In 1948, Hot Rod magazine featured a newly constructed hot rod that by the standards of the day, did absolutely everything right. Hand-built by Bob McGee, the flathead-powered 1932 Ford roadster, representing the most timeless raw material that any rodder could desire, boasted styling touches that would become textbook orthodoxy for these cars. The McGee roadster, as it immediately was known, boasted a dropped suspension, big rear wheels sourced from a Lincoln Zephyr, a three-piece louvered hood, filled grille shell, hidden hinges and latches plus a full custom interior. Another pioneering hot rodder, Dick Scritchfield, bought it in 1956, repainted its original red color and took it to the Bonneville salt flats. Eventually, it was acquired and restored by the famed collector Bruce Meyer as part of his brace of historic and documented 1932 Ford hot rods.
This wonderful, ultra-traditional hot rod is having a homecoming, now that Meyer has donated the McGee roadster to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles for permanent display. Meyer transferred ownership last week to Terry L. Karges, the Petersen’s executive director, noting how fitting it is that this car will be shown at a museum created by Hot Rod‘s late founding publisher. “The McGee Roadster is so much more than just a car. It is the symbol of an entire era and generation of innovative hot rodders,” said Karges. “We are honored by Bruce’s donation and proud to preserve this piece of history.”
Jim Donnelly On Wheels 