In recent years, the celebration of the 1932 Ford has somewhat overshadowed the 1933-'34 Ford Model 40 which was, in many ways, a superior vehicle. Rushed into production, the 1932 Ford suffered numerous teething problems from cracked bodies and frames to chronic overheating. However, constant development spurred by complaints from buyers resulted in a longer, sleeker, improved V8 that far surpassed the Deuce.
The Model 40 was successful in early road races such as the 1933Elgin Road Race, the Gilmore Gold Cup and the Targa Florio, held early in 1934 in Los Angeles, CA. It was, however, less successful at Indy. But no matter, hot rodder's cottoned to it in a big way (and I always loved the look of those stripped-down racers).
Fast-forward to 1978 and to California Highway 99 somewhere between Turlock and Merced. We were on our way to the NSRA Street Rod Nationals West when my buddy Jack said, "Look behind." I turned around and barreling down the highway, catching us fast was Pete Chapouirs' California Kid and Jake's canary yellow coupe. I grabbed my camera and hung out of the car managing to get off only two shots before they rocketed past. I've used those snaps numerous times on magazine and book covers, posters and always been thankful for being in the right place at the right time. That one shot also led to a friendship with Pete and Jake, which has lasted 30 years. In 1982, Pete brought the California Kid to England and we cemented the relationship.
The following year Jake returned with Billy F Gibbons' Eliminator made famous in the MTV videos of ZZ Top. Jake built a contraption that enabled the Eliminator to be flown over the crowd at an outdoor rock concert. Pretty crazy but that was the Eighties.
Other 1933-'34 Fords have also warranted a page in my mental scrapbook: The Moooneyham & Sharp 554 which Bob Bauder restored for Jerry Moreland and Jim Lytle's Allison V-12-powered Big Al. Can you imagine, therefore, what a thrill it is to gather all these influential '34s under one roof. Thanks to the generous support of Ross and Beth Myers' 3Dog Garage, Intercity Lines, The Rodder's Journal and Steve's Auto Restorations, who will display one of their brand new '34 3-window coupes, all these cars and more including the amazing Super Bell Coupe are gathered at the Wally Parks NHRA Motorsports Musuem, Pomona, Calif., in a new exhibit celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the 1933-'34 Ford Model 40. Come check it out.
Or, visit our web site at http://museum.nhra.com
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