Removed Running Boards

An early Northern California custom, this 1936 Ford Phaeton was restyled by Tommy "The Greek" Hrones in 1937. Known for his meticulous craftsmanship, Tommy later refined the car further, adding a DuVall Windshield, shaving the door handles, removing the running boards, adding fender skirts, and bobbing the trailing edge of the front fenders. By the time it was shown at the 1952 National Roadster Show in Oakland, the Phaeton had become a standout example of Northern California’s unique approach to custom car design.

A 1938 Bentley 4 1/4 L Coupé by Vanvooren. This coachbuilt classic lacked running boards. Photo courtesy of Artcurial.

George Barris' 1936 Ford Coupe of Roseville, California. This was George's first real custom. He bought the car from money he had earned while doing some odd jobs for Harry Westergard at Brown's Body Shop. George worked at the car between the staggering amount of school work, and working with Westergard. The build was completed in 1941, featuring removed running boards.

Before becoming a world-famous artist, Vincent Lawrence Garrison was just a young car enthusiast growing up in San Diego, California. Born in Detroit in 1923, Larry’s family split their time between Michigan and California, but by the late 1930s, they had settled on the West Coast, right as custom cars were taking off. A skilled painter and designer, Larry worked for Coca-Cola painting billboards by hand while still in high school. In 1941, he put his artistic talents to use on his first custom, a sleek 1936 Ford Cabriolet. He gave it a 1939 Ford front end, shaved the running boards, and added a chopped and padded top. Finishing touches included fender skirts, flipper hubcaps, and ripple bumpers. Photo courtesy of Paul Garrison.

Dennis Murphy's 1939 Ford Convertible Sedan of Wyckoff, New Jersey. Murphy purchased the car in Ohio in 1960. He was 15 years old at the time, looking for his first car, and was excited when he saw a hot rod for sale by the side of the road. A deal was made, and his dad drove it the 400+ miles back to their home in New Jersey.

Cars Featuring Removed Running Boards

George Barris' 1936 Ford 3-Window Coupe
Lawrence Garrison's 1936 Ford Convertible
Tommy the Greek's 1936 Ford Phaeton
Dennis Murphy's 1939 Ford Convertible Sedan