Photos: Mark Kawakami

I’m a firm believer that you’re a product of your environment. Growing up, learning, and deciphering the street-code is truly part of the hot rodding spirit. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, I’ve had the opportunity to chop it up with a truly eclectic band of folks from all different walks of life. Be it old, young, rich, poor…arrogant or stuck up, I’ve met them all. In this game, it’s all about street smarts and the hot rodders have it, no doubt.

Photos: Mark Kawakami

As a student to the street it becomes your teacher. Although, I doubt anyone truly becomes a Scholar of them. There’s always something new to learn, something new to develop. It’s almost never ending. It’s no wonder growing up, I found myself hanging out at local speed shops, elbow-deep in grease. It’s probably the reason I got into cars and hot rodding to begin with.

Hot rodding is more than just driving a fresh whip. It’s style, too. Unfortunately, there’s no book to refer to. You just suck it up, and spin the wheel; hope for the best. The great thing about hot rodding? It’s completely what you make of it. Los Angeles is rich with custom builders who don’t own a ton of the newest equipment, nor do they excel in any one trade. Most builds, albeit unseen or featured, come from the hands of builders in their own garages.

When it comes to customizing, they just do it, and hope for the best. It’s part of what makes this hobby so great. That’s exactly the reason we decided to showcase Ian Berky and his ’51 Chevy. Hailing from Burbank, California, Ian’s journey began 17 years ago when he moved to the ‘Bank. As far as the ’51 Chevy was concerned, believe it or not, it was actually a gift from his wife.

Follow how getting a ’51 Chevy as a gift from his wife took him form Teamster to full time car customizer. Joyrides Art Company spent some time with Berky to photograph his award winning Chopped Chevy, and learn about his rise in the car custom ranks. We think you’ll really be impressed. This one’s for the builders, dreamers, doers, and to those keeping the faith in hot rodding.

Credit for this one, of course, has to go to Joyrides Art Company and photography from Mark Kawakami. It’s there you’ll find one of the baddest ’51 Chevy’s we’ve ever seen. Joyrides spent some face time with Berky, which is evident in the original interview. It really is an inspiring story of what a strong mind, motivation, and will to succeed can produce.