Duane Dewey's 1929 Ford Model A Roadster

Duane Dewey behind the wheel of his Roadster, circa 1953. This hot rod, built by Dewey himself, was a quintessential example of Southern California's post-war hot rod and custom culture. The car's notable achievement includes a recorded speed of 109 mph at El Mirage dry lake. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

After completing the build, Dewey sold the Roadster to his cousin, Frank Riddle, prior to shipping out for military service. Riddle, too, enjoyed the car for some time but later sold it in exchange for a Corvette. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

Dewey was not only a member of the Roadents of Fontana but also played a critical role in the club's history by designing and creating the original sand-cast plaque for the club. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

Duane Dewey's Roadster has been missing for decades, with its history becoming unclear after it was sold by Frank Riddle. In 2024, Glenn Dewey began searching for any leads on what happened to his father's iconic hot rod. He believes the car may have been sold in the Los Angeles, Alhambra, or Eagle Rock areas. If anyone has information on the current whereabouts of the car or its history, they are encouraged to get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com. Any lead could help to reunite the Dewey family with this piece of hot rod history. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

Lost & Found - 1929 Ford

1929 Ford Model A Roadster owned by Duane Dewey of Fontana, California. Duane, a member of the Roadents of Fontana car club, built the roadster in the late 1940s or early 1950s, shortly before entering the United States Marine Corps to serve in Korea. Dewey's craftsmanship and attention to detail were apparent in this classic hot rod, which was indicative of the era's burgeoning custom car culture in Southern California. Modifications included cut-down rear fenders, a 1932 Ford grille, and a boat-type windshield.

Duane's Roadster was a quintessential example of post-war hot rod building, featuring modifications that aimed to enhance its performance and aesthetics. Its most significant achievement was a recorded speed of 109 mph at El Mirage dry lake, a popular venue for speed trials in the hot rodding community. A plaque commemorating this feat was placed in the car's cockpit.

Connection to the Roadents Car Club

Dewey was not only a member of the Roadents of Fontana but also played a critical role in the club's history by designing and creating the original sand-cast plaque for the club.

Ownership and Legacy

After completing the build, Dewey sold the Roadster to his cousin, Frank Riddle, prior to shipping out for military service. Riddle, too, enjoyed the car for some time but later sold it in exchange for a Corvette. In 2024, Duane's son, Glenn, told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that he believed Riddle lived in Los Angeles. He also believed that the car was sold to someone located around the Los Angeles, Alhambra, and Eagle Rock areas. Sadly, the car’s later whereabouts became uncertain after Riddle’s sale.

Later Contributions to Hot Rodding

Beyond the Model A Roadster, Dewey continued to contribute to the world of hot rods and custom cars. He played a pivotal role in the design and construction of The Flying Caduceus jet car, which ran at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Dewey also owned a 1953 GMC three-window pickup, which he purchased new and customized himself.

Where is it Now?

Duane Dewey's Roadster has been missing for decades, with its history becoming unclear after it was sold by Frank Riddle. In 2024, Glenn Dewey began searching for any leads on what happened to his father’s iconic hot rod. He believes the car may have been sold in the Los Angeles, Alhambra, or Eagle Rock areas. If anyone has information on the current whereabouts of the car or its history, they are encouraged to get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com. Any lead could help to reunite the Dewey family with this piece of hot rod history.