Charles Scott's 1929 Ford Model A Roadster

Charles Scott's Roadster at El Mirage in 1947, running as car number 11C in the Class C Roadster division. With its filled rear quarter panels and sleek, modified body, the roadster featured a 1945 Mercury engine equipped with Meyer heads, an Edelbrock intake, a Winfield cam, and a custom ignition system. Scott reached a top speed of 121.13 mph at the May 1947 meet, solidifying the car’s place in Southern California hot rod history. Photo courtesy of American Hot Rod Foundation.

A photo of Scotty's Roadster at El Mirage in April of 1948. Photo from the Bob Morton Collection

Duane Dewey behind the wheel of his Roadster, circa 1953. This hot rod was a quintessential example of Southern California's post-war hot rod and custom culture. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

Dewey sold the Roadster to his cousin, Frank Riddle, prior to shipping out for military service. Riddle, too, enjoyed the car for some time but later sold it in exchange for a Corvette. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

Dewey was not only a member of the Roadents of Fontana but also played a critical role in the club's history by designing and creating the original sand-cast plaque for the club. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

Duane Dewey's Roadster has been missing for decades, with its history becoming unclear after it was sold by Frank Riddle. In 2024, Glenn Dewey began searching for any leads on what happened to his father's iconic hot rod. He believes the car may have been sold in the Los Angeles, Alhambra, or Eagle Rock areas. If anyone has information on the current whereabouts of the car or its history, they are encouraged to get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com. Any lead could help to reunite the Dewey family with this piece of hot rod history. Photo courtesy of Glenn Dewey.

Lost & Found - 1929 Ford

1929 Ford Model A Roadster originally owned and built by Charles Scott, a member of the Hornets car club and the proprietor of Scotty's Mufflers. Scott ran his custom-built Model A at the Southern California dry lakes in 1947. Under Scott's hand, the rear quarter panels were filled, and the beltline was removed, creating a sleek, distinctive profile that set it apart from other hot rods of the time. The car competed in the Class C Roadster division, powered by a 1945 Mercury engine outfitted with high-performance parts, including Meyer heads, an Edelbrock intake, a Winfield cam, and a custom, home-brewed ignition system.

Scott's craftsmanship and attention to detail paid off at the lakes. In May 1947, the roadster ran an impressive 121.13 mph at El Mirage, earning a 9th-place finish in its class. The following year, the roadster reached a speed of 121 mph at El Mirage in April 1948, marking it as a formidable presence in the Southern California dry lake racing scene. Scotty would go on to earn further fame with his "Scotty's Muffler" cars, while also guiding his son Billy Scott through the ranks of quarter midget racing, dragsters, and eventually to the famed Indianapolis 500.

Duane Dewey's Ownership

Duane Dewey, a member of the Roadents of Fontana car club, purchased the car in the late 1940s or the early 1950s, just before entering the United States Marine Corps to serve in Korea. Dewey's ownership continued the car's legacy within the Southern California hot rod culture. The car's modifications under Dewey's stewardship retained its performance edge, with Dewey recording a speed of 109 mph at El Mirage dry lake. A plaque commemorating this achievement was placed in the car's cockpit, signifying its place in the competitive world of dry lake racing. While Dewey owned it, modifications included cut-down rear fenders, a 1932 Ford grille, and a boat-type windshield.

Connection to the Roadents Car Club

Dewey was not only a member of the Roadents of Fontana but also played a critical role in the club's history by designing and creating the original sand-cast plaque for the club.

Ownership and Legacy

After completing the build, Dewey sold the Roadster to his cousin, Frank Riddle, prior to shipping out for military service. Riddle, too, enjoyed the car for some time but later sold it in exchange for a Corvette. In 2024, Duane's son, Glenn, told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that he believed Riddle lived in Los Angeles. He also believed that the car was sold to someone located around the Los Angeles, Alhambra, and Eagle Rock areas. Sadly, the car’s later whereabouts became uncertain after Riddle’s sale.

Later Contributions to Hot Rodding

Beyond the Model A Roadster, Dewey continued to contribute to the world of hot rods and custom cars. He played a pivotal role in the design and construction of The Flying Caduceus jet car, which ran at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Dewey also owned a 1953 GMC three-window pickup, which he purchased new and customized himself.

Where is it Now?

Duane Dewey's Roadster has been missing for decades, with its history becoming unclear after it was sold by Frank Riddle. In 2024, Glenn Dewey began searching for any leads on what happened to his father’s iconic hot rod. He believes the car may have been sold in the Los Angeles, Alhambra, or Eagle Rock areas. If anyone has information on the current whereabouts of the car or its history, they are encouraged to get in touch with Kustomrama at mail@kustomrama.com. Any lead could help to reunite the Dewey family with this piece of hot rod history.