October 2023 Hot Rod of the Month

Additional Details

E.J. Walton created this one-of-a-kind custom roadster from a Ford Model A, inspired by the 1929 Duesenberg Torpedo. Walton was the principal fabricator and body builder for Harry Miller; one of America’s most important automotive designers and owner of Indy racing teams Miller-Ford and Gulf-Miller. This 1929 Roadster is believed to have been built as his personal car. While its engine is modestly hot rodded with a copper plated cylinder head, fabricated copper intake manifold, Stromberg downdraft carb, custom exhaust and Mallory dual point distributor.

But it is the custom coachwork that sets this Ford apart from all but the highest concept custom roadsters. The complete body — hood, passenger compartment and custom boattail rear deck — is hand hammered out of aluminum, then left unpainted in an object demonstration of superb panel beating and joining skills. The radiator is contained within a hand made vee-front rounded shell painted black. The hood sides are separated by a fixed center panel with four stack-like projections, also in black to complement the radiator shell. The hood sides have diamond-shaped embellishments in black which are repeated in slightly different proportions on the frame covers under the doors. The breathing areas of the bodywork – grille, hood sides and the decorative elements under the doors – are covered with basket weave metal mesh.

Black fenders, frame covers and running boards set off the aluminum body. The rear deck of the body is gently rounded in a semi-boattail shape with an opening lid for luggage and tools. Red wire wheels, including a pair of side mounted spares, provide a touch of color. It is upholstered in black leather with a black cloth top and has been carefully maintained with attention to cosmetics like the paint on the fenders and the upholstery.

In addition to its historic connection with E.J. Watson and Harry Miller, its origins are supported by its present chain of title which begins in Asheville, NC where Walton settled after his racing days were over. This is a meticulously constructed example of automotive craftsmanship, talent and creativity from an old-school fabricator. It has been sympathetically preserved for years and is a profound piece of American automobile history with style, performance and delightful patina unlike anything on the road today. Also included in the additional photos are the NFTs created by master digital illustrator Lincoln Wong.