Customs The Polynesian

[Nevadabob]

Originally Posted by cabriolethiboy

This thread is timely and I apologise if I am hijacking it. John Ballard of Anderson, Indiana, the builder of the Polynesian II (the clone of the Polynesian) just passed away on the 6th of Feburary. He was 71 years old. The clone is not exactly the right color because John was working from photographs only. He never saw the real car (at least while they were building it). John also owned the 41 Willy's that won "Best Engineered" at the 1971 Street Rod Nationals. At the time of his passing he still owned the Willy's, although it was torn apart for a number of years.

John Ballard has a monument at www.polynesian2customcar.com Everybody I have talked with that knew John all say the same thing "he was a good guy with incredible mechanical skills" and a web site of his build Polynesian2 has been erected to pay John tribute for his craftsmanship and the fact he was an asset to the car community. For someone to take on a project of that magnitude with such strict guidlines and pull it off is one of the most incredible stories in car customizing. Even the best of the best would have balked at that build. After his build he drove the car to CA and met Niel Emory and Niel was impressed and gave him his blessing. In my opinion John Ballard was larger than life.

[firstnomad]

Without a doubt, It's always been my favorite. I find it very difficult to see how this sectioned Olds was hammer-welded without any lead, or any kind of filler, and be so flawless. A very subtle profile, yet so pleasing to the eye. The treatment of the bumper being raised and becoming a part of the grille, is something else!

[JeffSled]

Just saw this car on saturday at the Peterson museum,it had the yellow interior so I assume it was the real one. I appreciate the work and the quality of work that was put in to this car but....... anyone who thinks this blows away or is even close to the same level as the Hirohata is kidding themselves. Not even close, I just saw the Hirohata for 2 hours yesterday and that car is just beyond anything out there.