Hot Rods Magoo’s 1928 Ford Phaeton — Does a Car Like This Still Matter?

I’ve debated whether to post this here for a while, but figured this might be one of the few places where people would understand.


I own the 1928 Ford Model A Phaeton built by Dick “Magoo” Megugorac for Mickey Knight. It was featured on the cover of Street Rodder magazine back in September 1978 — titled Knight’s Shining Armour.


It’s still in great shape, mostly original to how Magoo built it. A few updates have been made over the years — wire wheels instead of the original slot mags, and the rear spare tire mount was removed (but I still have all the original parts).

Here’s the thing…

I take it to local shows and barely get a second glance. I park next to LS-swapped Camaros or neon-lit mustang and feel invisible. People walk past this car without a word.

And it gets me wondering:

Do cars like this still matter to anyone anymore?

 

Each of us has “our thing “. Sounds like you’re taking it to the wrong places.

 

I love it as well as all of Micky's past cars!

...wouldn't give a hoot what anyone else thought.

 

If it makes you happy don’t worry about anyone else is my moto. You have a cool rod with great history, just enjoy it.

 

I would definitely check it out, cool ride

 

That car is great.

 

Your not taking it to the right shows. Shows full of Camaros and Mustangs draw a different crowd. I'd look at it. I would probably walk right past the Camaros and Mustangs, unless I was at that kind of show.

 

It's a cool car with magazine and builder history. Enjoy it and it's interesting story.

 

Welcome to the HAMB! Great car, BTW.
The “great unwashed” don’t have a clue, so don’t let it bother you.
Are you going to look at other folks’ rides, or are you going to boost your ego?
Are there any other early iron owners in your part of the world?

Don’t go to those late model gatherings. If you do, park away from them.
Surely there are gatherings/cruise-ins that have a cut off date even if it’s 60-70’s.
Personally, I just quit going to most of them. Too many r*t rods, Diesel trucks, tail dragging pickups, late models and other examples of the car hobby that are of absolutely zero interest to me.

Post where you live. That might get you in touch with some like minded individuals.

 

Maybe take it to more Hot Rod oriented events, muscle car crowd don't really appreciate this era. Right events people will love it, plus Model A phaeton's are cool, even cooler it is a Magoo build.

 

I would make a bee line to your car if I saw it!!!

 

I walk past the Camaro and mustangs like they are invisible......

 

The question is, do YOU like it? Because the court of public opinion is fickle! I drive my avatar roadster all over, now that it's finished in Washington blue. I get lots of positive comments on it and appreciate them. However, I built the car the way I wanted to and not for anyone else. If you are not happy with it, it doesn't matter what others think. Build a car that YOU are happy with and proud of and let the chips fall where they may. Besides, driving it down the road is where the real enjoyment comes from, and only you and your passenger will get to fully enjoy it. Remember the original NSRA slogan "fun with cars" and all will work out fine!

 

Looking at the cars in the background of your photo, you are taking it to the wrong shows.

 

man I love that car wish it was mine. but to answer your question it still matters to a certain group of people like me and most of the hamb members. most of the public has no idea what our cars are

 

I love me a nice model a phaeton and this is the perfect example, and has history. It’s happening everywhere. Maybe your car will influence one of those Camaro or mustang guys to build one.
Either way enjoy your car it’s killer.

 

Nice A ,
If you are happy with , Thats all that Matters !
@ Cruise In , Car Meet Any of my Rides if someone would like to check them out will have to walk out of there way from the Corral line

 

I only have one show that I try to make every year, I lived in Atlantic Iowa for 40 years and going to their "Atlantic Fest" car show in the late summer is it. I get lots of exercise walking by the Camaro/Chevelles/GTO's but if I saw your car I'd stop and hope to get a chance to have you tell me about it. I suspect I am in the minority.
I'm in the process of building a 62 Ford F100 Unibody and just bought a 77 F250 for the OT BBF/C6 to power it. My neighbor told me I should have went with an LS
I'm jealous, I'd like to have owned a car like that.

 

Do You like it? I Know I Do!!

 

You are preaching to the choir. Yes we like it, that is the type of car we come here to see.

 

It's very cool. I would stop to look at it.

 

I also owned a Mickey Knight build cars. Great car with all the right parts, his attention to detail was incredible. I made only a couple of minor changes never taking away from the original build, 5-spoke from steel wheels, added to the front frame horns. Great driver wish I still owned it today.

 

we need a ton more photos and back story to make an informed decision !
Welcome to the HAMB.

 

Yes, this car still matters.

You can drive up in anything wild from a dune buggy to a Lambo, the brighter the better. It will get the attention you seem to desire. It will be ignored after it shows up to the same event 5 times in a row. We all do it, the I saw it last month thing.

If what you want is to be seen, perhaps it's time to move it on to another caretaker.

But that's not what your issue is, is it? What you want to know is if the car still deserves attention that you feel is lacking. As others have pointed out, in a world of billions, car people are a small fraction. In that world, hot rodders and especially vintage hot rodders are an even smaller fraction. Go to gatherings where the audience will appreciate the car. You wouldn't play Traditional Bluegrass at the Warped Tour and expect adulation from the masses, even if they are music fans. Does that mean the car is losing significance? Well, if the only reason you enjoy the car is that others covet what you have, it's time to move on. I'd suggest a fancy watch.

 

Nice car. Magoo was the Model A Master. As mentioned elsewhere, if you are looking for comments, interest, or especially awards, you are doing it for the wrong reasons. I value a positive comment from someone who “gets it” much more than anything a general spectator might say.

 

We have all experienced the same thing you are describing. Wrong shows definitely affect interest.
However, I think it might also be in your presentation. If all you are doing is throwing an old copy of a magazine on the hood and expecting that to draw over a younger crowd that is use to having everything spoon fed to them, then you will not have any interest.
I too use to have folks walk past my car like it wasn't there until I made a show board to stick out in front of it. I put on there what I wanted them to know and why I felt they should stop and take a closer look. Most will stop and look now as long as they can read and more often than not they will go and look at the specific items pointed out on the show board. If you go to the right shows then you can leave the show board in the trunk. Pull up to the wrong show and out it comes. Tell the story of why you think it is important and see if that changes anything.

 

I remember that cover. Great car with a great history! Be proud my man! The C8's, Mustangs, Camaro's and countless Dodges can find their own strip mall. We started this show and we'll finish it!

 

I think it still matters to us. Don’t be discouraged by it seemingly being ignored. Those that know will positively appreciate it. Like others have said. If it makes you happy, that’s all that matters. Jmho. Snowman ⛄️

 

Probably doesn’t get as much attention as it’s not sporting the “original” ‘32 grille shell! LOL

 

Funny.
When we go out cruising in our tub some gals on the sidewalk or at intersections call out "Hey Mister, nice car!"

To which I say to my wife, "Where the h*ll were those babes when I was 16?"
Ms FTF: "Honey, you didn't have this tub when you were 16."