1933 Dodge Roadster
History of the Car
Greg Brown's father, the late Phil Brown, bought the car from Jim Niblett in the fall of 1973. The car had recently won the Best Home Built Hot Rod at Tulsa's Street Rod Nationals. Then was featured on the cover of the December 1973 issue of Rod and Custom Magazine.
In August of 1974, the car was featured in a Happy Days TV show promotion and soon after this Phil decided to dismantle the car to put his own spin on it. As we all know life happens, family priorities and business sometimes change our priorities. So the car sat on the back burner. That is until Thom Taylor remembered the car in a "Where Is It Now" article. This relit the fire in Phil to continue with the project. Phil sold his body shop and opened Route 66 Hot Rods in St. Louis, Missouri. Phil and Greg continued to work on the car but the business had to be first priority.
In 2007, Phil and Greg started work on a new chassis, but then 2008 brought a slumping economy and health issues for Phil so the business closed their doors.
Greg lost his father Phil in June of 2013 due to heart problems but the dream of finishing the car stayed with him.
Now in 2014 the chassis work has been completed and the car has arrived at Willoughby Hot Rods for body work and paint. Greg's concept is to keep the 1970's style with up to date reliability.
Stay tuned for updates!
November 2014 Update - The body has been sandblasted and primered so the face lift can begin!
January 2015 Update - The body has been placed back on the frame for a rough fit of gaps, doors and the trunk lid.
Engine and transmission installed to help with fit.
We have started to fit the grille shell which involves fabricating side panels and the chin piece by hand and using an English Wheel.
The side hoods have been extended for proper fit and hood blisters installed.
November 2015 Update - This project has been put on hold for the time being. We will keep you all updated when the fun starts up once again.
East Highway 76
RR 2 Box 853 Ava, MO 65608
417-683-6535