Ray Duckworth's 1949 Ford

Ray's Ford as it appeared in the souvenir program from the 1955 National Roadster Show in Oakland. Photo from the Ron Brooks collection.

1949 Ford Club Coupe owned and restyled by Duckworth Customs member Ray Duckworth of Coalinga, California. Ray's sleek custom was sectioned 3 1/2 inches and chopped 2 inches. The windshield and rear window were slanted 60 degree's to compensate for the chop. The front half of the front fenders were removed and new sections were hand formed from sheet stock, extending the fenders a total of 6 inches. The hood was molded and peaked. A grille was made from mesh screen, covering the full width of the front end. The fairings were removed from the rear fender pan. The car was fit with a Oldsmobile 88 engine with 9 to 1 compression, ported, polished, adjustable push rods and a Nisson manifold with dual four-barrel carburetors. All the top sections of the engine was chromed. The interior was stitched up in yellow and white leatherette rolled and pleated in triangular pattern throughout with grey and white rugs. Once the bodywork was done, it was painted 20 coats on Emerald Mist lacquer.