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

I understand John. I had to let to let mine go after freezing and getting rained on. I was a strange day when the truck picked it up, It is now in Ohio I believe

 

Great story glad you know the new caretakers and they will love and enjoy many miles like you have. My father past 3 years this November at 94 he had ,'22 t, '31 model A sedan, 2-'30 A trucks,'59 caddy,'63 t-bird,'68 caddy,and '04 SSR. Most are just sitting in his 8 car garage my mother won't let us have any very strange but that's how it goes. So you did a good thing.

 

That 32 could not have gone to a better home ! So happy for the new owners, you could not have chosen better stewards, good call John.

 

John, I had the pleasure of seeing your '32 Roadster last fall when I purchased your '30 Model A Coupe. I have often thought about that car as well as others in your collection and really thought that the roadster would be there a while longer. However, on a happy note, you still have quite an ***ortment of other cars that would make most hot rodders envious. Best wishes to you!

 

I am glad that you found the "right person" to have your car. I am only 80 so that isn't on my radar, at least yet. I've had my 38 Chevy since 1973, and at this point my plan is to let my wife sell it after I am gone. The other cars don't have the same emotional attraction, and two of my past cars have better caretakers than I ever was My fear has been when starting another project that my wife would be stuck with a pile of parts, she doesn't care

 

I bought the coupe body for my build from John years ago. Just the nicest guy there is. Best '30-'31 body I've ever seen. Couldn't p*** it up. Good luck for the future John. That '32 is awesome. More smiles for the new owners I'm sure.
Andy

 

If there was a car on your bucket list. Heck. ...now is the time to go for it..best of the best..

 

Thanks guys for all the posts. Have several nice projects for sale in the garage. MantuaJohn

 

Just an update: John's 32 roadster is currently in Central florida. We got here early November and immediately took it to a car show in kissimmee area. We attend every year. Rarely does a hotrod ever get any awards at this one. When we attended the award ceremony, I almost fell over when they called my name and announced that the 32 was a pick of the day.
I have always felt that I drove my trophy there and didn't need one to know that I had something special. But this time it meant more to me than ever. John's car was recognized by guys that usually p*** over hotrods. As soon as I got home, I couldn't wait to call John and let him know that the 32 " did good"
When we bought the 32 from John, his only comment was " about the only thing you could do is give it a paint job...if you wanted. Well as luck may have it, we found a body shop that we were comfortable to do the work, it currently is all dis***embled and very close to getting a nice shiny coat of black laid on her. After that, a good friend of mine ( a brother from another mother) Jim Mc Shea is going to come over and flame the sides of the roadster. Best part is that John knows Jimmy also. ( he is from the south Jersey area) So I would ***ume that if John would take the flame route, Jim would have been the guy.
The car will be going back up north this spring and the first event on its agenda is a local car show... after I go and pick up John and we attend together. Lisa and I plan on a trip to the LA Roadster show in June, along with " our girl".
Over the years, I have bought cars from widows whose only connection with the car was that her husband built it and she rode along to cruise nights and car shows. John's decision to part with it BEFORE that time has been so great for us! We are so happy to occasionally share our adventures with the roadster with John. I hope it brings as much happiness to him when we do so. Forever John's 32, but bringing happiness to my wife and myself. Continuing a legacy, one smile at a time.

 

If you ever want a good reason to sell or p*** down your cars/ parts/ tools/ whatever while you are alive then talk to a family that is having to deal with it when someone p***es. A single car and some tools is manageable but seeing the despair and exhaustion in some family members eyes that are left cleaning up decades of collecting, ac***ulating or hoarding is hard to see. It makes it more difficult when things weren't do***ented or even stored properly and its all returning to the earth and essentially worthless. I will have a plan when I go, I will not burden anyone with my obsession. I do not have kids but I will certainly give away things that I no longer use when the time is right. My cars and their stories will go to someone while I am alive so I can see the enthusiasm, joy and p***ion being carried on. A huge estate sale, ironically like the ones I enjoy going to, is not a fun way to end it all.

To the OP- Good for you for being the caretaker that we all are, now there is a new caretaker that will hopefully one day p*** along the car and most importantly the story of your 32. Most of these cars are far more interesting with a good story!!

 

paint?...another good car ruined!...just kiddin, what color?