EMERALD ENVY

Bill Ross of Yakima, Washington wants to bring his pride and joy to the Vancouver Motorsport Show. Bill’s pride and joy is in the form of a fully customized 1946 Ford called “Emerald Envy”. The car has never been to Canada before.

The car has received many awards and honours. At the 50th anniversary of the Grand National Roadster Show in San Francisco, this car was picked as the “Best Custom” by George Barris. George is the renowned king of customizers and is famous for building custom cars for movie stars such as Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe and movie cars such as the Batmobile and T.V. Munster Coach.

This fabulous custom has received a great deal of attention from automotive publications. It has been a cover car, a feature car in numerous magazines, car shows and a Top 10 pick of the year from Rod and Custom, Street Rodder and American Rodder Magazines.

The body started as a 1946 Ford. It has a three inch chopped Carson top. The grille is a combination of 1938 and 1939 Lincoln Zephyr pieces. The fenders are extensively modified and give the car that special appearance. They are 1950 Buick fenders that have been sectioned and shortened seven inches. The rear bumper is from a 1950 Plymouth station wagon. The fender skirts are from a 1949 Cadillac. Numerous other extensive modifications were made.

The chassis is a 1946 Ford with custom 1” X 2” tubing cross members. The front frame was extended 5-1/2” and the wheel base was lengthened. A Mustang II front suspension with Firestone air springs are used. In the back a Ford 8” Granada rear end is used.

The unique air suspension gives the car a 5” lift for road travel and it sits on the ground during displays. It uses a nitrogen bottle air supply with compressor back up. The dual controls are mounted in the dash behind the speaker grille.

The custom interior is detailed to the maximum. The upholstery is off-white, imitation leather, tuck and roll with green piping and grey carpet. It has air conditioning and extensive electric modifications to windows, seat, wipers, etc.

The gorgeous emerald green paint, for the Emerald State of Washington, is by House of Colors over a silver base coat. The Trick Shop in Yakima did the painting.

All design, metal work and body modifications were done by the very talented owner - Bill Ross.