Edgar Smith's Custom Roadster

Edgar Smith's Custom Roadster is a unique hand-built vehicle created by Edgar Smith in Fallon, Nevada. The distinctive car was built sometime between 1948 and 1964. Photo courtesy of Steven Andrews.

A black and white photo from 1965 that shows Edgar with the car. Photo courtesy of Steven Andrews.

An additional feature of the lowslung roadster is the full belly pan, a modification aimed at improving aerodynamics and providing a sleek undercarriage profile. There is speculation that the roadster may have been involved in land speed racing events, such as those held at the California dry lakes or the Bonneville Salt Flats, during the 1950s, 1960s, or early 1970s. However, despite thorough research, no photographic evidence has been discovered to confirm its participation in these events. Several notable auto historians have also indicated that they have not seen records or images of the car at such racing venues. Photo courtesy of Steven Andrews.

In 2024, the car incorporated 1948 Ford axles, reflecting the engineering practices of the late 1940s. A notable feature of the roadster is its Columbia two-speed rear axle, which enhances the vehicle's performance by providing versatile gearing options. Photo courtesy of Steven Andrews.

Since 1982, the custom roadster has been stored and kept off the road. Over the years, it has been located in various states, including California, Nevada, Oregon, and possibly Utah. In July of 2024, the car was currently housed in Vancouver, Washington, under the care of Steven Andrews. Andrews sought more information about the roadster to piece together its full history. Photo courtesy of Steven Andrews.

Powering the roadster is a 1956 Ford 312 Y-Block engine, renowned for its robustness and reliability. When later owner Steve Andrews got the car, the engine was equipped with an enlarged oil pan and a Mallory MagSpark system, modifications that improved its performance and efficiency. It is suggested that the car might have initially been powered by a Flathead Ford engine before the installation of the 312 Y-Block. Photo courtesy of Steven Andrews.

Steven Andrews, the current owner of Edgar Smith's Custom Roadster, is appealing to the public for any additional information about the vehicle. He has shared photographs, including a rare black and white image from 1965 featuring Edgar Smith behind the wheel. Andrews hopes that anyone who has seen the car or knows about its history will come forward to help document and preserve the legacy of this remarkable vehicle. Please get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com if you have any additional info or photos to share. Photo courtesy of Steven Andrews.

Lost and Found

Edgar Smith's Custom Roadster is a unique hand-built vehicle created by Edgar Smith in Fallon, Nevada. The distinctive car was built sometime between 1948 and 1964.

Construction and Specifications

The custom roadster was built on a tube frame, a popular choice among custom car builders of the time for its durability and flexibility. In 2024, the car incorporated 1948 Ford axles, reflecting the engineering practices of the late 1940s. A notable feature of the roadster is its Columbia two-speed rear axle, which enhances the vehicle's performance by providing versatile gearing options.

Powering the roadster is a 1956 Ford 312 Y-Block engine, renowned for its robustness and reliability. When later owner Steve Andrews got the car, the engine was equipped with an enlarged oil pan and a Mallory MagSpark system, modifications that improved its performance and efficiency. It is suggested that the car might have initially been powered by a Flathead Ford engine before the installation of the 312 Y-Block.

Potential Racing History

An additional feature of the roadster is the full belly pan, a modification aimed at improving aerodynamics and providing a sleek undercarriage profile. There is speculation that the roadster may have been involved in land speed racing events, such as those held at the California dry lakes or the Bonneville Salt Flats, during the 1950s, 1960s, or early 1970s. However, despite thorough research, no photographic evidence has been discovered to confirm its participation in these events. Several notable auto historians have also indicated that they have not seen records or images of the car at such racing venues.

Preservation and Current Status

Since 1982, the custom roadster has been stored and kept off the road. Over the years, it has been located in various states, including California, Nevada, Oregon, and possibly Utah. In July of 2024, the car was currently housed in Vancouver, Washington, under the care of Steven Andrews. Andrews sought more information about the roadster to piece together its full history.

Request for Information

Steven Andrews, the current owner of Edgar Smith's Custom Roadster, is appealing to the public for any additional information about the vehicle. He has shared photographs, including a rare black and white image from 1965 featuring Edgar Smith behind the wheel. Andrews hopes that anyone who has seen the car or knows about its history will come forward to help document and preserve the legacy of this remarkable vehicle. Please get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com if you have any additional info or photos to share.