Herman Broome's 1931 Ford Model A Roadster

1931 Ford Model A Roadster owned by Herman Broome. Broome was a founding member of the Gladiators of Redlands car club, and his Ford was lowered and modified with a chopped and laid-back windshield for a sleeker and more streamlined appearance. The original grille was scrapped in favor of a 1932 Ford grille.

This page from the 1954 Makio, Redlands High School's yearbook, features the Gladiators car club. Pictured alongside their advisor, Verne Kasper, the club members include Ivan Hinerman, Allan Hayes, Jack Cowan, Bruce Wiseman, Brent Reedy, Jim Fox, Bob Braga, and Herman Broome. The centerpiece of the photo is Herman Broome's 1931 Ford fitted with a 1932 Ford grille. The Gladiators were dedicated to promoting safe driving and contributing to the community, and this photo captures the spirit of their automotive passion during their first year as a club.

1931 Ford Model A Roadster owned by Herman Broome. Broome was a founding member of the Gladiators of Redlands car club, and his fully-fendered Ford was lowered and modified with a chopped and laid-back windshield for a sleeker and more streamlined appearance. The original grille was scrapped in favor of a 1932 Ford grille.

The car became a symbol of the Gladiators of Redlands, a Redlands High School car club formed in 1953, of which Broome was a member. As captured in a 1954 yearbook photo, Broome's Ford exemplified the skill and creativity of the club’s members, many of whom used the school's facilities to work on and customize their cars.