We got our first look at Dennis DeCamp's F-32 roadster at the 2007 Grand National Roadster Show. Although it was a strong contender for the America's Most Beautiful Roadster crown, it failed to leave with the big trophy. Nonetheless, it left an impression on us.
What made it so interesting to us was that there were things to focus on. As we circle around each roadster taking photos, we look for things to zoom in on from outside the ropes. Most of the trophy contenders are so smooth, there's nothing to shoot.
Dennis's roadster was different. It blends Indy car styling with Ferrari elegance and performance. Chris Brown designed the car's sleek aluminum body, which was handformed by renowned craftsman Marcel DeLey. Barry White's Street Rod Repair Company in Corona, California, handled the painstakingly detailed task of assembling the car. The crew laid the foundation with a custom-fabricated chassis featuring inboard Indy-style front suspension, an all-aluminum Windsor 427 Ford (built by Jon Barrett), and one-off billet aluminum wheels with magnesium anodized centers and knockoffs designed by Chris Brown. Tony Correa coated and rubbed the body until the custom PPG F-32 Red was perfect, and Gabe Lopez finished off the interior with custom Italian leather.
A trip to the Goodguys Del Mar event got Dennis a spot in the top 5 for the Goodguys Street Rod d'Elegance, but the top spot still eluded him. The third time was the charm, as Dennis left the Los Angeles basin in June for a one-man 2,516-mile voyage across America to have fun and hit some events with his street rod. His journey turned to jubilation Saturday night at the Goodguys Nationals in Columbus as his bright-red Indy car-influenced roadster was named Goodguys/Classic Instruments 2007 Street Rod of the Year.
"I've shown this car all over the West Coast and kept getting runner-up, so I thought I'd come east," he said to the crowd. His decision and summer road trip paid great dividends. He's very active in street rodding and is a member in the Cal Rods and Street Rods Forever car clubs. With a big win under his belt, hopefully he can stop chasing trophies and put in some well-deserved miles behind the wheel.
Rod & Custom Feature Car
Dennis DeCamp
West covina, California
F-32 roadster