I'm hoping somebody might remember this car, or have some pics in it's original state. There is a lot of info about this car, but there is a gap I'm trying to fill for the current owner. Any help would be appreciated. The car was originally put together by Bill Montero Sr. & Jr. in San Jose, California. It was a super straight rust free 32 when they started. They put in a dropped axle and hydraulic brakes, which are still on the car today. A built flathead went in, then custom paint and interior. The gauges and gauge panel are the same ones form '52. At this time it was still a high boy, and had not yet been channeled. For the next three years it was used as a driver, show car, and sometimes drag car. In 1955, the Monteros decided to sell the car to help pay for Jr's college education. A deal was made with a fellow Igniters car club member, Al Cebrien, and the deal was that Bill would channel the car for the new owner. Also part of the deal was that the Monteros would show the car in it's new configuration at Oakland. The car had been shown in 1952 at both Oakland and the very first San Jose Autorama. Al kept the car in show condition, but pulled the flathead and replaced it with a radical fuel burning flathead and went racing. It was raced all over Northern California, and reportedly ran 106 in the quarter. Not very fast by todays standards, but pretty quick back then. Unfortunately, Al & his wife went thru a divorce, and all the pictures of the car during this time have been lost. In 1960, Al parked the car and it sat in a garage in Turlock, California for the next 34 years. Thats the interesting part of the story. In 1992, a fellow tracked down the car through different leads, purchased it and rebuilt it to the way it is today. While it isn't for everyone, it is a very cool car. Today, we are trying to fill the missing gap of pictures from 1952 till 1960 when it got parked. I know nothing about what color it might have been, or any other details that might identify this car. I am hoping with the given info, somebody might just remember this car, or add further details.
I remember seeing it at the NSRA Nats in Tampa once or twice. It may have been the winner of some award at some point, so you might ask someone with a collection of old Street Scenes to have a look back and see if they can help you track down the owner's name / location. I don't keep mine. Gary
We have all the information about the car from 1994 till now. The car was rebuilt by numerous people while being owned by Jerry Ash, who first saw the car at the Autorama in 1952. He is the guy that found it in Turlock. The body, grille shell, headlights, front splash pan, fenders, running boards, dash, instruments and front axle are all the original parts from the early 50's.
I saw it in the PNW the way it is now.8 years ago? Are the waterpumps still bridged with paint to the block?
Ha ha yes they are. I have never seen a flathead ground so smooth. Funny thing is, when the car first came to the shop for some repairs, I looked at it and said there is no way this thing runs. Ardun, blower, 3 97's, all that polish and paint,etc. But, I runs and drives as good as it looks. It steers, stops, and rides about as nice as any 32 I have ever driven!
I'm surprised no info has come up from the California guys, somebody must know this car from back then.
No old history, but I saw it at Back to the Fifties in St. Paul about five years ago. Looked just like that. A mix of cool old parts with modern aluminum, paint, and leather on top. I thought the engine and dash were saveable.
The Jalopy Journal
