Ed Roth's 1930 Ford

From Kustomrama
Jump to: navigation, search
Photo by: Ed Roth
Photo by: Ed Roth
Photo by: Ed Roth
Photo by: Ed Roth
Photo by: Ed Roth
From the San Bernardino County Sun, June 18th, 1959, showing Lee Rhode's 1930 Ford.

1930 Ford Model A Tudor owned and built by Ed Roth of Maywood, California in 1955. The Sedan, better known as the Little Jewel was Ed's first foray into the show car scene. Ed started to build the car after returning from four years of service with the US Air Force.[1] According to the Hot Rods by Ed "Big Daddy" Roth book, Ed named his Sedan the Little Jewel due to Duane Steck and his 1954 Chevrolet called the Moonglow. Everyone thought that it was really cool to have names for their cars, so Ed went on and called his the Little Jewel.[2] Ed restyled the car by swapping the original grille for a 1932 Ford unit. The car featured nerf bars with small accessory turn lights. Ed Roth made the nerf bars and turn lights himself at his shop. The car was painted in red enamel by Wally Jordan, and featured a white Naugahyde top, and white running boards. The interior was upholstered in black and white by Martinez Upholstery.[3]


In order to turn his car in to a trophy winner, Ed chromed the undercarriage of the car. The rake on the car was accomplished by installing a 3-inch dagoed front axle. Juicy brakes were borrowed from a 1948 Ford passenger car, while the shocks were 1949 Ford pickup components. Under the hood, the firewall was liberally pinstriped, and the stock engine was swapped for a 1950 Oldsmobile engine. Roth did the engine swap on the car himself.[3]


Lee Rhodes of the Long Beach Renegades buys the sedan

Ed Roth sold the Little Jewel to Lee Rhodes of the Long Beach Renegades in late 1958 in order to get money for chrome on the Outlaw.[2]


Sold again to Henry Cantu

The car was later sold to Henry Cantu. Henry had the car painted lime green with white pearl scallops by Ed. By 1962, the hood was removed and a small-block Chevrolet engine had just been installed. The car has not been seen by the public eye since, however rumor has it that it is probably in Henry's garage.[4]


Magazine Features

Car Craft February 1959
Car Craft April 1959


References




 

Did you enjoy this article?

Kustomrama is an encyclopedia dedicated to preserve, share and protect traditional hot rod and custom car history from all over the world.




Can you help us make this article better?

Please get in touch with us at mail@kustomrama.com if you have additional information or photos to share about Ed Roth's 1930 Ford.


This article was made possible by:

SunTec Auto Glass - Auto Glass Services on Vintage and Classic Cars
Finding a replacement windshield, back or side glass can be a difficult task when restoring your vintage or custom classic car. It doesn't have to be though now with auto glass specialist companies like www.suntecautoglass.com. They can source OEM or OEM-equivalent glass for older makes/models; which will ensure a proper fit every time. Check them out for more details!

Do you want to see your company here? Click here for more info about how you can advertise your business on Kustomrama.


Personal tools
Help us
facebook