Matranga: hot as rods can be

If you’re into hot rods (and even if you think you’re not), there is something very special about the collection at Matranga Hot Rods and the father and son team behind it. 

In the latest video in the CTEK Stories series, we take a deep dive into all things Matranga. In the film Bob Matranga tells how his son Kent built his first hot road aged just 14. 

Their shared passion for the cars – and patiently building them – shines through as they tell the stories about iconic cars such as Brute Force, Bob’s 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air. 

Kent says: “It’s been a great bonding experience for me and my dad. We get a lot of enjoyment out of it. He likes certain cars, I like certain cars, we build on each other. It’s a great hobby we enjoy together.” 

Their own builds always take two to three years to finish (and they take in other enthusiasts’ projects). As Bob says: “When we are building something there is no timeframe to go to a show. It’s done when it’s as perfect as we can build it.” 

The best of the best 

“The two of them have such a passion for hot rods that they’re excited when you show them drawings,” said Matranga’s Chris Brown. “These guys want the best of the best. And whatever it takes to get there, they’re willing to go through.” 

Every car in the collection has to run and drive. They will happily cruise with their creations on 2,000 mile road trips. The collection is housed in a building laid out so every car can get out to be driven and in again. 

Its concrete floor contains wiring so there are electrical outlets between the cars, enabling the team to neatly use their CTEK MXS 5.0 battery chargers to charge and maintain each battery, so the hot rods are always ready to roll.