B.C. man’s home-built roadster finishes runner-up in prestigious U.S. competition

The Journey of a Lifetime: Ken Green’s 1931 Ford Highboy Roadster

Ken Green’s 1931 Ford Highboy Roadster is more than just a car—it’s the culmination of eight-and-a-half years of unwavering dedication, passion, and hard work. Built in the humble confines of his Burnaby garage, this vehicle represents a remarkable underdog story. Green’s creation went head-to-head with a professionally built 1936 Ford in the prestigious 75th Grand National Roadster Show, a competition that epitomizes excellence in the world of custom cars. While Green’s car finished as runner-up, the mere invitation to compete was, in itself, a monumental achievement. “I felt I had won, just being on the floor with the big dogs,” Green humbly expressed, encapsulating the essence of his journey.

A David vs. Goliath Story in the World of Hot Rods

The contrast between Green’s grassroots effort and the deep-pocketed professional team he competed against could not be more striking. While the winning car was reportedly built with a budget of around $3 million, Green’s project was a labor of love, with costs that, while undisclosed, were significantly lower. This David vs. Goliath narrative is a testament to Green’s skill, determination, and passion for car culture. Despite the financial disparity, Green’s car held its ground, earning respect and admiration from enthusiasts and judges alike. For many, the story of this underdog is as inspiring as the victory itself.

From Humble Beginnings to a Lifetime of Passion

Green’s love affair with cars began decades ago, during his teenage years in Vancouver. He would often hang out at Wally’s Burgers, a local hotspot for car enthusiasts, where he could enjoy a 19-cent hamburger while admiring the vehicles that rolled in. These early experiences sparked a passion that would stay with him for life. Over the years, Green took on numerous car projects, honing his skills and learning through trial and error. “There’s lots of frustrations,” he recalled. “I can remember fabricating a piece and then it wouldn’t fit. I’d throw it in the corner, throw a sledgehammer at it, and start again.” Yet, with persistence, his skills improved, and his vision for the 1931 Ford Highboy Roadster began to take shape.

A Labor of Love Takes Center Stage

What started as a personal project for Green eventually evolved into something much greater. Friends who witnessed the car’s progress encouraged him to enter it into the Grand National Roadster Show, a decision he initially hesitated to make. “At the start, he just wanted to build another hot rod for himself,” Green admitted. However, the encouragement from those close to him gave him the confidence to showcase his work on a national stage. As the only Canadian entrant and a self-proclaimed “one-man army,” Green’s participation in the show was a source of pride. “It’s not often a Canadian enters this show, so I’m very proud to represent,” he said.

The Road Ahead: A Legacy on Wheels

Now that the dust has settled on the competition, Green is ready to embark on the next chapter of his journey with the 1931 Ford Highboy Roadster. “I’m going to drive the wheels off this,” he declared, expressing his excitement to finally hit the road with his creation. After years of meticulous planning and craftsmanship, the car has only seen the confines of his driveway and the interior of a trailer. For Green, the real reward lies not in the accolades but in the joy of driving the vehicle he’s poured his heart and soul into.

Reflecting on a Lifetime Achievement

Looking back, Green’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity. While he currently has no plans to undertake another project of this magnitude—“At the moment, no,” he said with a laugh—it’s clear that this build has been the crowning moment of his career. As he reflects on the blood, sweat, and tears invested into the 1931 Ford Highboy Roadster, Green’s story serves as an inspiration to anyone who has ever dared to dream big. His underdog tale reminds us that with dedication and passion, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome. And as he takes his beloved car out for its maiden voyage, Green knows that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in his lifelong love affair with cars.