Most likely conceived in the back of a ’57 Chevy and pumping gas in his grandfather’s Richfield gas station by age 5, Vernon Heywood was destined to be an automotive enthusiast. His father, who also worked as a mechanic at Harry’s Richfield in Torrance, California, frequently bought and traded cars that came into the shop for service—at times resulting in a a different car in the driveway every week. Pickup trucks, VW Beetles, Corvettes, custom rods, and Country Squire station wagons to name a few, he was exposed to all types of vehicles. The family’s enthusiasm for all things automotive resulted in many warm summer nights at Lion’s Drag Strip as well as Ascot Park where his father frequently raced.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Vernon began terrorizing the streets of Tustin, California in a 1968 Camaro. He’s also owned several Cal Custom VW Beetles, and a Fiat Spider 2000. All were modified to do more than they were originally intended and kept running well past their prime. Although, he still harbors a deep lust for horsepower and speed, Vernon has spent most of the last twenty years traversing the 4×4 trails of California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah in modified 4×4s. Building vehicles with only one purpose—never having to turn around because the trail was too tough. His current project is a 1966 International Harvester Scout 800

Vernon began his writing career as the editor-in-chief for the Katana, a mini-magazine produced for the American Suzuki Association. He has also worked as a road test editor for Autobytel Inc. and has written and managed “how-to” and “parts and accessories” advice columns for MyRide.com.

Living in Corona, California with his wife and son, when he’s not writing or wrenching on his Scout, he can be found frequenting classic car and hot rod shows and milling about junkyards looking for that next great deal. Vernon currently works as a freelance writer, writing for various sites across the web.