The DeChamp ’31

I’m working on a feature that will run later this week and don’t need the distraction of a “filler” article for The Jalopy Journal this morning. So, I decided to make this as quick and painless as possible by playing Russian Roulette with my collection of Rod & Custom Magazines. I started by picking a number from 53 to 65 – I got ’54. Then I picked a number from 1 to 12 – I got 4. That put me in the April, 1954 issue of the magazine. From there, I flipped the pages and stopped randomly on Buzz DeChamp’s ’31 Ford.

Uh. Wow.

This one has a lot going on. From DuVall windshields to Continental kits guarded by Desoto bumpers… I swear to god I’m not distracted. Honest. But I think maybe this car is a perfect example of how far constraint can really get you. I mean, Buzz had the profile nailed. Imagine stripping the bumper out back as well as the spare. Then, throw some fenders on up front and maybe a hood with complimentary sides.

You’d have something more with less. Just my opinion of course… and well, it’s probably not as qualified as Buzz’s. After all, he did get his car in Rod & Custom.

***