1932 Ford

“Artie Johnson Roadster”

This ’32 Ford was built into a hot rod in 1954 by Don Bacon and his father Ken of West Haven, Connecticut. They channeled the body over the chassis, as many East Coast rodders did in the period. Power came from a 1949 Cadillac V-8. In 1961, Bobby McGowan, also of Connecticut, bought the car, installed a 283 cubic-inch Chevy engine and drag raced the roadster very successfully for several years. The next owner was Artie Johnson of North Haven, Connecticut, who liked the look of un-channeled California-style “high boy” roadsters, so he set about un-channeling the car. After many man hours of cutting, fabricating, fitting and welding, installing a Ford 289 engine from a rolled ‘67 Mustang, making trips to the chrome platers, and painting the car “Light Honduras Maroon,” his vision became a reality. Artie drove the car all the time locally, as well as to many long-distance destinations, including Nova Scotia and three times to Detroit, among others. He sold it in 1973 to a buyer who kept it in his barn for 23 years, where it remained in relatively good condition. It was bought by Rich Chaco of Sheldon, Connecticut, who respected the history of “Artie’s car” and did not restore it; he preserved it. It appears today just as Artie built it. It joined the 3 Dog Garage Collection in 2020.