Jive-Bomber submitted a new blog post: The Earl Bruce Armored Car Continue reading the Original Blog Post
https://www.hotrodhotline.com/earle-bruce-and-his-40-ford#.WQiQy_nyvmE And so did Earle, until he and his beloved car took one last run at El Mirage. In 2009, at 91, time and gravity finally caught up with Earle, but in preparation, he had made one last request: “Take me out to El Mirage in my car, punch it up to 100 mph, open the window and let me loose in the wind.” We did just that on May 29, 2009. Earle always said, “Timing is the most important factor in all things.” And as always, Earle had the last word. We discovered, by reading the metal plaque attached under his car’s hood, that it was exactly 60 years to the day since he had first brought his car to El Mirage to have his speed timing officially recorded - so, a perfect day to say good-bye.
I met him briefly as a member of Forties Limited of Orange County when he showed up with the Coupe at a Forty Ford Day at La Palma Park. Not only was he the only member with a Forty that was the original owner, it was customized a bit more that the membership was used to seeing.
Earle Bruce posing with the Armored Car in front of his bar "The Big Top" (5336 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood Calif.)
I got to see Earl's '40 at a lot of shows growing up in OC...I remember it at Forty Ford Day at La Palma Park as well! This guy had it made...it would be interesting to know how he did so well, having so many Mercedes and other great cars. Here is the bar shown above as it looks today- it is a liquor store now. https://www.google.com/maps/@34.097...4!1sBUln_iRtmRtceLdS7AcRbA!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
@shoebox1950 - This February 1996 AMERICAN RODDER article by Paul Garson provides some biographical info on Mr. Earle Bruce: click thumbnails to enlarge
As far as money goes... he said he was signed to a contract by one of the major film studios in the late 30s.... by the time they figured out he wasn't going to be the next Dick Powell it was too late lol. So he had that income for several years.
RePost 6.He looks like his grin says"Middle finger salute to ya all". Good Luck.Have fun.Be safe. Leo
I've been obsessed with this car since I first read about it and Earl in Hot Rod in the early 70's when I was a kid! Sent from my iPhone using The H.A.M.B. mobile app
certainly one of my all time faves, loved it in the little books years ago. The photo on color with Earl in fron of his bar is super cool.
Certainly one of the epic of Fortys, whether you like it or not. Not only that, but owned by a one of a kind character (whether you like him or not/ considering the fraternal order he belonged to, he probably didn't care)! Thanks Bomber
An American man of thousand dollar style, a wild western plainsman with white-knuckle reins and soles hard in the stirrups.
I've just read a bit and he sounded like that kind of fella...the Hotrod/Custom resonates my garage......the 1940s skirted look was epic, it sure did look good as a Hotrod...he's brought it along with dignity... Earl you did cool shit big Thumbs up...
Heres another 40 with the same filled rear window treatment. My buddy owns this car and it no longer has the filled windows, definitely not for everbodys taste, but its what made customizing great Peoples individual tastes.
Earl was a Bar Owner, I think 3 different ones 2 in Hollywood Ca. This pict is at one of them. The Big Top. This red paint job was by "Valley Custom Shop", he also bought and sold Mercedes Gullwings.
That rounded off rear door edge is the difference between success and failure. Really helps the shape flow!
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