James Karcher's 1950 Ford Convertible - The Connecticut Yankee

James' Ford as it appeared when it was presented in the program for the 1961 Ram Rods Rod and Custom Car Show.

A photo of Jim's Ford from the souvenir program for the 1962 Ram Rods Rod and Custom Car Show.

The old custom as it appeared when Ray took it under his wing in 1979. Photo from The Ray Soff Collection.

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1950 Ford originally owned and restyled by James Karcher of Stanford, Connecticut. In the mid-1960s, the streets of Stamford witnessed the rise of a car that would be remembered as a timeless masterpiece. This car was Jim Karcher’s 1950 Ford Convertible, also known as "The Connecticut Yankee."

Ray Soff

When Ray Soff first laid eyes on this green beauty at an indoor car show in the New York Coliseum in 1962, he exclaimed, "Dad, that’s the car I want." However, his father dismissed his plea at the time, reminding him of his age and that the car wasn't for sale. But the vision of that dark green, chopped Ford stayed with Ray.

Restyled by Jim

Karcher's Ford began its life rather unremarkably. Initially owned by a policeman in Stamford, it wasn’t until Jim Karcher got his hands on it that it transformed into a legend. The car was radically altered, with a 6-inch chop and a body drop of an additional 6 inches. The modifications didn't stop there; its quarter panels were reshaped to house 1955 Packard Clipper tail lights, and the front end featured drenched 1954 Mercury headlight rings. The first paint job it received was a stunning 1954 Buick Tahitian Red, which was a popular choice in the 1950s.

Shipped to Puerto Rico

However, the car's journey had its fair share of ups and downs. In 1961, Karcher's Ford was scheduled to be part of the Custom Car Spectacular in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Ray recounts, "Mine was damaged on the way over, and it never made it into the show." Thereafter, the cars were trapped in a shipping fiasco, leaving them stranded in storage in New York City.

Gold. Then Green

Over the years, the Ford underwent several transformations. By 1962, it boasted a blue paint job, complemented by a pristine white interior. Not long after, rolled pans replaced the bumpers, and the car received a metallic gold paint job. Its appearance at the New York show soon after showcased a rich dark green lacquer finish.

Ray Soff Finally Becomes the Caretaker of the Car

The Ford's allure was such that Ray couldn’t shake off his longing for the vehicle decades later. He recounts, “I always had that car in my mind. All the time.” By 1978, Ray's determination led him on a quest to find the iconic Ford. His search eventually paid off in 1979, and he became the proud owner of a car that was then in "a million pieces." With his experience as a bodyman, Ray restored the car to its former glory, opting for a red paint reminiscent of its original hue. Modern updates were added, including a 351W engine and disc brakes.

Ray's connection with Karcher's Ford wasn't just about the car's beauty; it ignited a passion for discovering other vintage customs. Ray admits, “That car was what got me going.” He began to track down show promoters and photographers, building an impressive collection of magazine negatives and stories. This vast archive made him a sought-after resource for car enthusiasts nationwide.

In a fitting tribute, Ray’s Ford graced the cover of the first issue of Kustoms Illustrated in 2002. Since then, Ray has become a staple in the custom car community, not just as an owner but as a historian and storyteller.

Today, Karcher's 1950 Ford Convertible stands as a testament to the craft and passion of car enthusiasts. A symbol of the golden age of custom cars, its story, interwoven with Ray's tenacity, ensures that it will be remembered for generations to come.

Magazine Features

Speed and Custom March 1962