Eddie Pardue's Apache
The Apache is a custom-built roadster owned by Ed Pardue of Redwood City, California. The car was featured in Rod & Custom June 1955, and according to that story, Ed and his wife were racing car enthusiasts who religiously visited the Indianapolis 500. The story further stated that Ed and his wife started building a roadster similar to the ones they had seen competing at Indianapolis in 1952. After figuring out its design and dimensions, Mr. and Mrs. Eddie Pardue started building a chassis for it during their spare time. Several months later, the roadster consisted mainly of parts from a 1937 Dodge, one 1934 Ford and one 1937 Ford. While the chassis was taking shape, Ed hired Duke DuClos, a former race driver who owned a custom body shop in nearby San Mateo. As soon as the chassis could roll, it was delivered to DuClos who did the engine and bodywork according to Ed's specifications. The car took roughly $6000 to complete in labor, materials, and parts. Powered by a 1949 Ford motor, the top speed in 1955 was 130 mph.[1]
Duke DuClos
In August of 2021, Ray Turner told Sondre Kvipt of Kustomrama that the Apache was built 100% by Duke DuClos. "After the car was built Eddie Pardue, a local car dealer, bought the car for a display at his dealership. One condition of the sale was for Duke DuClos to make a “P” and insert it into the grill," Ray told Kustomrama. Duke's son, Ray DuClos, and Ray were best friends during the 1950s, and they spent much time at Duke's body shop in San Carlos. According to Ray, "it was a shame that the true builder of the car did not get the recognition he deserved and could not afford the legal help to take a lawyer." After the Apache, Ray recalled that Duke went on to build the Comanche, a similar car to the Apace, but it was wider and built with a Cadillac engine. Ray was not sure if he ever completed the project.[2]
Experimental Class
Once completed, the Apache won first place in the Experimental Class at the 1952 Oakland Roadster Show. A year later it was featured on the cover of Hot Rod Magazine February 1953. It was also made it onto a Topps trading card in the 1950s.[3]
Magazine Features
Hot Rod Magazine February 1953
Rod & Custom June 1955
References
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