​Pete Chapouris: Hot Rod's Archetype

Pete Chapouris passed away January 6 after suffering a stroke the night before. He was 76.

- Michael Eckerson

By now, there have been many tributes to Pete Chapouris. Each one a fitting tribute to a man who contributed so much to the Hot Rod world we live in today. I would venture to say not one report has anything bad to say about Pete. He was influential, and by all accounts, a gentle, thoughtful man.

I decided to dedicate a portion of this month’s issue to Pete and his family, to pay my respects and offer my own perspective on his passing. I feel it may be different than other articles you may read because I had no connection to Pete. My perspective is simply as an admirer.