History I like '54 Fords and thought I had seen this car in the past.

Is there a Ted Wells article that you know of? I recall seeing one in Car Craft, or maybe Hot Rod, those were the only 2 magazines I read as a kit, maybe PHR too.

 

No,I'm not familiar with the article but would like to see it.HRP

 

It appears Danny that the two pictures that you posted were not of John Bonham but of a guy called Mike who owned the car in the mid seventies down in London, who was a friend of the guy that owns the car now. His name is Steve who I am now in contact with, and is trying to restore it.
The car is painted black but Steve said he would like to try and get it back to how it was with the flames etc. however the chain link steering wheel has long disappeared, and he is repairing the original front diamond pleated seat.
I'll see if I can get anymore updates, and when I have chance I'll see what other pictures I might have kicking about.

 

Thank you Alan,I look forward to hearing what you are able to find out. HRP

 

yes, I referred to it (the article on the '54 ford) above, it was in Car Craft in 1972 I think, but it could have been '71 or '73. There was also an article in PHR on his fairlane that followed the '54.

 

This is a bit of a long shot WAG, might have been July '72? It could also be March '71, That was a "Ford" issue, but my instinct is that it was July '72 with the Garlits/Jocko streamliner on the cover. That was also the issue that had coverage on Gabelich crashing the 4 wheel drive Vega funny car and damn near killing himself in the process. Keep in mind, this is based on a 30 yr old recollection..
EDIT: Its not July '72. If you have it (I dont) maybe try March '71. Its a long shot.

 

Thanks! Back issues of CC are available and I'll look it up. It was quite a good article on building a 352 and I have possible visions of getting one in my Ford.

 

I would love to see it if you find it. HRP

 

me too, I haven't seen it in decades I'd love to take another look.

 

More information about the car.
It's up for grabs on :
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/263035091978?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

This is the information listed on the E-Bay ad.

1954 FORD. BIG BLOCK, STREET RACER, CUSTOM, EX JOHN BONHAM, LED ZEPPELIN

1954 Ford Customline street/strip car with a fresh 390 & C6 trans. Originally imported by John Bonham of Led Zeppelin in the early seventies and sat higher with a bronze & flamed paint job. John bought it on the streets of LA and the car is well known.(Early pic above with his well known T) Car is now low and black but an easy job to lift back up and those parts supplied with the car. The car was a show/race car and still has many of its original mods including the 50 year old deep buttoned LA interior. Even still has tow tabs welded to the chassis. Olds rear with posi. ARRC traction bars. Freshly built modded 390 with fenderwell headers. Uprated C6 with B&M shifter. Mustang discs. Paint was done in the nineties and is tired but presentable. A very solid car with nothing hidden. Small crack in top right corner of screen (pic above) but easily available if picky. Way too many parts to list here but a full spec sheet available. 07814 377152. I've owned the car for nearly five years and comes with plenty of paperwork and a fascinating history. Drives superbly and a sensible price even with this background. Ideal for the Gasser Circus!

Item specifics
Condition: Used Year: 1954
Engine Size: 390 Manufacturer: Ford
Transmission: Automatic Model:
CUSTOMLINE
Power: PLENTY Type: 2DR SEDAN
Seats: CUSTOM Doors: 2
V5 Registration Document: Present Colour: Black
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States

 

Here are pictures of the March 1971 Car Craft article on Ted Wells 54 Ford Drag Car. If anyone knows what issues of Hot Rod & Super Stock the 54 was in, please let me know. Ted sold his 66 427 R Fairlane to Bud Cochran. Bud raced it for 10 years. I talked to Bud last night for a little while, and he said he sold the 66 Fairlane to a guy in Missouri about a month ago. I asked him why he sold it, and he said was fighting cancer and could no longer pass the Physical. (keep Bud in your prayers) He said he still had his Thunderbolt.