George Growland's 1951 Ford

George's Ford as it looked when it was featured on the cover of Rod & Custom September 1955.

Photo from the Andy Southard collection

1951 Ford Crestline owned and restyled by George Gowland of Gowland Custom Shop of Hot Springs, California. Being located over 100 miles from Los Angeles deep in the country desert, George had trouble obtaining parts and materials. The car was nosed, decked and shaved for handles. A new grille shell was made by welding two 1950 Mercury grille shells together, nine 1955 DeSoto grille bars were fit into the smooth grille opening. the hood was extended and the headlights were frenched recessed. The gas filler door was welded shut and a gas filler pipe was mounted inside the trunk. The rear fenders were reshaped in order to accept the 1954 Packard Clipper taillights. The fenders were molded to the body. The Crestline top was removed and replaced with a lengthened unit. The center posts were eliminated and the door tops were welded the top. The A-pillars were chopped 7 1/2 inch and 10 1/2 in the rear. The car was lowered by de-arching the springs and adding lowering blocks in the rear. The frame was Z'd to increase axle clearance, insuring a comfortable ride. Ground clearance was less than 3 inches. The car featured a pleated red and white Naugahyde interior by Gaylord's Kustom Shop. The trunk received the same treatment as the interior, the gas filler pipe was hidden behind the tool holder.

Magazine Features

Rod & Custom September 1955
Rod & Custom November 1956
Rod & Custom April 1958
Rod & Custom August 1990