Sometime in 1974, Robert Short and a friend stumbled across car BB1 in a body shop in Studio City, California where it was being repaired. While the car was not for sale, Robert realized that he could build a replica car, using the information he had gathered (as well as copious photos he and the friend snapped) and by utilizing the resources around town. Within weeks Robert had a dark blue 66 Imperial for $700 to start with.

Robert went to Dean Jefferies and had him put together a quote for creating a BB replica. The pricing was good, as seen in the original Jeffries sketch and pricing.

After some time had passed, Robert decided to try Korky's Kustom Services in Van Nuys, CA. Korky had a good reputation around town and worked in metal fabrication. Beginning the project in November of 1975, Korky's took about 6 months to complete the modifications (in between jobs). Once they were done, Robert started on the roof extension. He performed the remainder of work himself, working from photos and the recollections of his contacts. Richard even picked up a set of Appliance Apache rims for $120 back then. What a steal that was! (Before the Internet this kind of research and acquisition required a painful amount of legwork but in a way made the accomplishments that much more rewarding.)

He finished the car in a flat black matte paint and figured he would coat the back stock bumper until he had more time and money to finish off the back of the car. Robert drove it as his daily driver for several years and made appearances at conventions during that time. Robert would occasionally get stopped by police about the very small limo window in the back, but the side rear view mirrors always saved him from getting a ticket.

After a couple of years of fun he decided to sell the car to his friend. Somehow, years later, Jay Ohrberg ended up with the car. During the 80's this car turned up in a Quiet Riot video called The Wild and the Young (view at right). After that it was sold to Planet Hollywood in Hong Kong where it was hung from the ceiling minus the engine transmission and fuel tank.

<< The placard mounted beneath the vehicle was a bit misleading: "BRUCE LEE, VAN WILLIAMS 'The Green Hornet' ABC/ Twentieth Century Fox, 1966-1967 The car used in this cult series."  While there is nothing wrong with replicas, there might possibly be a problem when folks try to pass them off as the genuine article.