John Bigelow's 1937 Ford Cabriolet

1937 Ford Carbiolet owned and restyled by John Bigelow of Oakland, California. In March of 2024, Dave Riddle told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that his grandfather lived in Oakland in 1946. "He was friends with Tommy "The Greek" Hrones, and after seeing his car, he had his 1937 Ford built." John worked at the American Canning Company, and this photo of John with the car was taken at a company picnic in 1946. Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

John met his future wife, Imogene, at the American Canning Company picnic in 1946, and the event was immortalized in photographs that showcased the cabriolet during a pivotal time in John and Imogene's lives. Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

Before Imogene met John, she was dating a fellow called "Cookie." Cookie ran this lowered 1936 Ford 5-Window Coupe that was running a Moore Drop Axle and skirts. Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

A notable modification on John's Ford was the recessed license plate, a stylish touch that streamlined the vehicle's rear end, enhancing its overall aerodynamic profile. Perhaps the most significant alteration was the addition of a chopped and padded top from Hall's Top Shop, a popular modification of the time that not only provided practical benefits such as improved weatherproofing but also added a touch of class with its custom-fit elegance. Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

The current whereabouts of Bigelow's Ford remain unknown, and much about its journey through the decades is shrouded in mystery. Dave would like to know what happened to the car after it left his grandpa's possession. Please consider reaching out to Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com if you have any leads, memories, or details about this early Oakland custom. This car not only represents a significant piece of custom car history but also holds deep personal connections to a family's heritage. Your knowledge and assistance could play a crucial role in reclaiming a lost piece of automotive and personal history. Together, we can help piece together the lost chapters of this remarkable vehicle's journey. Photo courtesy of Dave Riddle.

Lost and Found - 1937 Ford

1937 Ford Carbiolet owned and restyled by John Bigelow of Oakland, California. In the bustling post-war landscape of Oakland, Bigelow embarked on a project that would epitomize the spirit of custom car culture in the mid-1940s. In March of 2024, Dave Riddle told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that his grandfather lived in Oakland in 1946. "He was friends with Tommy "The Greek" Hrones, and after seeing his car, he had his 1937 Ford built."

Customization Details: A Melting Pot of Auto Innovation

Bigelow's 1937 Ford was a canvas for creativity, incorporating parts and styling cues from various sources, a hallmark of custom car building in that era. Foremost among the modifications was the integration of 1940 Oldsmobile bumpers, known for their robust yet stylish design, which complemented the sleek lines of the cabriolet. Another notable customization was the recessed license plate, a stylish touch that streamlined the vehicle's rear end, enhancing its overall aerodynamic profile. Perhaps the most significant alteration was the addition of a chopped and padded top from Hall's Top Shop, a popular modification of the time that not only provided practical benefits such as improved weatherproofing but also added a touch of class with its custom-fit elegance. Lastly, it was dressed up with popular single bar flipper hubcaps.

Journey and Legacy: The Ford Through the Decades

John Bigelow's Ford was more than just a vehicle; it was a backdrop to his life's key moments. He worked at The American Canning Company in Oakland, and the car was present at the American Canning Company picnic where he met his future wife, Imogene. This event was immortalized in photographs that showcased the cabriolet during a pivotal time in John and Imogene's lives. Over the years, the car not only witnessed the unfolding of a family story but also became a symbol of the era's ingenuity and personalized craftsmanship.

Where is it Now?

The current whereabouts of Bigelow's Ford remain unknown, and much about its journey through the decades is shrouded in mystery. Dave would like to know what happened to the car after it left his grandpa's possession. Please consider reaching out to Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com if you have any leads, memories, or details about this early Oakland custom. This car not only represents a significant piece of custom car history but also holds deep personal connections to a family's heritage. Your knowledge and assistance could play a crucial role in reclaiming a lost piece of automotive and personal history. Together, we can help piece together the lost chapters of this remarkable vehicle's journey.