Cazalea, a respected contributor to the WatchProSite community, shares an extraordinary 'barn find' from a local auto museum: the 'Highwayman.' This unique 1956 Ford Station Wagon, heavily customized by a self-appointed highway rescue enthusiast, offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era of automotive eccentricity. Cazalea's detailed photographic tour highlights the car's numerous modifications, from its elevated stance and array of lights to its complex interior filled with vintage electronics and an unusual propane heater.
We cruised by the Auto Museum Restoration facility today to wish the boys Merry Christmas, and they had a new acquisition to share:
The HIGHWAYMAN was created by a self-appointed Highway Rescue man who when not cruising the county roads was bolting ever more crap onto his cars. That's right Cars - he has 4 of these but was willing to give up this one to the museum.
Let's take a look at the outside:
Ford 1956 Station Wagon with a stance that's been adjusted a bit higher than stock. Lots of marker lights of LED and conventional lumination.
Driving lights added in the grille.
Spare on top rack, along with emergency crew lights and various antennae. Spotlights and lights on the door frame.
Powered by a Thunderbird Special V8
Emergency lights on top (of every conceivable origin), speaker, etc.
Shall we go inside (no, we didn't) too dirty. But here's what we saw:
Maybe 6-8 radios, a radio-telephone, a full-size video recorder bolted to the windshield frame, more switches than you can imagine. The fuse panel on the passenger seat was cut out of the car by an electrician who was trying to get it running... didn't bother to label the bare wires now exposed under the hood.
Pipe rest is a nice touch, along with the spinner knob and the Heathkit radio.
I was especially taken by the propane-powered heater between the seats. Looking at this car I remembered the Howard Hughes car of about the same era, where he added all sorts of HEPA air filtration units. The highwayman was not big on hygiene.
Back seat area!
Guys - when you get the itch to customize, get some anti-itch cream!
Just for laughs we messed around a bit with museum's Crosley, a Fine Car
Nice dials and hands!
Fuel system breathes through a manifold smaller than your thumb.
This '56 car has a '58 motor which is MUCH larger than the stock one. Nice sliding roller/rod assembly holds up the hood.
"A homely little turd" is the best I can come up with to describe it.
We checked out some of the other cars like the Edsel being restored (and its parts donor car)
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then I beat it before they put me to work on a project car (like the Ford).
All I could say to that invitation is printed here on the tailgate!
Cazalea
