High Bid: $ 48,000

This is a one-of-a-kind custom-built 1930 Ford Roadster that started as a father and son project in 1960. Inspired by the "King of the Kustomizers", George Barris, this Roadster is far from ordinary. They didn’t realize it at the time, but the Valente family was on their way to building a classic automobile that won many awards and was featured on the covers of various auto publications. This guarded family heirloom is still owned by the Valente family, and has been meticulously maintained throughout the years. In 2006, the car was brought out of storage, and several modern-day improvements were implemented, including front disc brakes, automatic transmission and a dash board reconditioning added convenience and safety to this classic rod. Powered by a 1958 Chevy 348ci engine with 6 Stromberg 97 carburetors all protected by a custom Rolls Royce grill assembly on the original steel body. It rides on a custom built, one- of-a- kind tubular 3-inch frame with a 122" wheelbase. This car is truly is a marvel of engineering and is sure to turn the heads of auto aficionados past, present, and future. Most recently, the car was brought to the 80th Anniversary of the Route 66 Auto Show in Bloomington, Illinois, where it received personal accolades and acknowledgment from auto greats Darrel Starbird, Gene Winfield, and even George Barris himself. Even though these auto titans have seen countless cars in their day, they still remember this truly unique and impressive vehicle as it has been shown around the country since its creation. It was winner of the 1962 National Championship (Indianapolis, IN), 1963 1st Annual Car Show in Madison Square Garden World Champion (NYC, NY), and just about every other major car show in the East Coast Circuit - proving that this car is an superb example of American craftsmanship and originality. From something that started as a simple backyard build by a father and son, to the creation of a museum-quality classic hot rod, this auto is a symbol of the American dream and the family values of yesteryears. Not only is it an auto with a proven track record of first place awards and a binder full of magazine article features, but it’s also a chance to own your very own piece of American hot rod history.