Sale of the Kendall Custom raised $450,000 for curing kids cancer
Curing kids cancer
Kendall Motor Oil and Mecum Auctions are partnering with Curing Kids Cancer to provide hope and help to children battling cancer. In fact, Mecum has been providing assistance to the Curing Kids Cancer mission since 2011—and the impact has been incredible:
• $20M+ raised for innovative childhood cancer research and treatment
• Funded international collaborative research with some of the world’s top pediatric facilities
• Helped doctors in 27 states and more than 45 medical facilities
Building the Kendall Custom
It started with a road trip to Denver. While on a shoot a few years back, we stopped into Thompson Street Customs to get a look at an award-winning truck they had crafted for SEMA. After talking shop for a few minutes, we knew that Robert Thompson Sr. and Robert ‘Cope’ Thompson Jr. were the real deal – with the awards to prove it. Together, we decided to build a machine that reflects the Kendall Motor Oil motto, “You Get Out What You Put In®.” Over the last couple years, we’ve turned blood, sweat, and tears into beauty, precision, and power.
Titanium garage episodes
Episode 1: Design
The first episode explores the inspiration and design behind The Kendall Custom. Watch and see how the custom car build process begins—with pencil, paper, and a whole lot of ideas.
Episode 2: Body & Frame
In this episode, the building-blocks of the car are brought together. After combining a Roadster Shop Fast Track chassis and Dynacorn reproduction body, the foundation of The Kendall Custom is formed.
Episode 3: The Engine
With the foundation in place, it’s time to go under the hood as the team converts a 430 HP Ford Coyote V8 engine into a twin turbocharged beast capable of putting out 1200 HP.
Episode 4: A Guest in the Garage
Emily Reeves, host of Flying Sparks Garage on YouTube and Live Love Wrench on Motor Trend, joins the team in Denver to check out The Kendall Custom. Plus, get an update on the progress of this ‘67 Shelby restomod custom build.
Episode 5: Custom Craftmanship
Rob Dahm, who you may recognize from his YouTube and Instagram videos, brings his wealth of car knowledge to the Titanium Garage. Bill and Rob analyze all the craftsmanship being put into The Kendall Custom, while Cope and Robert Sr. pop the hood for an insider look at this exceptional machine.
Episode 6: The Unveil
In the final episode of Titanium Garage, we get an intimate look at the expert craftsmanship that went into the final phase of our custom 1967 Shelby GT500 Restomod. Then we’ll take you to Mecum for the official unveil of The Kendall Custom.
Auctioning the Kendall Custom to benefit curing kids cancer
Kendall Custom’s profits to fund cancer research
When The Kendall Custom hits the Mecum Auction block for the last time, all proceeds of the sale will benefit Curing Kids Cancer. Check out the official announcement on NBC featuring Bill Stephens and Curing Kids Cancer Founder and Executive Director, Grainne Owen.
About Curing Kids Cancer
Emily Reeves sat down with Curing Kids Cancer Co-Founder, Grainne Owen, to understand how the proceeds of The Kendall Custom sale will benefit pediatric cancer research and treatment.
How Do I Bid?
Considering bidding on The Kendall Custom? Mecum Auctioneer Jimmy Landis explains the bidding process to Emily Reeves, so you’ll know just what to expect on auction day, January 15, 2022. We hope to see you at Mecum Kissimmee.
Evaluating The Kendall Custom
From its conception, Bill Stephens has been there to see The Kendall Custom come to life. He knows what collectors are looking for and the details that catch their eye. Hear his full evaluation before our one-of-a-kind custom crosses the auction block. Register to bid at BidOnKendall.com.
Kendall Custom Kids
Before it hits the auction block, we took #TheKendallCustom to meet some of the brave kiddos assisted by @CuringKidsCancer. 100% of the proceeds go to this worthwhile cause.
Auctioning The Kendall Custom To Benefit Curing Kids Cancer
The Kendall Custom sold on January 15 at Mecum Auction Kissimmee. The original broadcast aired on MotorTrend TV, Discovery Channel TV, and streaming on MotorTrend+. Watch the replay of The Kendall Custom crossing the auction block and being sold to the highest bidder.
The Bid for The Kendall Custom at Mecum Auction
It finally happened. After touring the nation on its goodwill tour, the Kendall Custom was sold at the Mecum Auction in Kissimee, FL. Watch the roll-up, the bid and the responses of those who took part in an event that raised $450K for Curing Kids Cancer.
Meet the team
THE BUILDER
Robert Thompson Sr. Thompson Street Customs
Over the last few decades, Robert has built quite the reputation in the automotive industry as a well-recognized custom autobody shop owner. His 15,000 square foot business in Denver, Colorado, specializes in the design and build of custom cars for clientele all over the country, including former high profile athletes like former NBA player turned coach, Anthony Carter and Denver Broncos Linebacker, Von Miller.
