Many of you know this Roadster and many of us fortunate enough got to know Joe. He is a legend and as a Kid one of THE GUYS to emulate. Fun was no stranger to Joe, Kindness, and a sense of pure Cool! He was that guy. Going to Miss the infectious positive atmosphere his mere presence created. His Roadster is the Only Hot Rod to make all the Roadster Roundups with the Owner Driving it. I know the Maiwalds Phaeton is the other Car which has made all the Roundups, But unfortunately Mr. Maiwald left us way too soon. The Family makes sure the P'ton makes it to all the Roundups in their Dad's honor (Great Bunch these Maiwalds!) Joe's was also one the very first Hot Rods to sport the Jag Rear End. There were three original one's of which Joe installed his at this time and all were in the Bay area. The RPU is as legendary as its owner. Joe has been on Runs all over and has countless thousands of miles in it. That little Orange conveyance is one of the main reasons I've been obsessed with RPU's ever since I saw the advantage of the topless set! But more than a Car Guy, Joe was just a damn fine human being. I'm sure others will have better stories, I really didn't know him long enough to gather them all. But a Legend has left us no doubt. Rest Easy Joe and may your soul be at peace until we laugh again! - Tim I searched the HAMB looking for a post about Joe. But if someone has already posted something please feel free to add this to it or delete it completely.
I just have to say, sorry for your loss as well the same sentiments to all family and those who knew him.
At the 2119 GNRS where Pat Ganahl and I were displaying the Spalding Roadster copy I had built for him, in bare metal. I was approached by a guy asking if I did work for other people. He turned out to be Joe, what a wonderful, unassuming Legend. RIP, Joe, you will be missed.
Some might say it’s the sign of a misspent youth but as soon as I saw the photos I knew you were referring to Joe Cardoza. That RPU went through a few changes over the years but it always remained a timeless, recognizable hot rod and it was always deserving of the magazine articles it was in. Godspeed Joe.
I also remember that pickup from the magazines growing up. So sorry for the loss of your friend. Rest in peace Mr. Joe
Rod in Peace.....one of the first known Jag rear swaps, and a beautiful RP.......prayers and condolences to Cardoza family.
May he rest in peace, Add me to the list that instantly remembered the shot of the car with him standing beside it and the lady in it. Then the name hit full force. I've seen his name pop up in event coverage a bunch over the years, Never met him in my travels that I know of but I knew the name.
So sad to hear. My condolences to his family and friends. @Marty Strode , I too like that shot, and makes me appreciate the simpler times of rod runs and clubs.
Thank you for posting his last name,,,sounds like a great guy but I had no idea who was being spoken about . He had a really nice hot rod,,,,sounds like he was very talented . Marty posted a really good pic,,,,,timeline looks like early to mid 60 ‘s ? Tommy
The Jalopy Journal
