McPherson College’s automotive restoration program recently received a generous donation. The donation, a 1932 Ford Tracknose Roadster, was donated by noted car collector, Roger Morrison of Salina.
The car’s “tracknose” design and extensive documented history make it unique and valuable.
The car was built in 1948, by Paul Harris, who constructed it with the sole intention of racing it at the Bonneville Salt Flats. In August 1950, he made it to Bonneville, and managed to get the car up to 131.19 miles per hour before the rear axle gave out. In the following years, Harris raced it successfully at numerous tracks in and around California. Some of the car’s most notable achievements during that time and include, breaking the closed course speed record at the San Jose Speedway in 1951 and being named “Competition Sweepstakes Winner” at the 1961 Oakland Roadster Show.
After ownership of the vehicle changed hands several times, the car made its way to James Handy in 1971. Over the next four years, Handy set about converting the car from a racer to a street rod. Some of the many changes made to the car included 16 coats of black lacquer paint, red and yellow flames, and custom pinstriping. Due to the gas crisis at the time, the engine was swapped out for a more gas-friendly Chevrolet four–cylinder engine. It was also upgraded with certain modern amenities such as tilt steering. Today the car still sports the 35-year-old lacquer paint, though power is provided by a Chevrolet 283 cubic inch V-8 mated to a Muncie four–speed transmission.
Morrison has been a longtime supporter of McPherson College and currently serves as chairman of the automotive restoration program’s national advisory board. The roadster will be showcased at the 10th annual C.A.R.S. Club car show on May 2 on the McPherson College campus.
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McPherson College’s automotive restoration program recently received a generous donation. The donation, a 1932 Ford Tracknose Roadster, was donated by noted car collector, Roger Morrison of Salina.
The car’s “tracknose” design and extensive documented history make it unique and valuable.
The car was built in 1948, by Paul Harris, who constructed it with the sole intention of racing it at the Bonneville Salt Flats. In August 1950, he made it to Bonneville, and managed to get the car up to 131.19 miles per hour before the rear axle gave out. In the following years, Harris raced it successfully at numerous tracks in and around California. Some of the car’s most notable achievements during that time and include, breaking the closed course speed record at the San Jose Speedway in 1951 and being named “Competition Sweepstakes Winner” at the 1961 Oakland Roadster Show.
After ownership of the vehicle changed hands several times, the car made its way to James Handy in 1971. Over the next four years, Handy set about converting the car from a racer to a street rod. Some of the many changes made to the car included 16 coats of black lacquer paint, red and yellow flames, and custom pinstriping. Due to the gas crisis at the time, the engine was swapped out for a more gas-friendly Chevrolet four–cylinder engine. It was also upgraded with certain modern amenities such as tilt steering. Today the car still sports the 35-year-old lacquer paint, though power is provided by a Chevrolet 283 cubic inch V-8 mated to a Muncie four–speed transmission.
Morrison has been a longtime supporter of McPherson College and currently serves as chairman of the automotive restoration program’s national advisory board. The roadster will be showcased at the 10th annual C.A.R.S. Club car show on May 2 on the McPherson College campus.
