I actually got an email from Al Twitchell about 10 years ago. In it, he stated that he used to be into customs cars and even built a few in the 1950's. He included a few shots of the cars he had built - this '52 wagon was one of them, but it was his ... <BR><BR>To read the rest of this blog entry from The Jalopy Journal, click here.
I have a long running love affair with the 52-54 Ford wagons,Al's Ranch Wagon has always been a feast for the eyes,, During a time when wagons were not so popular yet he raised the bar for the rest of us that have the same odd affliction to wagons. The shortened side spears,the slight de-chroming and the tail lights,,what a beauty. Al's wagon was always in the back of my mind as inspiration with my long term build. HRP This is my wife's '54 wagon.
Al's wagon is very subtle and tasty. Jive, your gals green machine is drooling material. Love them longroofs. ~sololobo~
Sad to hear of his passing. I bet he would've been fun to converse with. I really like the fact it appears he built his wagon not just to be a looker, but also to be enjoyed and driven!
That is a beauty of a wagon. Very clean and simple! A guy I've worked with for 6 years is retiring in a month and last night we were talking about some parts he has on his farm leftover from when he was a young man into drag racing. He told me he alway thought he'd have time to get to all the projects he had saved but now he realizes he waited too long. It's sad to think how life gets in the way of our passions and dreams sometimes until its too late Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
Very nice looking daily driver. I especially like the photo overlooking Yosemite Valley, I have many pictures taken from that same spot. This was taken at the parking area north of the tunnel on highway 41, southern entrance of the park.
As with most forms of motorsport (Ie drag racing / circle track racing etc), the hot rod and custom car culture's foundation is laid, not just by the names you know (Barris, Jeffries, Edelbrock, Garlits, & Foyt to name but a few), but by the tens of thousands of names you have never heard of, who diligently work their passion, not for the notoriety, but for the love of their hobby. God bless Al and the others of his generation.
If that car was built in '54 like the Hop Up cover says... I wonder if Al knew that he beat the Nomad wagon with the idea of those vertical tailgate bars by a whole year? Cool...
Actually, the Nomad was a concept car based on the Corvette platform ('53/'54). They beat him to the punch... Cool wagon, none the less.
What a cool little wagon! Love the taillight treatment and the '54 Ford side molding and the Merc pieces on the quarter panels. Even more, I love the '54 Chrysler wheelcovers! Could they be the most under-appreciated cap in history?
Love the '52-'54 body style and love hearing about the guys that broke new ground in this hobby/sport/illness. Al was a true pioneer. Thanks for sharing, Ryan!
Great car, and a historically important one, showing clearly that station wagons were customized in the period, and not just Nomads, as much as some would like to preach otherwise. Is there lettering on the hood? What does it say, looks like 5 letters? It also appears that he straightened out some of the peak in the grille surround to better match the flatness of the '54 Pontiac grille center bar, which always bugs me about that grille in the 49-51 Ford cars. Subtle stuff like that really makes a great custom.
Always love to see cars built by guys who "get it"....on a total level....thank you Mr. Twitchell....RIP.
Somebody used the word "subtle" and that hits the nail right on the head. The hood scoop is sets that beautiful front end just right. Who wouldn't want that as a daily driver?
Awesome wagon and story Ryan. It's mild compared to the full custom wagon Cerny did back in that era but what a nice job Al did on it.
Hot Rods Ta Hell, He told me to drive up and look through the barn, mostly Mid to late sixties Pontiac and olds stuff, he loved BOP muscle cars. I haven't even hinted at buying from him yet because he gets nostalgic and a little sad talking about it, I figure ill wait until we are rummaging and make an offer... Posted from the TJJ App for iPhone & iPad
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