Paul FitzGerald’s ‘32 Ford Roadster

Paul “Fitzy” FitzGerald is another talented hot rod builder who gained national recognition after building this now legendary roadster you see here. Fitzy grew up in nearby West Newton, MA and originally constructed this roadster as a flathead-powered solid-front-axle drag car, winning its class at the New England Championships three years in a row from 1954-1956. Paul owned the car until it was recently acquired by the 3 Dog Garage Museum in Boyertown, PA, who have graciously loaned the roadster to us for this exhibition. 

This car began its life with Paul as a 1932 Ford rolling chassis and bare roadster body that he acquired for $60. Fitzy modified the frame significantly with a flat front crossmember and a considerable kick-up in the rear. The original powerplant for the roadster was a 286 C.I. flathead V8 from a 1950 Mercury which was pushed as far back in the engine bay as possible. The Mercury engine was swapped out a few years later for a 1956 Chevrolet Corvette V8 mated to a four-speed manual transmission. Fitzy channeled the roadster body over the frame, and fitted a 10 gallon gas tank in the trunk. The fenders (which were required by law in Massachusetts) were sourced from Packard spare tire covers, and cut to fit the roadster’s tires. The custom chrome nerf bars at the front and rear provided Fitzy some peace of mind if he left the car in a parking lot 

Paul was a member of the No-Mads hot rod club and sought help from club president Mudd Sharrigan and Mudd’s brother John. The No-Mads were one of the most respected clubs out of Boston. Most members of the group were very talented mechanics and engineers, including Fitzy. Fitzy drove his roadster from West Newton to New Haven, Connecticut for his freshman interview at Yale University. The interviewer asked Paul, "You built a car? What kind of car did you build?" FitzGerald said, "Well, sir, it's sitting right outside." Parked in the Yale Quad, the roadster was surrounded by curious students. Needless to say, he was accepted on the spot.

To Fitzy, there was no limit to his engineering abilities or his imagination. Over the years, he continued to modify the car, and it quickly began to evolve into a multi-trick pony. Paul won judged shows, drag races and even various hill climb events, winning first over all at Belknap, New Hampshire twice and once at the SCCA Hill climb at Mt. Equinox in Vermont. Three different front suspension setups were used in the roadster over time, including a brilliant independent front suspension that he designed himself.

On loan from 3 Dog Garage, Boyertown, PA

Specifications:
Engine: 1956 Corvette V8 265 C.I.
Horsepower: 265
Top Speed: 150 
Drivetrain: Four-speed manual 
Body Modifications: Aluminum hood, Flat front crossmember, rear kick-up, Packard spare tire covers used for fenders, custom front and rear nerf bars 
Suspension: Custom independent front suspension