Original survivor California hot rod,
1931 Ford track-nosed roadster.
Built by Ed Donato in the late 1940’s-early 1950’s.
Very nice quality build standards.
Barris hand-fabricated steel track nose and body work.
Ran at the dry lakes, early drags, and car shows.
Won Trophy at 1952 Los Angeles Hot Rod and Motor Sports Show.
Appeared in Life magazine photo shoot
of early line up of hot rod and drag race scene in Southern California.
Consistently ran 103-125 mph at early Santa Ana drags.
Featured in issue #4 of Hop Up magazine,
as well as period magazine coverage.
Highlight appearance on “My Classic Car” TV series
(see link below).
This roadster still has the original early-50’s lacquer paint finish,
and is in remarkable condition.
The souped-up ’46 Mercury flathead engine
is a fresh rebuild.
The rest of the original drive train consists of a
’36 Ford three-speed trans,
with ’39 gear set, and ’32 Ford rear-end,
which have all been gone through.
Very reliable.
The car runs strong and is a pleasure to drive.
Current owner purchased from the original owner builder, Ed Donato,
who carefully stored it in his CA garage for 50+ years.
Still has the original 1956 CA plates
that were issued to this car that year.
Clear CA title.
The last of the Los Angeles survivors.
Price – $54,000.
Watch the 2012 Reliability Run video on YouTube –
“My Classic Car Season 10 Episode 6 – Hop Up Rod Run” –
Clock in at 12:08-13:20 on the time counter
to see this Donato Bronze Flame roadster at speed: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KXv-r6TAK0
The owner took the car out of dry storage, so it is a bit dusty. Keep in mind that this is a rare original, untouched, California hot rod, that still wears the paint from 1951, as well as the interior from the same period, even the original tires and rims are still with it, and is the last of the survivor cars. The car has history and provenance. It is very comfortable to sit in and drive. Notice the WW2 aircraft seats. It runs and drives just like a nice old hot rod ought to, but it needs some freshening up (brake fluid flush, carb gaskets, new battery, oil change), fire it up and away you go. The motor is a fresh rebuild. He said he has the original lakes tarp that came with the car.
We are exclusive agents for the owner.
Questions call,
~David or Michelle timechanic@cox.net
(702)258-6449