” added Nick.
Engine view of “The Contender” 1929 Ford Model A Roadster at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
Nick also worked with Lenny Ribardo from Louver Art to create the louver & blister side panels for the engine. A custom overflow tank was added by Mondo of Nevada Scorpions. The air cleaners were also improved. For more information about how “The Contender” was built, click here.
Interior shot of “The Contender” 1929 Ford Model A Roadster at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
“Blackie”, a 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe, was the first car Nick built. “If I could only keep one car it would be this one,” said Nick. “The configuration of this car is a lot different because it’s my road car. It’s got 18,000 miles on it. Because my wife travels with me, this car has air conditioning, heat, a CD player and all the electrical features of a modern car but on the surface it looks and rides like a ‘32.”
“Blackie”, a 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
Some of the unique features of Blackie include a custom windshield hand-made by an expert craftsman in Australia, and pin striping by Lenny Ribardo. The floors and doors are aluminum. “I wanted this car to look old but it has power-everything in it,” explained Nick. “I built this car from a bare frame six years ago at So-Cal Speed Shop. Each of these cars took about a year and a half to build.”
Nick Kallos with “Blackie”, a 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
You can see “The Contender” and “Blackie” in the Meguiars display space at Barrett-Jackson.
“Blackie”, a 1932 Ford 3-Window Coupe at Barrett-Jackson
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
You can contact Nick Kallos through his Facebook page or email learn2deal@aol.com.
Meguiar’s offers a variety of car care products to meet the wide range needs of demanding users. Whether you are a do it yourself enthusiast or a highly trained professional, Meguiar’s has a selection of products, pads and accessories that will solve your every need. Call 800-347-5700 or visit www.meguiars.com.
The Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Event is September 20-22 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Their web site is: www.barrett-jackson.com
Nick Kallos in the Meguiars display space in Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Show in Las Vegas
Photo credit: Bryan Eggers / www.VegasNews.com.
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