By Tara Hurlin
Custom cars are a work of art, and Paul Koch’s distinctive, dragon-like ride takes the cake when it comes to creativity. Over 1,000 hand-crafted fiberglass black horns whisk back into what looks like a beast’s fur, reminiscent of Falkor from the NeverEnding Story, but with a dark edge.
Custom cars are a work of art, and Paul Koch’s distinctive, dragon-like ride takes the cake when it comes to creativity. Over 1,000 hand-crafted fiberglass black horns whisk back into what looks like a beast’s fur, reminiscent of Falkor from the NeverEnding Story, but with a dark edge.
Koch is known for his mixed-media visual artistry that was displayed in exhibitions and galleries throughout the state of Florida from 2000-2008, and each of his creations convey a deep meaning to the questions of life. His work with vehicle customization is no different.
A 1970 Opel GT first piqued Koch’s interest in 1985, but he didn’t fully turn his attention to cars until 2008, when the economy turned south and sales of canvas art became less frequent. Around that same time, Koch traded his all-terrain vehicle for a rat rod project — a 1923 T-bucket kit car.
“I immediately started to ponder what I could create. I didn’t like the electric blue color or the ghost flames, but the T-bucket body was a good base, and the previous owner had put some money into a sturdy suspension and the 350-cid Chevrolet engine.”
“I immediately started to ponder what I could create. I didn’t like the electric blue color or the ghost flames, but the T-bucket body was a good base, and the previous owner had put some money into a sturdy suspension and the 350-cid Chevrolet engine.”
Koch began researching and experimenting with different ideas and materials until his vision of a rather glamorous dragon-like rat rod became a reality.
“I have always loved challenges,” he said. “As an artist, I see things that others do not, and once I get a vision in my head, everything else just clicks and I have to run with it.” And run with it he does, even if the plans seem impossible to the average person. “To most, I am accomplishing the impossible.”
When Koch first got his hands on the rod, it was in good running condition and sat on a solid steel frame, but it had been sitting awhile. To get it running smoothly he changed out the throttle cable, fuel pump, fuel and water hoses and all the fluids. After that, rear red LED lights were added for better visibility and all electrical work was completed. The seats were dropped for fear of flying out of the car while driving, then a 1/4-inch rear steel bumper was added and three fuel tanks were installed for a total capacity of 27 gallons.
After the basics were completed, Koch began molding the car into a rolling sculpture. “For me, working on cars does not cause hardship or challenges, it is purely therapy.”
“I have always loved challenges,” he said. “As an artist, I see things that others do not, and once I get a vision in my head, everything else just clicks and I have to run with it.” And run with it he does, even if the plans seem impossible to the average person. “To most, I am accomplishing the impossible.”
When Koch first got his hands on the rod, it was in good running condition and sat on a solid steel frame, but it had been sitting awhile. To get it running smoothly he changed out the throttle cable, fuel pump, fuel and water hoses and all the fluids. After that, rear red LED lights were added for better visibility and all electrical work was completed. The seats were dropped for fear of flying out of the car while driving, then a 1/4-inch rear steel bumper was added and three fuel tanks were installed for a total capacity of 27 gallons.
After the basics were completed, Koch began molding the car into a rolling sculpture. “For me, working on cars does not cause hardship or challenges, it is purely therapy.”
Every horn was hand-crafted from fiberglass, and extra care was taken to make everything symmetrical. “There are over 1,000 horns in total, and each one is unique,” he said. But there is more symbolism to the horns than pure aesthetics: each one stands for independence and freedom — they are molded from the feelings deep within his soul. “I have been through so much that I technically shouldn't even be here. Art is made to bring people of like-minds and experiences together; it’s a way for everyone to see the world through my eyes.”
The low windshield was cut out of thick Plexiglas, and Koch used a CNC router to carve out the razor-like aluminum frame. Red lights were added to the interior and throughout the entire underbody. Inside the belly of the beast, the bag-o-bones style shifter resembles what may come of the dragon’s victims, and flame throwers warn everyone else to take heed.
As the legend goes, dragons are loyal creatures to those who garner their trust, and their endless courage allows them to ward off enemies and protect their keepers. “To me, they are alluring and dangerously captivating,” Koch said. “They rest within the hidden dark recesses of man's imagination until they come out in the form of art, music or in this case, cars.”
Coming up with a name for the beast was a task within itself, but as the dragon came to life, it earned its name. “Draco is what my Greek grandmother used to call my brother and me when we would act up, and Draco was named in her honor.”
After everything Koch has witnessed in his lifetime, he still has no regrets and continues to push on. “Everything from serving my country to caring for a beloved family member for over nine years has forged me into the person that I am today. I can honestly say that I have absolutely no fear of anything or anyone, much like a dragon.”
“This build is who I am,” Koch continued. “Every project is an extension of me, and I live outside of the box. It’s better to burn out than to fade away.”
Coming up with a name for the beast was a task within itself, but as the dragon came to life, it earned its name. “Draco is what my Greek grandmother used to call my brother and me when we would act up, and Draco was named in her honor.”
After everything Koch has witnessed in his lifetime, he still has no regrets and continues to push on. “Everything from serving my country to caring for a beloved family member for over nine years has forged me into the person that I am today. I can honestly say that I have absolutely no fear of anything or anyone, much like a dragon.”
“This build is who I am,” Koch continued. “Every project is an extension of me, and I live outside of the box. It’s better to burn out than to fade away.”
