Sandy’s Car(s!) of the Month

1949 Ford 2 Door Sedan – and- 1951 Ford Convertible (see below for pictures)

1949 Sedan (Li’L Darlin). In High School, Sandy had her own 1949 Ford. This was a big deal for a girl to have her own car at that age. As time moved on, Sandy got married and sold her ’49. In 1989 she was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor and later slipped into a coma. At her side, her husband Joe, promised to buy her another ’49 Ford if she would just wake up. While in the coma, Sandy said that she could hear his voice but could not move. Thankfully Sandy recovered and she quizzed Joe on what he had said. He said that it was true. They later found this ’49, purchased it and began with the customization. Its name came from her husband’s favorite song at the time. The car is finished in ”Pearl White Paint”, and has its original 239 Flathead with Offenhauser Finned Aluminum heads. It also has 1956 Olds Spinner Hubcaps with small globes.

1951 Convertible (Peachy). Sandy and Joe along with partners owned “Mike’s Auto Parts” in Burbank. One of the partners had noticed a 1951 Convertible that was up on blocks and was ready to be restored. Joe decided that would be his car to go along with Sandy’s ‘49. It was purchased and restoration was underway. Again, as fate would have it, Joe passed when the car was about 40% complete. The car restoration again went dormant. Joe’s partners got together and decided to finish the car to honor Joe. They found the already completed seats that were done in a peach color with white. A PPG paint called “Sweet Georgia Peach” was selected to match the seats. The original 239 Flathead V8 was used along with various Pontiac Trim and 1956 Olds Hubcaps. A complete 1950’s Custom.

Sandy and Blake

Sandy continued to attend various car shows after husband Joe’s passing. This where she noticed Blake. He had also lost his wife. Sandy asked Blake if he knew how to shift a three speed. He said that he had learned at a young age on various cars and on his ’51 Ford. Blake feels that she picked him out of the “herd” after hearing that. They have been together for the past 15 years. They have purchased a trailer and widely travelled the country. Blake also owns an assortment of roadsters and modifieds. He started out building and modifying Flatheads at his shop in Burbank next to Jay Leno’s garage. (He has since moved up the street). Blake then had a relapse and became a Chevy Guy. Most of his cars have V-8 small block versions in them. We are proud to have Sandy and Blake as members of the Valley V-8s

Fords, Mercurys and Lincolns from 1932 to 1953