Once upon a time... c. 1950s Art Russell (up State New York) built a 1932 Plymouth Roadster. This was quite the Show Rod in it’s day (50s & 60s). During the 1966/67 show season the Lill Candy Pearl was crowned the ISCA Grand National Champion. Originally she was candy blue fog, in color. It went through several different colors over the years, black, red, then back again to its original candy blue fog. This was the consummate East Coast Rod, channeled, with a tail dragging rake. She’s powered by a 1956 324 Oldsmobile Rocket 88 engine, coupled to a 3 speed Lasalle manual transmission. Most everything was chromed, including the Plymouth frame & undercarriage. Being a Plymouth gave her a different look than the typical Ford Show car. I was grateful to be her custodian in the 1990s. At this time she wore a beautiful coat of red paint. I sincerely enjoyed my time with the “Lill Candy Pearl”. However, I drive my hot rods. The Pearl’s 411 rear end was not practical for Interstate cruising. Unfortunately, I found myself regulating the majority of my hot rodding in my 1946 Ford Convertible. The Lill Candy Pearl was kept primarily for local cruising and events. I was very honored to have the Lill Candy Pearl included in one of Mr. Dain Gingerelli’s books “Hot Rod Milestones.” It was quite an honor, to say the least. I eventually adopted the Lill Candy Pearl to another custodian, who returned her to her original candy blue fog. I must admit, she really looks sweet in her candy blue paint. Regardless, I thought I’d share some photos of the old girl. Thanks for taking a peek!
Wow, you got to be the custodian for awhile, lucky you, I would have had to get the rear gears changed over getting rid of it. I love roadsters.
@VF-1, welcome to the Hamb... Thanks for sharing the historical info on this awesome Hotrod. I have shared this Roadster several times here. It's no surprise really to see another connection to it show up here and you're it! I believe this is across the pond now but I may be wrong... Thanks for rounding off a great evening here...just so great to be here to share in these Historic Hotrod revelations of the Yesteryear and being you were such a caretaker of this unique Hotrod you will revel with what shows up here... Any other historic stories to wow the crowd here? I can't imagine what filled the void on the departure of this Hotrod in your shop but I'll bet it would be interesting...
Side note... For winning the 1967 ISCA Grand National Roadster, Art Russel was presented a brand NEW 1967 Pontiac GTO.
VF-1, did you know that Art actually kept the car in his livingroom?! He used to drive it on occasion in the summer, I actually met him at the DMV when he was getting his plates.
You Rock!!...incredible ride...in many ways the best things in life were done many years ago and to live that celebration is digging the Art of the Yesteryear...turn the key and rumble back to 55...Is it yours @attitudor? If it isn't you're sure lucky to maybe see it around...nice pics...
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