Aussie-built Ford hot rod to tour the USA

Plans to send a restored Australian hot rod with a long and successful show history to the USA have been announced. The ’32 Ford roadster, built by Gary Wright in the early 1960s, and restored by Michael Morris in the 2000s, has been entered in the 2027 Grand National Roadster Show (GNRS), where it will contend for the prestigious America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award.

Originally built by Gary Wright between 1962 and 1964, the ’32 Ford roadster body was channelled over the frame, with a Moredrop axle, Mercury wheels and a mix of Ford and Holden mechanical parts fitted. For the drivetrain, Wright installed a Ford Y-block V8 with triple Stromberg carbies, a ’39 Ford gearbox and matching diff. With Gulfstream Blue paint outside and extensive black vinyl trim inside, other features included shaved door handles, teardrop tail lights and a radio set into the passenger side dash.

A trophy winner on the car show circuit in its heyday, Wright’s creation passed through several owners before dropping off the radar for around 15 years. When Morris purchased the rod in 2003, very few of its original features remained. Regardless, he pressed ahead with a restoration to bring the car back to its original condition. This included consulting period articles and sourcing parts globally in a process that took 15 years to bring to completion. In its restored form, this historic Aussie hot rod has won even more trophies at events like MotorEx and the Sydney Harbour Concours d’Elegance.

Morris is seeking sponsors for the 2027 USA trip that will include the Goodguys West Coast Nationals and Gathering at the Roc, as well as the GNRS. Other events may be added to the itinerary, too. Entry level sponsor packages start with a logo on selected merchandise and social media acknowledgement, along with the opportunity for brand promotion at the aforementioned US events. Upper tier sponsor packages add video coverage, access to selected photo/video content and other benefits.

To support Aussie rodding on the international stage, call 0429 621 722 for details on sponsor packages, or email: [email protected]. Individual donations, no matter how small, are also welcome.