1932 Ford-Westergard Highboy 'Survivor'

In the annals of automotive history, few cars have garnered as much attention and admiration as the 1932 Ford-Westergard Highboy 'Survivor'. On a sunny day at the Santa Barbara Concours d' Elegance, Tom Malloy proudly showcased this iconic vehicle. Its name, 'Survivor', was not just a moniker but a testament to its enduring legacy. Despite its weathered appearance, the car stood as a testament to the genius of Harry Westergard, a legend in the realm of custom car development.

As Tom was admiring the other vehicles at the event, an old friend, known for his vast knowledge of automobiles, approached him with wide eyes. "Tom, is this masterpiece yours?" he inquired, clearly in awe. Tom nodded, and his friend exclaimed, "This is undoubtedly the crown jewel of this show!" The judges echoed this sentiment, awarding the Highboy 'Survivor' the coveted First In Class title.

The Highboy 'Survivor' wasn't just another beautiful car; it was a piece of art, a symbol of craftsmanship, and a representation of mechanical brilliance. All these attributes were a nod to Harry Westergard, a pioneer in custom car building. In the late 1930s, Westergard began his journey of customizing cars, primarily for street racing. Without a formal workshop, he transformed cars right in his Sacramento backyard. His passion for cars led him to co-found the Capitol Auto Club in 1945, which later evolved into the renowned Thunderbolts Car Club.

However, fate had other plans. In 1956, while speeding down a road, a car unexpectedly pulled out in front of Harry. Trying to avoid a collision, he swerved, but his car crashed into a tree. The impact was fatal, and the world lost a custom car genius at the young age of 40.

Yet, Harry Westergard's spirit lives on, especially in the 1932 Ford-Westergard Highboy 'Survivor' Roadster. This particular model was one of Westergard's personal projects, and even today, it never fails to attract attention. Tom often shares stories of how people gather around the car whenever he takes it out. "It's like a magnet," he says with a chuckle.

The car's history is as intriguing as its design. Tim Cunha, the previous owner, conducted extensive research to trace its origins. He discovered that the Roadster had always been in Sacramento, with registration slips dating back to 1946. The car's unique features, such as the windshield from a 1937 Cadillac V-12 and the dash from a 1932 Auburn panel, make it a rare gem. Notably, it's one of the only remaining 1932s in existence, making it a priceless artifact in the world of custom cars.

Interestingly, the Roadster was once dubbed the 'E-Bay Roadster'. In 2006, a decision to sell the car led to a bidding war on eBay, where it was eventually purchased by Beppie Pistone for a mere $1,000. It remained with him until Tim Cunha became its proud owner.

The Roadster boasts impressive specs, including a 221 cubic inch Ford V-8 engine, 80 HP, and a top speed of 60-70 mph. Despite its age, Tom confidently states, "It might not be the fastest, and it might take its time to halt with its mechanical brakes, but it's reliable. If I had to drive to San Francisco, it would get me there, albeit a bit cold."

In 2011, Tom Malloy added the 1932 Ford-Westergard Highboy 'Survivor' Roadster to his collection. As he continues to showcase this marvel, it serves as a reminder of our rich automotive heritage and the genius of Harry Westergard.