East Franklin Man Enjoys Displaying His Vintage Car

by David Croyle

Roy Williamson has been a car enthusiast most of his life. However, his eyes lit up and a smile came from the corner of his mouth as stood in front of his 1935 Ford Roadster Sunday afternoon.

Williamson was displaying his vintage vehicle at the 2^nd Annual K9 Kruise-AD that was held in conjunction with Riverbration Festival and Boat Races during last weekend’s Kittanning Riverfront Park.

The East Franklin Township resident enjoyed talking about the “love of his life.”

“It is in original condition. The car has not been modified in any way. The vehicle still has the 6-volt system, mechanical brakes, original engine – the car is just as Henry Ford made it. It’s in outstanding condition.”

Williamson purchased the vehicle in the South Hills of Pittsburgh five years ago.

“In my lifetime, I have had two of these cars. The first car drove the passion for me to find this one. I’m just in love with this car. It’s an extremely rare car. Most people think this is a convertible. A convertible has roll-up windows but there are no windows in this car. In the rear of the top there is a small window. There are side curtains that you can put on this car.”

“In 1935, Ford made five times the number of convertibles than they made of this particular model. There have been very few of these Roadsters that have survived. There are a number of fiberglass bodies that you will see at car shows, but this is a steel-body Roadster.”

Williamson pointed out that because the car has no heater, it is only drivable nine months of the year.

“It is nicely equipped. It has a radio in it. It has a banjo steering wheel, dual horns, driving lamps, dual tail lights, rumble seat, whitewall tires, spoke wheels, cow mount radio antenna. It has wing flaps on the left and right side of the windshield to deflect the air. So for its day, the car was extremely well equipped.”

While it is eye candy to the auto enthusiast, its value today is the cost of a house.

“This car cost $560 to purchase (in 1935). This car is worth on auction with the right crowd… this car will pull $200,000. So the car is of significant value. It is quite attractive.”

The entry fee was a donation to the Armstrong County Sheriff Department K-9 Fund, and drug prevention.