1963 Smith XR-6

LeRoi 'Tex' Smith's Hot Rod magazine XR-6 is a very early example of a magazine project car that was built to showcase the latest hot rodding trends and, more importantly, the products advertised in the magazine. This unique roadster features a fully independent suspension, a race-prepared Lancer slant-6 engine with twin-choke Weber carburetors under its sleek hood, and a fully instrumented and finely detailed cockpit. Loosely based on a 1927 Ford Model T, the XR-6 sported a number of fresh ideas including asymmetric styling and hidden headlights. Smith employed his friends George Barris, Steve Swaja, Gene Winfield, and Tony Nancy to help build his dream car and on its first public outing, the XR-6 won the Grand National Roadster Show's top award for 'America's Most Beautiful Roadster.'