We lost a giant of kustom kars yesterday. Frank De Rosa Sr. passed away on January 15th, 2020.

RIP Mr. De Rosa…Thanks for the cool cars.

He started his working life early doing odd jobs and dropping out of school to work at a fish cannery. By 16 years old, he was repairing and altering cars cutting his teeth and sheet metal at the same time. A stint in the Navy honed his fabrication and welding skills and when he returned to civilian life he started his own body shop, De Rosa Custom Body and Fender in Pittsburg, California in 1945.

After 42 years in business, Frank was honored as “Builder of the Year” at the Grand National Roadster Show, a highwater mark in a fantastic career. Frank worked at his body shop almost to the end, doing what he loved, and lived to the ripe old age of 92.

The “Golden Piranha” was another great example of Frank’s wild vision. It recently sold for $6000.00. Someone got a screamin’ deal.

Our thoughts and condolences go out to the De Rosa family and all of Frank’s friends, hoping they find solace in knowing Frank Sr. lives forever in the hearts of his fans.

All photos courtesy of FrankDeRosaCustoms.com