Engine Questions for Automotive Artist Steve Stanford

Editor’s Note: Although he’s not as visible as other automotive artists, Steve Stanford has one of the sharpest and most accomplished drawing pens in the industry. He never offered a limited-edition print until recently when he was honored at the Petersen Automotive Museum. He work has mostly focused on commissioned drawings for enthusiast magazines and designing body modifications and paint schemes for some of the leading car builders in the country. Between his print signings and meeting fans, EngineLabs caught up with Stanford at his Petersen reception for a quick chat about engines. You can find more of Stanford’s work on his Facebook page.

EngineLabs: Do you enjoy engine drawing engines, or would rather put a hood on that ’32?

Steve Stanford: Not if they’re done right. There’s so much detail and making sure the hardware is correct. That’s really the challenge. If the theme of the car requires a hoodless arrangement, then yes. I just did a ’32 5-window for a friend in Canada. I put in an early Dodge Red Ram with a blower and Edmunds air cleaner. I have to know, even on the Edmunds logo, to do that correct. The engine bolt arrangement, all that stuff has to be taken into account. If I’m doing something with the engine hanging out in the breeze, I’m going to spend more time on just that feature than any other part of the drawing.

EngineLabs: What are your favorite engines to draw?

Stanford: I like the early stuff because they have more character. The new stuff has the coil packs and all that jazz. So give me something with character, like an Ardun flathead, early Chrysler Hemis, 409 Chevys, just stuff with lots of character. Take one look at it and you instantly know what the engine is.

Steve Stanford at work, and enjoying a moment with automotive photographer Randy Lorenzen at the Petersen reception.

EngineLabs: There’s a disturbing trend these days that hides the engine with covers. What are your thoughts?

Stanford: Engines today are designed to run efficiently and they put looks secondary. In the past when didn’t have restraints, they could design whatever they wanted, and hot rodders took advantage of that. That’s the reason hot rod guys today are putting plastic covers on to hide all that stuff. It’s kind of a necessary evil. If they’re going to run that late-model powerplant they don’t have much choice. I would think the aftermarket could get creative and design a coil pack that’s attractive and still gets the job done.

Here's how Stanford envisioned a cross-ram SBC for this Nova and how the engine ended up in the finished car.

EngineLabs: What are the biggest mistakes hot rodders make when detailing their engines or engine bays?

Mismatching themes and not adhering to the theme of the vehicle. That’s regardless of the year break. If you’re going to do something nostalgic or do something ultra modern, stick to the theme. Obviously there are tricks like tucking wires in. Always go for clean and attractive, regardless of the theme.

About the author

Mike Magda

Mike Magda is a veteran automotive writer with credits in publications such as Racecar Engineering, Hot Rod, Engine Technology International, Motor Trend, Automobile, Automotive Testing Technology and Professional Motorsport World.
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