New Zealand - Lucky 17 Model A speedster

[Greg Stokes]

Time traveller…
By Greg Stokes

Nostalgia is a yearning for the past or an appreciation for all thing’s old. Bob Neville’s “Lucky 17” 1928 Model A Ford Boat Tail racer is all of that and so much more. For anyone with the slightest interest in all things automotive, Bob’s tribute to the motor racing period of the twenties and thirties is a direct step back in time.

This fantastic little racer started its life in the USA many years ago, Michigan to be precise where an original Model A Ford was stripped down to be built into what is considered one of the most well-proportioned “speedsters” or “racers”. Built as a dual purpose vehicle it was used in classic racing as well as on the street for parades and touring. Over time the car made its way to the UK before Bob found it and sent it to its new home in New Zealand.

Before we go on any further, we suggest you study the photos and digest the styling and proportions, not to mention the selection of really basic and simple components. Your Dad or grandfather probably built something similar to race at Pukekohe Raceway or perhaps up the hill at Chamberlain Road? Perhaps you heard your Dad or grandfather talk about similar cars of the past. You may even have or know of someone who has all the makings of a car similar to “Lucky 17” which you can build to relive the past just as Bob Neville and his wife Julie do.

While they cannot take the credit for the initial build, GMS Hot Rods have recently been doing extensive work to preserve, maintain and enhance the character of this car. “Lucky 17” draws inspiration from early dirt oval racing, early Indy cars and other similar forms of early motoring where “specials” were built with what was laying around to go racing. First thing up for GMS Hot Rods was to give the suspension a tune up and correct the geometry while improving the driveability and handling characteristics.

A new set of 21 inch Firestone tyres were fitted up and the car was totally different to drive considering all the old style twenties and thirties components used throughout. Bob & Julie set off for the Art Deco weekend in Napier back in February 2018where the neat little car was truly well received. Bob and Julie are members of the North Island Model A Ford club, Taupo Vintage Car Club and also the Taupo Rod & Custom Club. Yes you read that right a vintage club and a hot rod club but that’s the point of this car – it crosses boundaries and bridges the gap between the two sectors of automotive fun.

Next up was the annual 2018 Repco Beach Hop in Whangamata and “Lucky 17” went back to GMS Hot Rods for an all new dashboard layout. The idea was to draw from influences such as Auburn and Cord from the twenties and thirties but give things a real Model A vibe. The dashboard itself kicks back under the cowling and slopes back toward the driver. The chromed Model A style dash housing six gauges by Classic Instruments. The result is classic, timeless and most of all unique. The car was also completely rewired before the Beach Hop. This time the crowd was different to the previous Art Deco but again, “Lucky 17” drew a crowd all week from Waihi to Whitianga and Whangamata.

Shortly after, “Lucky 17” returned to GMS Hot Rods to undergo more work. The 1932 Ford four cylinder engine needed a freshen up. Drury Engine Reconditioners were enlisted to rebuild the vintage engine using motor parts ex the USA from Veteran & Vintage Cars. While everything which was visible outside the engine was either polished (Shine Metal Polishers) if it was aluminium or chrome plated (Bumper Replacements) if it was steel. Alpine Panelbeaters were called upon to detail and paint the engine compartment and then the whole thing was reassembled at GMS Hot Rods in time to be displayed at the 2018 CRC Speedshow in Greenlane, Auckland. The Teng Tools Grand National Rod & Custom Show is a show within the CRC Speedshow and to say the car was a bit of a hit was an understatement. In the roadster class “Lucky 17” was awarded second place among some tough competition.

From there a few more details were attended to at GMS Hot Rods before Bob & Julie enjoyed the car over the 2018/2019 summer season around their home in Turangi. Bob even competed in the NZDRA Summer Drag Nationals at Taupo as well as dabbling with some Historic Motor Racing at the same complex. Then it was back to Auckland for the car to appear at the annual Kumeu Hot Rod & Classic Car Festival. More as an opportunity to promote the workmanship of GMS Hot Rods, the gorgeous little black speedster won the hearts of many. It was first officially noticed by a visitor from the UK Alan Martin who chose it as his “Brit’s Pick” at the Sunday awards ceremony at Kumeu. Then surprisingly the car was awarded “Best Hot Rod” and if that wasn’t enough – “People’s Choice” as voted by the entrants and public.

