By Gary Rosier
Garrett A Connors II (“GA” is what everyone calls him he says) of Port Orange, Fl owns this stunning example of a 1939 Ford Convertible. What started out as a Coast to Coast car was transformed into what it is today by a team in Calgary, Alberta, Canada over a period of three years (’99-2002).
He spent his whole life as one serious “car nut”, including a stint in drag racing with a ’64 Galaxie racing in K stock which brought 13 trophies in a short time and a tittle of Little Stock Eliminator. While his parents never were into the automobile scene, it was his neighbors who he hung out with that had a keen interest in various forms of motor-sports.
Born and raised in the Pittsburgh, PA area, he spent several years working in Oval Track racing at Heidelberg Raceway (1/2 mile asphalt). He recalls, with a laugh, that once he started last (16 car field) and won in what was then called a Claiming Division Race or late model racing. He was smitten! He later bought all of a local racers equipment, including the car, engines and misc parts. He became quite the expert at setting up chassis and was sought out for his knowledge and set ups.
He had been looking for a finished project in his retirement as he always admired the “swoopy” looks of the 37-39’s. While looking through Hemmings he came upon this ’39 that was located in Alberta, Canada. It belonged to a widow who’s husband had a small collection of cars and she wanted to sell off some of his cars. He called right away and after exchanging information and finding out all the details on the build, they came to an agreement and it was his!
GA’s car was a Coast to Coast car originally, but was modified extensively to suit the then owners taste. It features remote powered suicide doors, trunk, and windows. The body was sprayed with an RM Paint (MR109-50) of which he thinks its closest to a color called Pacific RM Sunset Pearl. Its top is also a custom fold-away design with a hard-cover black tonneau. Other features include a flush mounted front windshield, a Bone-White custom leather interior by Cascade Van & Interiors of Calgary. A Clarion Stereo with remote CD (Orion CS1002 amp), Billett Specialties Tilt wheel/chrome steering column, and Vintage Climate control A/C rounds out the creature comforts.
With the driver comforts taken care of, its go-power consists of a Chevy 400 4-bolt main small block, 10.5 pistons and bore punched .30 over, decked, balanced and blueprinted to the tune of 520hp by Temple of Torque in Alberta, Canada. A Tunnel ram with two Holley 600 Chrome “427 Cobra” Carbs, MSD Ignition, Brodex aluminum heads and a Crane roller cam with double roller chain keeps it “in tune” and firing on all cyllinders. Power is transfered via a 700R4 trans and B&M Shifter to a Ford 9 inch Posi with 3:73 gears. It rolls on a set of BF Goodrich tires (205/70ZR16’s-front, 275/40ZR18’s – rear) and Budnick chrome rims and stops via Willwood Chrome 2 piston calipers. Suspension setup is an independent coil over design with stainless polished “A” arms and Mustang II rack and pinion. The rear is a 4 link chrome set up with a large diameter pan-hard bar. Halogen headlights point the way and LED molded in rear taillights lets the competition know you just were passed!
Alberta Canada was known for its Gold Rush back in the early 1800’s much like California. You can still pan for gold there too, but to “GA” Connors, he found gold he says, as he is like a little kid at Christmas every time he goes out to the garage or starts her up – the ROAR emitted from the chrome exhaust outlets lets you know too this is one GOLD RUSH you’d better not blink twice at because she’ll plant you firmly in your comfy seat and be long gone!
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