It’s a classic story: Boy meets car, boy fixes up car, and they drive off into the sunset with oodles of awards, magazine features, and a spotlight on a custom car television show. This particular story is real for Justin resident Larry Davidson, who has spent the majority of his life enthralled in the modifications of hot rods.
The year was 1964, Ford had just officially unveiled the Mustang, and issues of Hot Rod Magazine and Rod & Custom Magazine littered Larry’s head with images of stylistically cool cars. It was then that Larry decided he wanted to learn everything there was to know about this increasingly popular hobby.
“I remember drawing pictures of cars when I was in the eighth grade,” Larry said. “I was interested more in the style. It’s nice to have the power under the hood, but for me, it was all about how it looked.”
The illustrations led to an interest in building model cars; the Impala, the Cutlass, the Belvedere, you name it. By the time Larry was of driving age, he was spending allowance money on parts from the JC Whitney catalog for a 1960 Chevrolet Bel Air he and his brother would share.
“That Chevy was just bone stock; six-cylinder, three-speed, four-door,” Larry said. “Every time we had any money, we would order from the catalog, and we would customize it as much as our small pocketbooks would allow.”
Years would pass since the Bel Air, and many stock cars would follow, until 2007 when he happened upon a 1960 four-door Ford Ranch Wagon on Ebay. Originally searching for a Chevy, the Ford popped up instead, and one might say it was meant to be considering it has elevated Larry to celebrity status within the hot rodding community.
“It was silver when I got it,” Larry said. “Since then, I have replaced the motor and transmission, switched out the blackwall tires for whitewall, and had it repainted to the blue it is now with the while scallops. The interior will be redone this year.”
In 2011, Larry purchased a red 1959 two-door Ford Ranch Wagon as a companion to his first. But even with all the modifications, he admits the 1960 still gets all the attention.
Road tripping to shows with other car clubs is nothing new for Larry, having started his own 40 years ago. The crew consisted of Larry, his brother, and two high school classmates but over the decades grew to nearly 20 families.
“Top Tin Street Rods of Denton County, that was our club,” Larry said. “We would go to car shows regularly and meet monthly to plan our own show. I was the president for a long time, but we haven’t had a meeting in a few years.”
The experience in the club and the enthusiasm for traveling sent Larry and the 1960 Wagon cross-country collecting awards, stopping for photo ops, and making headlines along the way.
“I’ve driven the 60 to shows in Oklahoma, Kansas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Nevada, Kentucky, Michigan, Indiana, and California,” Larry said. “My favorite would be the Cruisin’ Nationals in Santa Maria, California. Following that, the Viva Las Vegas show and the Custom Car Revival in Indianapolis. Locally, the Pistons and Paint Show in Denton hosted by the Chupacabras Car Club, I really enjoy.”
While at the Texas Hoedown, television show My Classic Car with Dennis Gage was filming for the event and chose the 60 as one of the cars to feature
on the episode.
The Wagon has been featured in several hot rod magazines, including Busted Knuckle Magazine this time last year, and it will be displayed in the 2022 American National Insurance calendar.
“There have been many features and awards. But, it’s all in good fun,” Larry said. “Cars are cool, and there is still a lot of energy for hot rods. It’s a hobby, but it’s also a calling for me. To get people enthused about it, to promote it, and hey, I have fun doing it.”
Larry’s story is far from over, so keep an eye out for him around town. You can’t miss him.
To watch Larry and the 1960 Wagon, visit YouTube and search My Classic Car Texas Hoedown.
Happy Anniversary to Larry and his bride, Anne. Celebrating 10 years of bliss is classic.
photos courtesy of Larry Davidson
