A Surfing Hot Rod - Oahu Wahoos from Johnny Lightning

Here is a rear-engined custom Hot Rod from Johnny Lightning that'll go toe-to-toe with the Zulus.

The Oahu Wahoos hot rod casts quite a shadow!

Get to the beach before winter comes!

Johnny Lightning Zulu Surf Wagon!

As summer winds down, here is a Johnny Lightning that'll definitely take you to the beach!

Banzai Boys! Surf's Up! - A Johnny Lightning Hot Rod

This Johnny Lightning Hot Rod is ready to hit the surf!  I perched it on an old Hobie 16 for this picture and I think it captures the spirit of this little car.

Johnny Lightning Banzai Boys Hot Rod

Johnny Lightning Banzai Boys Hot Rod: Real Car Roots?

The Johnny Lightning Surf Rods Banzai Boys series, featuring models like the 1933 Ford Coupe and Ford Speed Coupe, draws inspiration from real-world hot rods but isn’t based on a single specific car. Introduced around 2000, these 1:64 scale die-casts, often in vibrant red and white with surfboards and “Banzai Boys” decals, reflect the custom hot rod culture of the 1960s, particularly the surf-themed cars popularized in California. The designs, often credited to custom car legend George Barris, evoke the chopped and modified Ford coupes common in that era.

Real 1932-1934 Ford coupes, like the 1933 Ford Model 40, were popular bases for hot rods due to their lightweight frames and V8 engines, easily modified for speed and style. The Banzai Boys models exaggerate these with lowered suspensions, wide tires, and flashy paint, capturing the spirit of custom builds seen in shows or magazines like Hot Rod. While no specific real car matches the Banzai Boys exactly, their aesthetic mirrors the custom 1930s Fords built by enthusiasts, blending historical accuracy with stylized flair. These collectibles, available on eBay or Etsy for $5-$20, remain prized for their nostalgic nod to hot rod and surf culture.