CAL-RODS FEATURED CAR FOR AUGUST 2015

By Doug Bithell

OWNERS:  DON & KATHY BABBIT

YEAR:  1939         MAKE AND MODEL:   FORD SEDAN

COLOR:  BLUE    UPHOLSTERY:  GREY LEATHER 

ENGINE:  350       TRANS:  700R     REAR END: CHEVY 9”  WHEELS:  BUDNICK

The August featured car is the beautiful 1939 Ford Sedan of Don & Kathy Babbit. This car really stands out with its 2” chopped top, shaved hood & trunk, blue paint job, leather upholstery, dressed-up engine & wheels & much more.

Don has had this car for some 25 years. Had a 34 prior to this car but was liking the Fat Fendered Ford. Bought it from a guy heading to Pomona swap meet. The guy stop by his house & for $600.00 he was the new proud owner.

After lots of work & lots of money he had the completed car. This car is no trailer queen; he drives it. Louisville, Kentucky to the Nationals, Seattle, Washington & Bakersfield, California are just a few of the places it has been.

In 2001 he was heading to Bakersfield with Kathy following him. Around Pasadena he noticed people on the freeway around him getting a little excited. That's when he noticed the car was on fire. He got the car pulled over, but it was too late. The car burned to the ground. Seems he had one little piece of rubber gas line going to the fuel supply that was faulty & cost him his ride.

Not to be discouraged, he sat out to rebuild it & that same year was back on the road looking just like he did before. Glad he did & glad Don, Kathy, & the car are in Cal-Rods.