Flat Out Press: History

When I began reading Hot Rod Magazine in 1950 I wanted to know more about the history of the cars. Those pieces consisted of photos, captions and maybe a couple paragraphs of text. The magazine treated every car as if it were new, and while most were; now and then a rod would appear that seemed to have a history. Almost from the beginning I became obsessed with knowing whatever could be known about a rod or custom. To do any kind of research takes time, which is why even today one reads vague histories. A writer or editor declares that a particular car dates from, say the ‘Fifties, but offers not a shred of documentation.

Sometimes we can’t know. This 1946 Ford coupe was customized shortly after it came from the factory. It has had extensive bodywork, the side and fender trim has been blanked out, it’s been nosed and decked, the taillights have been removed, the holes filled and the lens and bezel mounted low on the trunk lid. The front end has been modified to accommodate the 1946 Chevrolet grill; this was a favorite grill swap just after the war. The car has a beautiful paint job, probably light blue or green, with white sidewalls and stock hubcaps.

It’s an outstanding car, and appeared at a time when such cars were still rare. Anyone who saw it should remember it. The car ran a Road Angels plaque, a club that started in 1950. I joined the Road Angels in July, 1951. I never saw this car. I have shown this photo to most of the older guys in the club and no one remember the car. I showed it to Bill Cahill; the photo was taken in his parents’ driveway – his dad owned the sedan delivery at right – and he could not identify the car.
Copyright 2008, Albert Drake and Flat Out Press.