Carl's Jr. '41 Plymouth Restored By Bodie Stroud Televised On Friday

Almost every American is familiar with the burger wars and fast food beginnings with Carl Karcher launching his legendary company Carl’s Jr. in 1941. Convinced that Americans wanted faster prepared food for their new metropolitan lifestyle, Karcher started his first fast food stand in Los Angeles after borrowing $311 by putting up his Plymouth as collateral. That hot dog stand eventually paid off and Karcher grew his empire into the mega-corporate business that helps define American culture.

To commemorate the restaurant chain’s 75th anniversary, Bodie Stroud and the Bodie Stroud Industries crew will restore a 1941 Plymouth Super Deluxe for CKE Restaurants CEO, Andy Puzder, on this week’s episode of “American Restoration,” airing this Friday, March 18, 2016 at 10:00 p.m. (9:00 p.m. CST) on the History channel.

Puzzler brought Bodie Stroud’s crew a 1941 Plymouth Super Deluxe in fair shape for restoration and customization, deciding that it made sense for a Los Angeles based restoration shop to take on this project because the burger chain started in Los Angeles. Puzder chose a ’41 Plymouth because it was in 1941 when Karcher and his wife borrowed the $311 (equal to $5,217 in today’s economy) against their Plymouth to buy the first hot dog cart that would become Carl’s Jr.

The restoration plan includes a special paint job that celebrates Carl’s Jr. while infusing modern technology for performance and reliability, including an engine upgrade to a late model Hemi that pumps out nearly 400 horsepower. The Super Deluxe will also receive modern steering, upgraded brakes, modern suspension, air conditioning and custom gauges.

“This is such a fun project, we’re honored to take it on and will make the Carl’s Jr. team proud since this is a part of their history,” said Bodie Stroud. “I really enjoy all the historical aspects of the project –one of the most beloved burger chains in the world began in Los Angeles as a hot dog cart; that the Karchers borrowed money against their Plymouth to fund their dream; and the fact that Carl’s Jr. is celebrating a benchmark year by having a ’41 Plymouth restored to tour the U.S. It is pure Americana.”

Once the car has been completed, the plan is for the Plymouth to hit the road and tour select Carl’s Jr. locations across the U.S. At the culmination of the tour, the car will then be auctioned off to raise funds for Carl’s Jr.’s Stars for Heroes program supporting American military veterans.

The seventh season of “American Restoration” features five new shops across the country. Representing the west coast is Bodie Stroud Industries – the only shop to appear on all 13 episodes of the new series. For more information on Bodie Stroud Industries, visit www.bodiestroud.com and follow Bodie Stroud Industries on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Vehicle: 1941 Plymouth Super Deluxe

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