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Not a stranger to the custom and classic car scene, Alan Behrse is an individual who simply loves hot rodding and all it has to offer. He won the PPG Dream Car award in April 2013 at the Goodguys Del Mar Nationals in Del Mar, California for his classy 1929 Ford Model A.
Alan has done it yet again with this one, which we stumbled across at the 51st L.A. Roadsters Show and Swap Meet in Pomona, California. It’s bright and it’s loud, but most of all it is simply beautiful. Up against the likes of other stunning roadsters, his build quietly went under the radar at the prestigious event, hosted at the Fairplex of Pomona.
The detail and chrome on this custom screams for attention, no matter what angle you look at it.
Residing in Victorville, California, Alan’s custom 1929 Ford Highboy Roadster is a top-notch build that stirs up curiosity and awe upon first sight. When we first saw his custom, it was a standout, even from afar. A talented and visionary car restorer, Alan is a hot rod builder that upholds classic car nostalgia.
“I build cars with great passion and for the revival of hot rodding history,” he said. “I’m always on the lookout for the one unique project that may come my way.”
Taking a more simplistic and minimalist approach to hot rodding, Alan has built vehicles over the years that scream detail and originality. He may not be chopping tops a ridiculous amount and slamming his builds to the floor like his competition, but his style has won over several judges, who praised the 1929 Ford Model A V8 five-window coupe for its traditional design aesthetics.
This 1929 Ford Roadster Alan Behrse put together won the Goodguys Dream Car Award in 2013 for its stunningly good looks. Photos courtesy of Alan Behrse Projects.
Enough about his past builds, let’s introduce you to another one of his 1929 Ford Highboy Roadsters that also deserves much praise.
A Force To Be Reckoned With
Alan Behrse’s custom 1929 Ford Highboy simply soaks up the sun with its sheer beauty.
Doused in a vibrant aqua paint, this Ford Roadster is loud in all the right ways. Moreover, it stands out with its gorgeous pearl white firewall and detailed underbody that is accompanied with finite pinstriping. The team at Vintage Speed Garage in Victorville, California, spent countless hours on this beautiful custom. Specializing in building hot rods and customs, Alan entrusted the Vintage crew with producing something great. The custom was actually built on a 1932 Ford frame by So-Cal Speed Shop in Pomona.
The Roadster underwent several changes, and includes a completely custom dash.
A true masterpiece on his hands, Alan also did several body modifications, resulting in an impressive finish that mirrors old school and modern hot rodding trends. The body was custom fabricated by Brookville Roadster out of Brookville, Ohio and features recessed taillights and license plate that keeps this beauty looking flawless. Interestingly, the front grille is a shell off of a 1932 Ford grille, which was chopped a hefty four inches and fitted with a custom chrome insert.
Out in the open, it has a nicely rebuilt Buick 401 cubic-inch 6.6-liter Nailhead V8 mill, Buick third-generation of V8 engines that was in circulation from 1959 to 1966. An overhead valve or pushrod engine, it was quite similar to the Oldsmobile’s Rocket V8 engine. The Buick 401 is dubbed as the ‘Nailhead’ simply for its peculiar vertical position of its minuscule valves, which were compared to nails since the head diameter was smaller than its counterpart’s engines during the same era.
Just looking at the glimmering engine bay, the attention to detail is definitely clear.
Attached to the Nailhead mill is a pristine Offenhauser intake manifold. Three Stromberg 97 carburetors and Offenhauser valve covers finish the package for Alan’s custom build. Patriot headers, Magnaflow mufflers, and complete heat-coated exhaust system helps the Roadster breathe openly and freely. The rebuilt ST400 three-speed automatic transmission helps put power to the pavement.
I’m always on the lookout for the one unique project that may come my way.
– Alan Behrse
A 10-bolt, 3:07 ratio reared from a 1964 Buick keeps the back of this Roadster in check. It also has an all-drum brake kit, consisting of 1939 Lincoln and 1964 Buick drums.
The interior complements the custom's exterior with great results.
Inside of the car, the dashboard was custom-fabricated and handmade by Vintage Speed Garage. Two-tone pearl white and aqua vinyl complements the build, giving great color continuity and elegance throughout the build.
The steering wheel and gauge cluster stemmed from a 1959 Chevrolet Impala. A hidden stereo, complete with charging ports add a modern and timeless touch, while lockable storage space behind the seat offers some stowing capacity. The Glide seats were a great choice as the company matched the paint color with relative ease, and complement the illustrious paint job on the exterior.
A Beauty Inside And Out
No matter how you view it, Alan’s 1929 Ford Roadster is a stunning build that deserves credit where credit’s due. We were fortunate to see his car in person.
No matter the angle, this car simply shines with its unmatched elegance and vibrant paint job.
It may not be Alan’s first Ford Roadster build, but this one is no different from the rest of his projects. He wants to keep hot rodding and the custom scene alive, and this build stands out for its early 1960s style and aesthetics.
His choice to grab pieces from several different cars shows the build’s great versatility, as well as proof that one doesn’t have to be loyal to just one car manufacturer. From the recessed taillights to the completely custom dashboard, this Ford Roadster is a true show-stopper that we hope to see at future shows. Who knows, he may have another build up his sleeve. Whether it is under the sun or on the showroom floor, this is one custom car that can’t be missed or simply swept under the rug.
What do you think of this custom Ford Highboy? Would you have done it any different?
