Hot Rods Today I said goodbye to a good friend...

At 81 I figured it was time. I sold my 32 Roadster. Like selling one of your kids. Always thought everyone should have a 32 Roadster in their garage. Mine had a 348 Chevy and 4 speed and built by the talented Jim Tinsmith of Sellersville, PA. Felt good knowing Rick and Lisa will enjoy it. Something all us gray beards have to face eventually. Thanks, MantuaJohn

 

Bittersweet day to be sure. Nice that you could do it on your own terms.

 

I'm both sad and envious.
Good luck with everything.

 

Bummer. But the bright side is you got to pick who enjoys your ride next. Glad it went to a good home.

 

Nice car for the new caretakers. Better for you selling the car than your estate.

 

ya gotta do what ya gotta do - enjoy the memories of the miles of smiles while you were the caretaker

 

John a very cool roadster you built and unfortunately we are only caregivers for so long.
It sounds like you found a great home for it and maybe they will visit you with the 32.

 

like Steve Martin once said "they say you can't take it with you? I'm takin' it with me"

 

Sweet car, and best wishes to everyone involved.

 

Thanks guys for comments. Here's another one. MantuaJohn

 

Man what a tough day . Everyday I head to the show , I start thinking the very same thing . When is it time to pass on the torch to the next person to keep the flame burning . I have seen it happen so many times , that a widow is left with having to deal with what were supposed to be friends knocking on the door to offer way less than the value of belongings . I just can’t do it . My wife has to be near Sainthood , I have a house full and shop full of JUNK .

Have a cold one for me , and enjoy the memories . You did a fine job preserving it while in your care .

 

Beautiful car. In a perfect world, there would be a thread started right after yours by Rick and Lisa, titled "We Just Met Our New Best Friend, Our New '32 Roadster!" Oh, and if Jim Tinsmith is NOT a custom auto body man, it would be a waste of the perfect name for the craft!
Ed

 

Condolences, John. It's just a bit easier when one of your kids is going to good home!

 

When I read the title, I thought it was another one for the ‘emeritus’ thread……..
…..nice roadster !

 

Wow, that's gorgeous.

I'm curious about the woody in the background!

 

Tis a privilege to get old but we do pay the price sometimes. To have owned it is the reward.

 

It's always great when you know that something that was dear to you will now be in good hands and will live on.

 

Great looking car, tough decision. At 80 I am facing the same decision's. Fortunately I'm still doing good and drive my 32 pickup every day. I have 4 deuces and the 40 in my basement museum. I've had the deuce 3 window for 45 years so it will be with me till I die, same deal with the 32 pickup, till I die. The highboy tudor and Henry roadster are for sale but I'm to stubborn to give them away. I'll keep the 40 for a while, nice road car. After over 40 years in the hot rod business I can't quit and am building 2 deuce roadsters to hopefully sell when done?????? Gotta keep busy.

 

They'll pry mine out of my cold dead hands

 

Woodie is the next one to go. Offers? MantuaJohn

 

Lisa and I are so excited and happy to have John's 32 to care for. We have known John for a few years now and it wasn't too long after we met that I asked him to keep us in mind " when the day came." On occasion, John would mention that he hadn't forgotten us and that made me feel honored. John knows a lot of guys in this hobby and I am sure could have posted it and sold it to anyone. It was mentioned here and I like to feel that he did choose us as the next caretaker. We will hold that duty to the highest standard and when our day comes ( hopefully many many years from now) we will not only be selective as to who gets assigned the duty, but also that the lineage of story and ownership is carried throughout. ( something tells me that this one will stay within our family as my son has also been bitten by the bug)
There is nothing that needs to be done to this car, but as all enthusiasts, I am sure that I will do a minor addition to add to its history. Thanks for all of your supportive comments to John...this was a big decision for him. One that Lisa and I take very seriously. See you on the road cruising " The Mantua John 32"
Rick and Lisa

 

View attachment 6390856

 

That is Beautiful...$

 

It's great to see a car that means so much to someone get passed on to people who truly respect the car AND it's history. John, congrats on finding the right people to take your much loved car into its promising future, and congrats to Rick and Lisa on the new member of your family, and for showing the class and respect due this emotional time in a rodder's life. A definite "win -win" for both parties involved, and the kind of interactions that make me a proud member of the hot rodding community. Well done, guys.

 

Great looking roadster John!

 

If it was time to pass it on you certainly did it perfectly to a well deserving couple. Congratulation's

 

That is a bitchin hot rod! Best wishes to everyone involved.

 

Don't know why that would be .?