American Speed Company

American Speed Company (ASC) is a distinctive entity within the broader "Auto Repair Stations" category, although its operations are far more specialized and focused on high-end automotive design, engineering, and fabrication, particularly for the hot rod and custom car market. Founded in 2007 by Mark Trostle, an industry veteran with over 40 years of experience in automotive design, ASC is not a typical repair shop that services everyday vehicles. Instead, it is a premier builder and supplier of custom automotive components, notably their stamped steel hot rod bodies like the famous Speed33 and Dearborn Deuce. For local users, particularly enthusiasts, collectors, and other custom builders in the Plymouth, Michigan area (a suburb of Detroit), American Speed Company represents a pinnacle of craftsmanship and innovation in the world of classic and custom automotive creations.

The environment at American Speed Company is a blend of state-of-the-art engineering and meticulous craftsmanship, distinct from a standard auto repair garage. Located in Plymouth, Michigan, their facility is designed to handle precision fabrication and assembly. It likely features advanced equipment such as NC milling and water jet cutting machines for precise panel stamping and shaping, alongside dedicated assembly fixtures to ensure repeatability and quality in their builds. The workspace is typically organized and clean, reflecting the high standards required for custom automotive projects. While information on a customer waiting area is not explicitly detailed, given their high-end, bespoke services, client interactions likely occur in a professional setting where design plans and project progress are discussed. The atmosphere is one of innovation and dedication to detail, where skilled artisans and engineers work together to bring complex automotive visions to life. Their environment is less about quick fixes and more about the deliberate, artful construction of specialized vehicles and components.

American Speed Company offers a highly specialized range of services and goods, primarily revolving around the creation and supply of components for high-performance and custom vehicles. Their flagship offering is the **Speed33™ hot rod body**, a meticulously engineered stamped steel body that forms the foundation for countless award-winning builds. This body comes as a complete shell with features like a full convertible top, weather seals, power side windows, and a full front windshield assembly. They also produce the renowned **Dearborn Deuce** stampings. Beyond just bodies, their services extend to: **Automotive Design**, leveraging decades of experience to bring customer ideas from concept to reality, whether it's a '32 hot rod body or a full concept vehicle. **Engineering services** utilize OEM-level experience, applying the latest in CAD engineering alongside traditional manual design, ensuring precision and quality. They work with today's OEM manufacturing processes and quality standards as guidelines. ASC also provides **fabrication and assembly**, utilizing assembly fixtures to guarantee repeatability and maintaining quality, with products assembled, joined, inspected, and approved by hand. While they primarily sell their engineered bodies and components, they also produce **turn-key builds** for clients, taking a project from design to a complete, award-winning show car. They can also supply various **accessories** like grilles, hood sets, and instrument cluster packages that complement their bodies. For clients, their involvement often extends to guiding the selection of chassis, suspension setups (from original frames to custom American Speed chassis that accommodate modern multilink suspensions), and even working with clients on interior trim and upholstery options, though much of the final detailed assembly might be done by the customer's preferred shop.

Several distinctive features make American Speed Company a leader in its niche. A primary feature is their **OEM-level design and engineering expertise**. With a founder who boasts a 40-year career in automotive design and a team of OE-trained professionals, ASC brings a level of technical sophistication rarely found in custom hot rod shops. They utilize advanced tools like CAD software and precision manufacturing processes (e.g., laser-cut, 18-gauge steel stampings) to create products with superior fitment, rigidity, and quality. The **Speed33™ body itself is a unique feature**, being the only steel-bodied roadster with a full convertible top on the market. Its design allows for significant customization while simplifying assembly and future repairs or upgrades, a critical benefit for builders. ASC's commitment to **"Made in the USA"** is also a strong feature, with 95% of components used made within a 40-minute drive of their Michigan facility, emphasizing local sourcing and quality control. Their **award-winning pedigree** is undeniable; their products and the vehicles built with them have received numerous accolades, including "Pro's Pick Top 5" and "Top 25" awards at prestigious events like the NSRA Street Rod Nationals and Shades of the Past. Their involvement with high-profile projects, such as the 2008 Good Guys Grand Prize Giveaway Vehicle and the Street Rodder Road Tour Vehicle, further solidifies their reputation. The ability to work within tight tolerances and maintain quality through hand assembly and inspection showcases their dedication to superior craftsmanship. Their approach is truly unique, blending the artistry of hot rod building with the precision and engineering of modern automotive manufacturing.

For local users and the broader custom automotive community, American Speed Company's "promotional information" is often conveyed through their reputation, award recognition, and direct communication regarding their specialized products. While they don't typically offer traditional consumer discounts, their value proposition lies in the quality, engineering, and prestige of their products. They provide **detailed information and FAQs** on their website regarding the Speed33 body, including pricing ($33,500 for the base body package, with a 50% deposit to secure an order) and lead times (typically 8-10 weeks), which serves as a transparent form of promotion. Their active participation and consistent wins at major hot rod shows and events, such as the Grand National Roadster Show and Detroit Autorama, generate significant positive exposure and serve as powerful endorsements of their capabilities. Testimonials from satisfied clients and builders, often featured in automotive publications or online, also act as organic promotion. They make themselves accessible for inquiries, inviting potential clients to contact them directly via phone (734.451.1141) or email (sales@americanspeedcompany.com) for information on products and services. For serious enthusiasts and professional builders, the opportunity to pick up their body directly from the Plymouth, Michigan shop allows for a personalized experience, where they can discuss hot rod builds and familiarize themselves with the product. Their commitment to rapid lead times (avoiding years of waiting) is another compelling "promotional" point for builders eager to start their projects. Essentially, their promotion is built on delivering a superior, engineered product that allows builders to create award-winning vehicles with less hassle and higher quality.