Customs 1953 Sports Custom in Reading, PA

This morning's Reading Eagle newspaper ran a story about a fiberglass car built in 1953 on a wrecked Henry J chassis. The car was built by local car dealer Tom Masano, now 93.

The car was featured in Tend books Custom Cars 1954 Annual.

Recently restored, the car will be shown at Masano dealerships in the Reading area before returning to the Boyertown (PA) Museum of Historic Vehicles, where it was donated in 1970.

Here's a link to the story:
http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=272681

 

Here are the photos from the story.

When the car goes on display, I'll shoot a few myself and post.

 

Pretty cool i reckon, is that a centre fin? a lil excessive, but i'd like to see a side and rear view if you have any.
How many people these days would bother creating there own sports car from scratch?.

 

Yes, it appears to be a center fin. I haven't seen the car yet, but will check it out soon.

Back in the fifties, the Kaiser Henry J (and re-badged Sears Allstate) was a popular car on which to base a sports custom. By American standards, the car was tiny for a four- passenger sedan (100 inch wheelbase). But cut down to a two-seater, it was just right for a sports car.

Kaiser even offered their own fiberglass version, the Kaiser Darrin. Designed by Howard "Dutch" Darrin, it featured doors which slid forward into the front fenders. After Kaiser went belly-up, Darrin bought remaining Kaiser Darrins and installed Cadillac V8s and sold them himself.

 

I just discovered a website (Forgotten Fiberglass) with a story and some photos of the car:

http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/?p=1427

 

Interesting! Thanks for posting. Since I only live about an hour away from the Boyertown museum, I think I'll check it out this winter. The forgotten fiberglass website is interesting too.

 

Great story, thanks.

 

neat info..thanks for sharing Dave

 

You know, Jerry, The Boyertown Museum might be a good destination for the next get-together.

 

Cool story - interesting car .

 

It's great to see this car getting some more attention and press.
Forgotten Fiberglass did a short story on the car, http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/?p=1427 and I'll be reading the links posted here by other H.A.M.B. members to learn more about it.

The 1950s was an amazing time, and sports cars in all forms were being bult everywhere. As mentioned, there were a number of fiberglass cars built off of the Henry J, Crosley, Willys, and Ford frames. The Henry J, Crosley and Willys frames needed little to no modification. Many Ford chassis required minor modifications to be used.

Two years ago today (December 20), I picked up a Henry J based fiberglass sports car. I am still in the research phase of this project. Since the origin, designer, and original builder are unknown/uncertain, it is considered a Mysterion.

You can read more about my car, and other Mysterions at these two linkes:
http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/?p=837
http://www.forgottenfiberglass.com/?page_id=928

If you can contribute any information to the guys on Forgotten Fiberglass on any of the cars on the site, please do.

Happy Holidays!

John Darren Swanson

 

Thanks Dave, not a bad looking car except for the center fin.

 

It occurred to me that the center fin might have been added to strengthen the back, as well as for looks. Perhaps to reduce flex?

 

Yes it would be. I am the Museum's Executive Director and we encourage car clubs to make us one of their regular destinations. The Henry J is here and will likely go on display in late winter. In the meantime, we may have a 50s movie night here in November. Those with 50s vintage cars get in for half price to Museum and this includes the movie. We just need to get enough interest to make it happen.

 

I saw this car at a show about 2 months ago.
Boyertown museum is not huge but has some interesting things to see, including a restored diner inside.