1955 Californian Roadster

1955 Other Makes Californian Roadster Description

1955 Californian Sport Special

This 1955 Californian Sport Special is an innovative blend of Hot Rod and Sports Car – mixing So-Cal speed culture with road racing, resulting in a one of a kind sport special. It is a dedicated street machine that has been restored and is ready to enjoy in any national concours or touring event, while remaining comfortably at home in a local cruise-in or stretched out on the open highway. Only two of these cars have been found - the other one also has a Ford Flathead V8 engine and is being raced in the northeast. All research points to an early to mid '50s heritage.

The Californian’s stunning fiberglass body was sculpted over a modified Ford chassis that appears (perhaps for racing duty) in the 1950’s. The capable Ford flathead V-8 is appropriately equipped with period-correct Offenhauser aluminum heads and Offenhauser intake manifold and finished off with correct hot rod twin carbs.The three-speed manual transmission and wire wheels finish off the mechanical details with a nod to the style and character of the times.

Ray Evernham's AmeriCarna TV:
Click on the image below to watch a 30 second video with Ray Evernham at the wheel of the Californian

The interior has been restored with a keen eye for authenticity. The black seats with contrasting maroon inserts and piping accentuate the exterior finish. The curved dashboard features an array of decorative but purposeful instruments accompanied by an elegant steering wheel. Unlike many cars of this era, seating is comfortable and roomy. The wraparound windshield is trimmed in chrome and allows for a panoramic view of the hood and curvaceous front fenders.

American handcrafted sports cars have been receiving greater attention in recent years with classes of these cars appearing at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and others too. This 1955 Californian has appeared at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in 2010. In 2014, it was shown at the Boca Raton Concours d'Elegance and received a major award. In 2015, the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance again featured a class of these cars and included an in-depth article on their history within the concours program, featuring a photo of this 1955 Californian Sport Special as it appeared on the Amelia Island showfield in 2010.

Click here to view the Handcrafted Sports Car Article That Appeared in the 2015 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance Program

Recently cars of unique provenance and distinct coachbuilt lineage have become more prominent in high-end auctions and major car shows. The opportunity to own a car of unique build and design can only be surpassed by the joys of using such a car in events and shows. Ready to show –and ready to go – the 1955 Californian Sport Special is legally titled in the United States with proper support documentation for export to any country.

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Transportation costs and arrangements from origination (Tampa, Florida) to buyer's location are the responsibility of the buyer. This car is being advertised locally and we reserve the right to end the auction at any time. People have different opinions and expectations of old cars. It is your responsibility to inspect this vehicle or send a third party inspector for your satisfaction. A $2000 non-refundable deposit is due within 72 hours of the end of the auction. Full payment via electronic/bank transfer is due no later than 7 days from the end of the auction.

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