The OG Hot Rodder - Blackie Gejeian's Custom Car Collection

Legendary hot rodder, Blackie Gejeian, tells us the history behind five of America's Most Beautiful Roadsters in his collection. He throws Dennis the keys to "The Emperor" and tells him to start smokin' it! Blackie's son, Charles, fires up the Shish Kabob Special and takes a spin with us. Blackie also shows us a few other special cars in his collection. Recorded on 10/28/2004.

Blackie Gejeian 1926-2016

0:00 - Intro
2:07 - "The Mod Rod" by Mike Haas & Art Himsl
5:28 - "The Emperor" by George Barris & Chuck Krikorian
7:17 - "The Shish Kabob Special" by Blackie Gejeian
11:31 - "A T 4 2" 1927 Ford Roadster by Dick Williams
13:09 - 1917 Ford Roadster by Dan Woods
15:07 - "T Plus 2" by George Barris & Don Lokey
17:57 - "The Candy Man" by Jim Molino
22:02 - Driving "The Emperor" and "The Shish Kabob Special"
31:40 - Historical Photos
32:39 - Behind the Scenes

#HotRodding #Legend #HotRods #BlackieGejeian #AmericasMostBeautifulRoadster #AMBR #GrandNationalRoadsterShow #GNRS #HotRod #CustomCars

[MarcusRefusius]

Blackie had such a passion for Hot Rodding and all things Automotive. You have to admire his enthusiasm. He put on an Annual Car Show at Selland Arena in Fresno for years.
We used to go to Famoso Drag Strip for the “Winter Warmup”. That was the weekend before Pomona. $15 admission included a pit pass.
They stopped doing that, but still have the Nostalgia Drags. Rest In Peace Blackie. You are missed.

[joebacarella]

What a collection, hats off to Blackie for being such a fine caretaker of these Classics, and still driving them, I could listen to that sound all day long, thanks Dennis.

[danieljohnson]

I had read about Blackie for most of my life, being the car enthusiast that I am, so it was great to hear him talk with such passion about his beloved hot rods. These cars. and Blackie himself of course, are indeed hot rod royalty!

[sacooper]

RIP Blackie, he lived to 90 years old. he was 78 during this episode, thanks dennis for re-posting

[ZeroBoostBuick]

Just WOW. What an amazing episode. One of my favorites for sure. And I don't even care about custom roadsters that much !!! RIP Blackie, and thank you for being such an amazing caretaker of these historic and beautiful Rods.

[donaldwilliams]

Great job Blackie for putting that collection together, long live the Hot Rods, and thank you Dennis.

[rickevans]

WOW seeing classic's like these is a once in a life time treat BUT DRIVING THEM Dennis you are ONE VERY LUCKY MAN. Thank you so much for showing us these classics and reminding people that Blackie is the KING OF STREET ROD BUILDERS.
GOD BLESS
Rick

[robc]

Thanks Dennis for posting this again on YouTube. Blackie was one of the best.

[TheViewmaster]

I remember seeing ads in the Fresno Bee for the Autorama when I was a kid! Great episode... and RIP Blackie!

[Porschedriver]

Nice to see the new upload! Dennis has so many great shows and finds all the best cars! OG Post-war veterans were just bored and built these creations. He looks like one of my uncles — super enthusiastic! 🏁

[FischerRestoration]

I had the privilege of meeting and getting my picture taken with Blackie at a car show in Bakersfield CA back in 2010.
Nicest guy you could ever meet!

[vehdynam]

What a collection ; some cars I have read about while growing up. Thanks to you and Blackie!

[ChopClass]

The Emperor is cool! I would have been all smiles driving that too, Dennis! Great segment.

[kevinbarrett]

Blackie is a legendary bad ass car builder, one of a kind, never to be seen again. These post war builders are the essence of cool we were lucky to have them.

[baconsarny-geddon]

RIP Blackie Gejeian. I Always loved that little black Model T. Nice to see Dan Woods get some love, too- His fibreglass cars like the Milk Truck and Ice Truck are some of the wildest, most original show-rods out there.

Love those late 60's/70s Art Himsl paint jobs, too- Everyone else does flames, or pinstriping, or maybe skulls, but that clean, art deco look was truly unique.

[TroyHarrisonTheSalesNavigator]

Blackie is a treasure. Met him at SEMA a few years ago - what a great guy!

[thechroniclesofmaintenance]

Wow, that was five star awesome !!!
Thank you for sharing this experience. The best of the best from the pioneers!!
Brought back many fond memories.

[balancetoe]

So great to see the legend remembered! Sept 2 2016 RIP

[richardlawton]

So cool. I remember many of them
Thanks so much.

[brianhaygood]

Wow. Very cool he had these all together and so well taken care of.