The Tale of the Rosie Roussel Track Roadster

In the vast universe of automobiles, there exists a clear distinction. Some cars are built for function, designed to transport us from one point to another. Others, however, are crafted with a deeper intent, embodying tales of passion, ambition, and legacy. For aficionados like Tom Malloy, the 1932 Rosie Roussel Track Roadster wasn't merely a piece of machinery; it was a bridge to the past, a tangible link to the golden days of racing. "I can still feel the excitement in the air, the roar of the engines, the cheering crowds, every time I saw the Rosie Riley Roadster race down the tracks of my dad's Carrell Speedway in Gardena," Tom fondly recalled. Rosie Roussel was more than just a name; he was an icon, a legend who dominated the racing circuits with unparalleled skill and charisma.

But the Roadster's allure went beyond the racetrack and Tom's nostalgic recollections. It held a special place in the hearts of the Roussel family, symbolizing years of dedication, triumphs, and memories. The car was not just metal and rubber; it was a repository of dreams and aspirations. Tom remembered the emotionally charged day when he sat down with Rosie's daughter to finalize the purchase of the Roadster. The weight of the moment was evident in her eyes. "It felt like I was being handed down a family heirloom, a piece of their history," Tom reflected. As she handed over the keys, her emotions overflowed, tears marking the bittersweet moment of parting with a treasured family relic, yet finding solace in knowing it was going to someone who truly understood its value and significance.

The legacy of the Roadster traces back to the genius of Jack Sill, a man whose passion for racing was only matched by his innovative spirit. Sill wasn't just building a car; he was sculpting a masterpiece. His vision was clear: to engineer a race car that would glide effortlessly on dirt tracks, leaving its competitors in the dust. To bring this vision to life, he meticulously melded a modified '27 Chevy frame with the sleek body of a '25 Model T roadster, finishing it off with a sturdy 1936 Ford rear end. But the soul of this magnificent machine was its engine. George Riley, a maestro in automotive engineering, poured his expertise into crafting the 214 cubic inch engine, leading to the christening of the vehicle as the "Riley Roadster." To further refine this marvel, Jack Taylor, a master machinist known for his precision and skill, worked his magic on the 1932 Model B Ford block, emphasizing the power of the "four-banger" motors.

The Riley Roadster wasn't just a testament to engineering prowess; it was a symphony on wheels. Its lightweight structure gave it an agility that was unparalleled, making it a formidable contender on the tracks, especially when navigating tight bends. However, the Roadster truly came alive and showcased its full potential when Rosie Roussel, a maestro behind the wheel, took control. With Rosie's unparalleled driving skills and the Roadster's impeccable design, they became an unstoppable duo. The mid-1950s witnessed the Roadster's golden era, with it clinching victory after victory. The highlight was undeniably the 1955 season, where it not only won three out of the four 100-lap main events but consistently secured a spot in the top three. For young Tom Malloy, these races weren't just events; they were moments of magic. Watching the Roadster dominate the tracks of his father's Carrel Speedway, he felt a connection, a bond, that would shape his love for racing for years to come.

The tides of time have a way of reshaping landscapes, and by 1955, the racing arena was no exception. The spotlight that once shone brightly on roadsters began to dim, making way for the rising stars: the sprint cars. Jack Sill, always one step ahead, saw this evolution and envisioned a new destiny for the Riley Roadster. He dreamt of transforming this racing legend into a street rod, a symbol of both its glorious past and a promising future. But fate had other plans. Jack's sudden departure from this world left the Roadster in pieces, its once roaring engine silenced, and its gleaming body parts relegated to the shadows of a forgotten garage.

Yet, true legends have a way of enduring, of defying time and odds. The Roadster's journey was far from over. After changing ownership several times, destiny brought it to Rosie Roussel. Recognizing the gem that lay before him, Rosie took it upon himself to breathe life back into this iconic machine. With dedication and reverence, he meticulously restored it, and by 1985, the world witnessed the rebirth of the Roadster, now christened the Rosie Roussel Roadster. Its revival wasn't just a restoration; it was a resurrection of an era, a tribute to the golden days of racing.

Engineered to perfection, the Roadster boasted impressive specifications. With a roaring 5,000 RPM, a powerful 200hp, and the distinct Riley side-draft carburetor, it was a mechanical masterpiece. Its dimensions, though compact, were perfectly proportioned, making it a force to be reckoned with on any track. Standing at 54" tall, 45" wide, and stretching 132" in length, and with a weight of 2,500 pounds, it was both agile and robust.

In 2006, the Roadster found a new guardian in Tom Malloy. Recognizing its historical and sentimental value, Tom ensured that this emblem of racing heritage would be preserved and celebrated for years to come. Today, it proudly resides at the NHRA Museum in Pomona, CA, drawing admirers from near and far. For many, it's not just a car; it's a symbol of a bygone era, a reminder of the relentless passion, groundbreaking innovation, and indomitable spirit that defined the racers of the past.