THE DESIGNER
Robert ‘Cope’ Thompson Jr. Thompson Street Customs
By age four Cope was drawing automobiles. After taking notice, his father had him sketch Hot Wheels cars to hone his talent. Cope’s artistic passion grew to the point where he began applying his skills to airbrushing car exteriors and designing unique restomods. Joining forces with his father, their first custom car went on to win Best Truck in Show honors at the 2010 SEMA show. Cope brings a new-age style to his designs, while his dad grounds him with a more classic style of bodywork.
THE HOST
Bill Stephens NBC Sports Network
This American television host and automotive and motorsports commentator is a lifelong car lover. Bill could identify every make by age three and was started working as an autobody repairman and painter shortly after finishing high school. Bill’s automotive and motorsports expertise and fascination for radio came together when he began his commentating career in 1972. He continues today as a TV personality and Mecum Auctions Analyst for NBC Sports Network.
Kendall Custom Specs
Twin Turbocharged Ford Coyote Engine
Garrett Advancing Motion
The Garrett name ties back to the origins of the turbocharger. They are known worldwide as pioneers and leaders in their industry.
Rolle, Switzerland
GarrettMotion.com
Custom Kenwood Sound System with Led Lights
JL Audio
The go-to for audio innovation in the custom-build community, they are sought after for their impressive subwoofers.
Miramar, FL
Chassis Frame
Roadster Shop Fast Track
When it comes to chassis fabrication for street rods and muscle cars, these guys have been the backbone of the industry for a quarter century.
Mundelein, IL
RoadsterShop.com
9″ Ford Housing Rear End
Strange Engineering
They make the market’s best-known hardcore racing and performance street driveline and suspension components.
Morton Grove, IL
StrangeEngineering.net
Full-synthetic Motor Oil
Kendall GT-1® Max
Kendall’s most advanced premium, full-synthetic motor oil is formulated to protect and enhance turbocharged engines, withstanding the most extreme driving conditions.
Houston, TX
KendallMotorOil.com
Air Conditioning
Vintage Air
This team’s in-depth knowledge of street rods, sports trucks, and performance cars enables them to craft custom air solutions for every automotive project.
San Antonio, TX
Flush-mounted Front and Rear Glass
AM Hot Rod Glass
Getting their start with arguably the most famous custom garage, West Coast Customs, they’ve been crafting the finest acrylic glass in all of the industry.
Fontana, CA
AMHotRodandGlass.com
Front and Rear Brakes
Baer Disc Brakes
Their detail-oriented solutions have pushed the boundaries of modern and performance brake technology for more than two decades.
Phoenix, AZ
Baer.com
Drive Shaft
A1 Drive Shaft
Notorious leaders in the driveline industry with a passion for customized projects.
Denver, CO
A1DriveShaft.com
Front and Rear Tires
Toyo Tires
Skillfully manufacturing state-of-the-art premium replacement tires for nearly every make and model, these tires are the preferred choice of car lovers.
Bartow County, GA
1967 Mustang Body
Dynacorn
Superior craftsmanship makes these restoration parts the top choice of car enthusiasts.
Camarillo, CA
Dynacorn.com
Custom Leather and Suede Interior
Eddie’s Rods and Customs
Eddie’s unique interiors have been in hundreds of world-class cars, rods, and trucks, resulting in several award-winners—including the Thompson’s SEMA truck.
Pueblo, CO
EddiesRodsandCustoms.com
Wiring
Painless Performance Products
Recognized by motorheads as the most prominent manufacturer of automotive wiring for the past 30 years.
Fort Worth, TX
PainlessPerformance.com
Interior Billet
Lokar Performance
Regarded as a leader in the automotive aftermarket category because of the quality and attention to detail they continually deliver.
Knoxville, TN
Lokar.com
Radiator
C&R Racing Inc.
Celebrated as North America’s unrivaled provider of broad-scope cooling needs.
Indianapolis, IN
Crracing.com
Wheels
Raceline
Driven by a passion for performance, Raceline has been manufacturing and distributing the highest quality wheels in the industry for the last two decades.
Garden Grove, CA
racelinewheels.com
Gauges
Dakota Digital
The best gauges, lighting, and control systems are designed here, moving the future of electronic instrumentation systems forward.
Sioux Falls, SD
dakotadigital.com
Paint
PPG Paint
For 135 years, PPG has evolved the paint business working with partners to develop the best paint for every job.
Pittsburgh, PA
Turbo Engine Work
VI Engineered
Custom engine work is this team’s specialty, with handmade solutions built in house for every project.
Denver, CO
viengineered.net
Vents and Emblems
QC Quality Components
When a project comes in, this crew works diligently to meet and exceed each ask with the best customized solution, delivering top notch specialized automotive components.
Denver, CO
qccnc.com
Headlights
Delta Tech Industries
This team’s dedication shows in the design and manufacturing of world class lighting solutions for standard rides and custom-built machines.