Larry Ernst 52 Ford cvt

[RPW]

Right now Im wring a feature about Larry Ernst 52 Ford cvt for the much delayed issue #27 of Lead News (I have not forgotten those who did ask for a copy...). Anyway, I have recent photos but I´m looking for old ones, anyone out there who would like to share some? (I will not use any photo from old magazines without right to publish them). Also, I remember seeing a feature in one of the small magazines in the late 50´s as "Pharahoe´s Pacer". Been looking back and forth in my collection but since I dont remember what magazine or issue, well its hard to find...

[safariknut]

A friend of mine by the name of Spike McMurtrie owned it a couple years ago.He bought it at an auction of old rods and customs.I'll call him and see if he has any pix of it.

[RPW]

Just found the magazine feature: Custom Cars Jan 59.

Safariknut: That would be great! I know that he owned it for sometime, he brought it in Auburn 1999, right?
(got that info from the current owner with the help of Ron here at HAMB...)

[safariknut]

[ QUOTE ]
Just found the magazine feature: Custom Cars Jan 59.

Safariknut: That would be great! I know that he owned it for sometime, he brought it in Auburn 1999, right?
(got that info from the current owner with the help of Ron here at HAMB...)


[/ QUOTE ]

It was my understanding that it was a private auction but the way my mind is now I could be wrong.I'm supposed to see him before he leaves for Arizona(sometime this month)so I'll get the straight scoop.
Spike also had another great car for many years:the 30 Model A 2-door touring that Charlie Mannschiem(sp)from Fairborn Ohio built back in the 50's.Very radical car for it's time(and even today!):body was widened several inches,had dual cowl vents,dual sidemounts,Olds engine and Hydro,and torsion bar suspension from a 55 Packard adapted to the beam axle in front and Olds rear end in back complete with self leveling!I have a video that Charlie's son made years ago chronicling the building of the car and a sister roadster also.Charlie was killed in a motorcycle accident in the late 60's but before he died was a crew chief for Art Arfons when he was going for the Land Speed Record.He actually rode in the car(there was a dummy cockpit on the opposite side of the J-79)and Art made a 400-plus pass not knowing Charlie was aboard!He was then known as the World's Fastest Hitchhiker!
After owning the car for nearly 30 years,Spike finally sold it back to Charlie's son(who had been hounding him for years for it)and it is currently undergoing a faithful restoration in Fairborn Ohio.
Anyway I'll try and get with him this week.

[Pinstriper40]

I know it's been 8 years, but are there any pictures of this car in its current state? I'd love to see 'em!

[fms427]

This car has long been one of my favorites - my first car was a 53 Ford convertible, and the Ernst car was my prototype for where I wanted to go with it. But, never got there.....:D

It was auctioned at Auburn in the early 90's - I saw it in the auction listing and drove down - but by the time I got there it had just rolled off the block - sold for $18,000 or so. I saw it several years later at James Dean - all restored, but have not seen it since. Where is it now - I still want it :D......

[Rikster]

I know it's been 8 years, but are there any pictures of this car in its current state? I'd love to see 'em!

http://images55.fotki.com/v508/photos/2/223020/1813494/P1160120-vi.jpg


http://images59.fotki.com/v460/photos/2/223020/1813494/P6090087copyor-vi.jpg

http://images59.fotki.com/v459/photos/2/223020/1813494/P6090090copyvi-vi.jpg

http://images18.fotki.com/v458/photos/2/223020/1813494/P6100122copyor-vi.jpg

[loveoftiki]

There was a Black chopped hardtop 54 Merc done by Clark Kaiser at this years Relix Riot. Very Cool to see some remaining examples of their work. God Bless Detroit !!!

[00 MACK]

That car was a Ford.

[twochops]

This one

[loveoftiki]

This one

Yes that was the one. Saw it in a downpour, though it was a Merc, bad ass car whatever it is

[phat rat]

This one

If I'm remembering correctly he's had it for sale in the past