History The Ricky Nelson Roadster

Anybody know why the roadster was painted purple? I did an image search for my Then & Now thread https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/then-now.1267934/ and came up with this picture which let me too the Jalopy Journal, but the image is gone. But it said the roadster belonged to Tony? Before Ricky Nelson got it.

 

Never was that color, I’ve seen that photo before and it was recolored. The original image was taken outside the shop of Don Orozco and he restored it true to form in green.

 

@Fordors I found my answer right here on the H.AM.B. thanks to @Jimmy B https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/ricky-nelson’s-’32-roadster.1058339/ The car was owned by Tony LaMasa and I think your right the photo is colorized.

 

...does look kinda cool purple though...

 

It was used in one episode of The Nelson's TV show but was never owned by Ricky. I don't believe he was ever really into cars.

Mick

 

You're right Mick. Only used as a prop in one episode of Ozzie and Harriet and got tagged as the "Ricky Nelson " roadster. A very big slight to Tony.

 

The car was originally red before Tony bought it. It was featured in one of the little mags in the
early 50's. Ricky Nelson really wanted to buy the roadster, but Dad said No.....

The rest of the story.....
https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/clean-and-channeled-the-defillipi-roadster.840592/

 

He had a 1958 Plymouth Fury back when they were new. I think he must have had some interest in cars and hot rods.

 

And to Ray DeFillipi who originally built the car.

Mick

 

It wasn't just a prop, the boys drove the car throughout the episode. It was a race between Ozzie and the boys.
Ozzie drove a stock T ....I think you can still watch it somewhere...

 

I read that he was interested in the car, but Ozzie said they wanted too much money for such an old car.

 

I found it here:
The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet - Road Race (Season 6, Series 14)


I find it funny that Kodak sponsored the show highlighting the advantages of their color film ON A BLACK/WHITE TV SHOW. LOL

 

Indeed!

 

Anybody have any "color" pictures of it in red?

 

I like how the lady in the commercial was showing color photos on a black and white TV show.

 

Thanks for posting that Hutkikz, I sure enjoyed watching that episode again. This is a great old well built
Hot rod, like your grandfathers car. Tony bought the car and added fenders, nerf bars, and cut a notch in
the hood bubble. He also changed the front axle to what looks like a Zimmer. He install a 265 Chevy, and
painted the car that beautiful green with stripes. This is a heavily channeled car and everyone loves it.

 

I think the original "color" photo, the film itself or the photo has shifted over time. It was originally red.