Bill made arrangements with his friend to go to a local car meet in New Smyrna Beach together, (Bob drives a ‘32 Ford Coupe in pristine condition). The Saturday of the car show they each attended in their own cars, parking side by side. After two hours of people gathering around Bill’s wagon it was painfully noticeable that not much attention was being given to Bob’s ‘32. All Bob could do was shake his head and say to his friend Bill, “OK you win.”
Bill has had a ball with this wagon since he purchased it. He has reworked the motor, which now sports 3 carbs and a cam (his kitchen remodeling money). He has had it pinstriped and lettering applied to the doors, nose and rear. The signage Bill had painted on was then almost all removed to achieve the worn and weathered look that the course of time would have done naturally over the past 54 years. Bill has collected a variety of suitcases, a vintage Coca Cola cooler, picnic basket and an old carry rack.
His newest pride and joy for the car is a nine and half foot wood inlayed surf board, which he has been chasing down for some time. The windows are decorated with over 50 vintage stickers and it has a new headliner and interior. The Century model carried the Roadmaster’s 322 cubic inch mill. It has a dynaflow transmission, front power windows and a child safety feature where the rear does not have power windows, no power brakes and arm-strong power steering. This car came from the factory highly optioned for its time. Bill added a swamp air cooling system that would circulate cool air into the car. This system was often used out west in low humidity areas.
With the embellishments that Bill has done to the ‘54, this car is loaded with personality, it is a sure winner for a day of fun in the sun. Best that we can figure, the car has worked its way from its previous owner in Colorado to another in North Carolina. The wagon seemed to somehow have inched its way east to the ocean. Where by the looks of things ... if a car could talk, it appears most content sharing good times with Bill Gordon on the World’s Most Famous Beach in Daytona, Florida.
And who knows they might just become famous because Bill was approached while at a local car show in South Daytona held at Long Doggers by a young lady who asked, “if he’d be interested in letting the car be in a movie right there on the beach.” See ya’ in the movies Bill!
