Harry Costa's 1941 Ford

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Harry-costa-1941-ford-2.jpg
Harry's Ford at an indoor car show. The license plates in the photo reads 1956. Photo from the Joe Botti collection - courtesy of Dick Page.
Harry-costa-1941-ford.jpg
Harry's Ford as it sat in 2012. Photo courtesy of Harry Costa.
Photo courtesy of Harry Costa.

1941 Ford Convertible owned by San Francisco Pacers member Harry Costa of San Francisco, California. Harry bought the Ford in 1953, and it didn't take long time before he started to modify the car. Two weeks after the car had been purchased, Harry and his friend Hank Snyder began dismantling the convertible. The body was channeled 7 inches over the frame and the fenders were raised to accommodate the new appearance. After channeling the body, the hood had to be sectioned as well. The running boards were removed, and a contoured metal piece was fitted and welded to the lower door and rear quarter pan. All body seams were molded, giving the body a one piece appearance. For a complete smoothness, Harry's convertible was nosed, decked and shaved for handles and side trim. The headlights were frenched, and the front end was modified to accept a molded in 1948 Ford grille. The rear bumper was taken from a late-model Pontiac. The taillights were removed from the fenders and relocated into the bumper guards. The taillight lenses were cut from lucite. The exhaust was routed through the bumper. Halls' Top Shop in Oakland completed the 3 1/2 inch top chop, and fit the car with a padded top. Halls' did also stitch a a new interior for the car in a harmony of blue colors. The car was painted in a 1954 Oldsmobile baby blue color.[1] A completely chromed 1954 Oldsmobile engine was installed in the car.[2]


Harry's convertible made its debut at the 1956 Oakland Roadster Show. Through the years, it received some moderate changes. In 1963 it was featured in Popular Customs Winter Issue 1963, by then Harry had installed bubble-shaped Moon hubcaps and tires with skinnier white stripes.[3]


In the late 1970s Harry decided to sell the old custom. It returned to the Oakland and Fresno show circuits in 1980. Harry regret that he sold the car, and decided to buy it back. Harry's Convertible was featured in Classic & Custom March 1984, by then the Oldsmobile engine had been replaced by a loaded '59 AB Flathead and the car had received blue pinstriping.[1]


For Sale

In March of 2012 Harry decided that it was about time to part with the old Ford again. The car still looks and runs good, and Harry is asking $40 000 for his old custom. It needs and deserves a good home. If you are interested, mail Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com and we will set you in touch with Harry.


Magazine Features

Trend Book 156 Custom Cars 1958 Annual
Popular Customs Winter Issue 1963
Classic & Custom March 1984


References




 

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