The Rise of Motorsports Culture
In the 1950s, GIs from World War II return and use their skills to create “hot rods” — cars with increased size, speed, and flashy paint jobs.
Modified pickup trucks, muscle cars, and lowriders soon take center stage in magazines, film, and television. However, car culture dips in popularity because of the 1970s oil crisis and rising costs.
But this is not how the story ends.
Off the Beaten Path
When people saw that tough off-road military trucks could travel over mud, rocks, and tough terrain in World War II, the idea began to spread at home. In the 1950s, farmers begin using similar rugged trucks to help them work rough land. Soon after, a new generation of thrill-seekers use off-road vehicles to rip around deserts, hills, beaches, and dirt trails.
By the 1960s, off-roading is a fully-fledged sport featuring events such as the Baja 100.
The Man Who Created Bigfoot
Bob Chandler grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and served in the Navy before the Vietnam War. He returned to his hometown to work as a carpenter, marrying his wife Marilyn in 1965. The couple loved the great outdoors and bought a new F-250 pickup truck in 1974 for their off-road adventures.
Finding that parts and servicing for 4x4s were scarce, Bob and Marilyn saw a massive opportunity. Teaming up with their friend, Jim Kramer, they opened Midwest Four-Wheel Drive in Ferguson, Missouri, in 1975. Business booms, and they move their shop to Hazelwood.
The couple’s F-250 becomes the company truck. In his spare time, Bob strengthens and improves it with oversized tires and lifted suspension to handle even rougher terrain.
A Monster is Born
In a Missouri garage, way back in 1976, something loud, wild, and utterly unstoppable is happening.
Like a real-life Dr. Frankenstein, Bob uses his skills and spare parts to bring a monster to life after years of experimenting.
Artist: Chris Miller
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Artist Bio:
Chris Miller is a passionate illustrator with over 5 years of experience creating beautiful and engaging designs. Chris was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is now based in Brooklyn, New York. Chris’s work is inspired by my love of movies and entertainment culture. Chris began my Illustration career around portraiture before evolving into creating alternative movie posters. This led to Chris working with Hero Complex Gallery, AMP, and, recently, Printed in Blood. Chris has also worked with musicians to create album artwork as well as CollectionZZ, creating tour posters.