High Bid: $ 36,000

Created by George Barris for Bob Valente, this 1930 Ford Roadster was named the "Rolls-Royce of Rods" by Mr. Barris, the late King of the Kustomizers himself. Featuring the original factory steel body, this exquisite Roadster has a chassis fabricated out of tubular three-inch pipes with a suicide front end, a 122-inch wheelbase, and a four- inch dropped axle. Each mount has been steel-molded to perfection. The rear end is from a 1955 Chevy while the engine is a 1958 Chevy 348. The original set of six carburetors comes with the car. The grille was fabricated from a 1928 Rolls-Royce with custom front fenders, designed to emphasize the unique styling of the late 1920's Rolls- Royce. The Spirit of Ecstasy, also known as the Flying Lady Rolls- Royce hood ornament, is made of solid sterling silver. She is featured in her iconic standing position, a rare find as starting in 1934, she was changed to the kneeling pose that is still in production today. The original Rolls-Royce emblem on the front grille is a shade of red, another interesting find as it is most often seen in black. - Not shy to winning numerous awards, features in countless magazines, and time in the spotlight, the Rolls-Royce of Rods has won many different titles such as Best in Show, Best Engineered and Constructed Car, as well as Most Popular Car at Show in events such as the 1962 National Championship in Indianapolis, Indiana and most importantly, the 1963 World Championship for the first annual show at Madison Square Garden. The car did a full East Coast tour of custom car shows, as well as a two- month-long exhibit in Europe due to its 1963 win at Madison Square Garden. The Rolls Royce of Rods has graced the covers of Rodding and Restyling Magazine and Hop Up Magazine, and has been given features in the magazines Custom Pictorial, Speed and Custom, Car Craft, and Popular Customs, to name a few. - Most recently, the car was brought to the 80th Anniversary of Route 66 Auto Show in Bloomington, Illinois. It was on display with other well-known Barris creations including the Dragula and the Fire Bug. It received many accolades and acknowledgments from famous faces in the custom car community such as Gene Winfield and Darrel Starbird, who remember this impressive vehicle since its creation and it's tours around the globe. This incredible 1930 Ford Roadster is a symbol of the American dream. Not only is it an automobile with a track record of first place awards and a binder full of magazine article and cover features, but it is also a chance to own a piece of American hot rod history!