2007 marked the 75th anniversary of the 1932 Ford, a milestone car that combined the engineering innovation of Henry Ford – in the form of the first mass-produced V8 engine – with the styling sophistication of his son Edsel Ford. Nicknamed the “Deuce,” the ’32 Ford later became the quintessential hot rod – a symbol of youthful automotive enthusiasm and American ingenuity.
As part of Ford Motor Company’s anniversary activities, ten of today’s premier hot rod builders were invited to produce pedal car versions of their personal style of hot rod. Each builder started with a special edition “75th anniversary” 1932 Ford roadster pedal car, donated by Warehouse 36. These ten, one-of-kind customized collectables, signed by Edsel B. Ford II, were auctioned – with the proceeds divided between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the charity of choice of each builder.
Bobby Alloway
Bobby is known for his highly-detailed, massively-motored street rods. He chose to use some of the same styles on his pedal car that he uses on his full-size cars. The flames, black paint, tire size and red upholstery exemplify his signature style. Bobby’s charity is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“It was fun doing something a little different and on a smaller scale.” — Bobby Alloway
Roy Brizio
The Brizio name has been synonymous with quality hot rods for nearly half a century, and spans two generations. Among the cars Roy Brizio Street Rods have built are Oakland Roadster Show winners and the Hot Rod Magazine 50th Anniversary “T” roadster; but their greatest pride comes from being able to say that no other shop in the world can boast of putting more miles on their cars than Roy Brizio Street Rods. Roy ’s charity is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“This has been a blast. We wanted to make our pedal car capture our style of hot rod, and we worked make it the very best it could be. The whole crew is proud to be a part of this effort.” — Roy Brizio
Pete Chapouris
Among his many accomplishments, Pete was selected as one of the Top 100 Most Influential People within the high-performance industry and inducted into the Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame. Pete’s love of cars dates back to his 1955 cruisin’ days. The signature style carried out on the pedal car is the red and white scallop design, first used in 1949. Pete’s charity is the City of Hope.
“The project was a lot of fun and I hope it brings as much enjoyment to the new owner as we had in customizing it.”— Pete Chapouris
Boyd Coddington
Boyd Coddington is recognized as one of the world’s premier hot rod builders. He was excited to have the opportunity to put his “personal touch” on a 1932 Ford and help raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation. Like their life-size rods, Boyd and his team spent a lot of time perfecting the design of the one-of-a-kind ‘Pedalstyr’. Boyd’s charity is the Coddington Foundation.
“This is the first pedal car we have ever done and everyone involved with this project from the design stage to its completion had one goal in mind – make it the coolest pedal-powered vehicle on the planet. I wish I would have had one of these to ride down the street when I was a kid.” — Boyd Coddington
Chip Foose
Chip has won every major hot rod award in the country – many more than once – and has been inducted into numerous design and automotive halls of fame and is the star of the TLC television series “Overhaulin’.” Chip’s charity is the Progeria Research Foundation.
“It is an honor to work with the JDRF Charity and also to be involved in a tribute to an American Icon; the ’32 Ford Roadster. The Pedal Car Project was a great opportunity to think small for a change!” — Chip Foose
Jesse Greening
Jesse started building cars professionally eight years ago with his father Jeff Greening. The styling that they incorporate into every piece is a sense of cleanliness and a visually smooth tie-in of matching details. Jesse and Jeff have received awards from the Goodguys association, numerous magazines, GM and NSRA with the vehicles that have been built by Greening Auto Company, as well as the Trendsetter award this year from Goodguys Assoc. Jesse’s charity is St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
“We as a shop had a lot of fun with this project. It is not very often that one gets a chance to be involved in a project with such importance.” — Jesse Greening
Steve Moal
Steve is a third generation car builder and body maker. He is known for his ability to make unique body shapes using techniques from old world coachbuilders and the aircraft industry. Steve’s charity is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
“Providing something for charity is good for your soul.”— Steve Moal
The Rolling Bones
The Rolling Bones – Ken Schmidt, Keith Cornell, Dave Moyer & Chris Chabre – build early style cars in an unheated barn in upstate New York . They work to capture the look, the feel and the soul of late forties, early fifties hot rods – cars with stories to tell. The Bones charity is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter.
“Sometimes fate or maybe the Hot Rod God, ‘Deuce,’ steps in and helps you repay a debt. We are very honored to be part of this program.” — The Bones
Thom Taylor
Thom is the only non-builder of the group. He has been involved in automotive design since 1977 and currently works with many builders, aftermarket companies and OE’s. Thom has been inducted into both the Hot Rod Magazine Hall of Fame and the National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame. He has designed four America ’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners and was awarded the Rod and Custom “Stroker McGurk” Award in 1998. Thom has written five books and is a regular contributor to The Rodders Journal Magazine. Thom’s charity is the Arthritis Foundation.
“I think it is great to have some fun for a worthy cause, work with some good friends, and get a little promotion, too!” — Thom Taylor
Troy Trepanier
Troy has been building cars since 1986. His company, Rad Rides by Troy , is well known in the automotive industry for building the finest hand-crafted automobiles in the world. Troy ’s signature style is his two-tone paint schemes and his focus on performance. Some of Troy ’s accomplishments include 3-time Hot Rod of the Year, several covers of Hot Rod Magazine, numerous Goodguys Street Rodder of the year awards, and induction into the National Rod and Custom Car Hall of Fame. Troy’s Charity of choice is the National Ataxia Foundation.
“I have always wanted to build a pedal car and this was a perfect opportunity to do it. The entire Rad Rides by Troy Team was involved in building the car, and they had a great time doing it. The theme of the car came from Roger Ritzow’s 32’ Ford, one of the top 75 32’ Ford’s of all time.” — Troy Trepanier
THE PEDAL CAR CLUB 