Next up at the invite of Rod Millen Bob & Julie headed to the Leadfoot Festival where period correct attire was the order of the day with spirited acceleration exhibition runs up the driveway. Quite a sight to behold particularly with the straight exhaust barking its way up the hill adding to the audio excitement. In what seemed like the Endless Summer, Bob & Julie headed to Art Deco in Napier again with all the correct attire to enjoy the festivities there. To add more visual appeal at the 2019 Repco Beach Hop in Whangamata, Bob then worked with Hayter Precision Machine to design and build a pop-up vintage pit side scene which resulted in the car winning the “Best Nostalgia” award. A week later Bob was the sole contestant in the Four Banger class at the Baay Rodders Nostalgia Drags so he was merged into the Flathead challenge class running credible 19 second quarters against the V8s.

Next up is the 2019 CRC Speedshow and then from there the car is already booked into various events throughout the year and upcoming summer. The neatest aspect about this car is it has universal appeal across all genre of the automotive aftermarket hobby. Whether you enjoy restored and original vehicles, or if you’re a race car guy or a hot rodder, Bob’s “Lucky 17” Model A speedster strikes a chord with you all. It’s a true time traveller for many reasons.

SIDEBAR
GMS Hot Rods - Hot rod & custom car design and fabrication
GMS Hot Rods was founded by Greg Stokes December 2017, specialising in the design and fabrication of hot rods and custom cars in the North West Auckland region. With a focus on stance, style and quality, GMS Hot Rods offers a service which brings your hot rodding dreams to reality from minor modifications, chassis work to any stage right through to full turn-key builds. Having grown up within the hot rodding scene and having enjoyed it both locally and internationally, Greg has the edge at GMS Hot Rods to offer a service which is cost effective while achieving an aesthetically pleasing end result which is also legal, safe and enjoyable to drive down the road. “With a good understanding of stance and style, as well as the LVVTA certification system, there’s no reason why these cars shouldn’t ride well, stop and steer perfectly and look good doing it”, says Greg. “It’s all about spending your hard earned dollar wisely and once”.
GMS Hot Rods are also authorised dealers for Pete & Jakes Hot Rod Parts who actually celebrate 45 years in business this year. A name synonymous with quality and driving, Pete & Jakes Hot Rod Parts are proven chassis and suspension parts for early Ford and some Chev hot rods. From a dropped I-beam suspension to a right hand drive pedal box, Pete & Jakes has it all and its available here in New Zealand from GMS. Looking for white wall tyre cleaner? GMS Hot Rods is the authorised dealer for Re-Tire Whitewall Cleaner – an effortless, eco-friendly cleaner which offers superior results. Other parts are sourced and available ex Australia and also the USA from various contacts in the industry.
For a parts quote or build consultation, please do not hesitate to contact Greg Stokes at GMS Hot Rods on 021 955 459 or email [email protected] or find GMS Hot Rods on Facebook.

[Ranchero50]

Do you have any additional pics? I'm working on a speedster and love to see how other addressed problems with fitment and ergonomics.

[30 Closed Cab PU]

Very nice, a piece of art like something you may see in a museum. Perhaps take a video of it running, post to Tube, post the link here?

[katy]

This fantastic little racer started its life on the East Coast of the USA many years ago, Michigan to be precise

When did they move Michigan from the east coast to it's present location?

[Greg Stokes]

Originally Posted by katy

When did they move Michigan from the east coast to it's present location?

Sorry I posted this late at night and its a typo from the original document

[Greg Stokes]

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Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU

Very nice, a piece of art like something you may see in a museum. Perhaps take a video of it running, post to Tube, post the link here?

Thanks we have video of it at the GMS Hot Rods Facebook page

[mhsprecher]

Very cool.

[Greg Stokes]

Originally Posted by Ranchero50

Do you have any additional pics? I'm working on a speedster and love to see how other addressed problems with fitment and ergonomics.

Thanks we have lots of pics of it at the GMS Hot Rods Facebook page

[dumb person]

Might have seen that in real life once. lol at the giant model A dash.
Do you have more pictures that aren't on facehuggeralienbook?