Record Racer – A 1929 Ford Bonneville Roadster
Every time we take the driver’s seat of one of these old cars like this 1929 Ford Bonneville Roadster, we think about what it has gone through, what stories it could tell. Very seldom do they leave actual records and certifiable documents behind, not to mention something substantial like, let’s say, a Bonneville speed record? That’s exactly what you’re looking at here.
This little unassuming 1929 Ford Bonneville Roadster, known as the Vasicek-Daugherty-Slate-Law car, has done just that. In fact, it still holds a record dating back to 1991.
It wasn’t long after that, Law gave in to his Bonneville affection and turned the ‘29 into a full blown, no pun intended, race car. Law’s race to break a record wasn’t without a struggle. The little ‘29 saw several different engines combos, but the money configuration was an injected, twin turbo, 370c.i. big block Chevy resulting in a 244.230 record, which still stands today. Imagine that kind of speed on only 106” wheel base. Scary!
Then it changed hands and went on a journey far away from the salt.
The car now belongs to Bill Rhodes who bought it a few years ago. By the time Rhodes acquired it all of the race history had been erased from the car’s persona when it was returned to the street sometime in the mid-90s. Lord only knows what it went through changing hands. The roll cage had been removed along with the twin turbo BBC. The rear fenders were long gone to make room for some rather wide rear tires along with all the Bonneville lettering.
Some rear fenders were added to keep good on the street roadster rules while adding some skinny steel wheels and Moon Discs to further finish off the Bonneville vibe. Next was to freshen up the interior along with a convertible top to make the car more enjoyable as a driver.
Aside from various other small repairs it’s pretty much how Bill found it. We think he did a pretty good job making it his own while still respecting what the car is and what history comes with it. The best part is the fact that it’s usable again while still being able to flaunt its former racing glory.
We wonder if Bill will get the itch to let it rip at Bonneville again. We’d sure like to see that!