The NAPA Autoparts Syracuse Nationals, brought to you inpart by Meguiar's Car Care, wrapped up its 20th annual show at the New York State Fairgrounds, by awarding a custom built 1932 Ford coupe to a husband and wife, from Newport News, VA.
Eddie, and Mary Jo Williams, were on hand to accept the brand new car, built by Tucci Hot Rods, of Marcy, N.Y.
The new ’32, compliments the first car given away by the Syracuse Nationals in 2001, also a Tucci built ’32 Ford coupe. The first car was on display in the Exposition Center, throughout the three-day show.
Eddie, who described himself as a “car person,” said he’s looking forward to taking possession of the car because he’s always been into collector cars that have a racing heritage. That’s a perfect thought because this ’32, was designed to replicate the style and flavor of race cars from decades ago.
Dom Tucci, who designed the car, incorporated components and styling cues from cars that campaigned throughout America during the ‘40s and ‘50s.
The big difference between the cars of a bygone era and this car, is that Eddie and Mary Jo’s car is equipped with a modern Ford 3.5-liter Ford EcoBoost V-6, mated to a five-speed manual transmission.
Dom’s father, David Tucci, said the car presents itself with an “attitude” that’s typical of race cars from the past. Another major difference is that the new car has comfortable race style bucket seats, plus it has power steering, and performance brakes. And, of course, it has the modern reliability of the Ford EcoBoost, an engine that Ford uses in Mustangs and America’s best-selling vehicle, the F-150 pickup.
Eddie and Mary Jo, said they’ve been to the Syracuse Nationals eight times. While at the show, Eddie enjoys himself on the grounds while Mary Jo, has a vendor space in the Women’s Building.
At home, in Newport News, the Williams have a 1938 Chevy two-door sedan, a 1957 Buick Roadmaster, and a 1948 GMC diesel pickup. Eddie said he’s done the restoration work on all of them, and he proudly stated, that each of his vehicles, is equipped to pull their trailer.
Over the years Eddie figures he’s owned 200 cars, mostly of the GM variety, but a few Fords and Chrysler products too.
Asked if he’s ever won a prize of this magnitude, Eddie said he once won $3,000 at a car show. “But this is the biggest thing I’ve ever won.”
As soon as Eddie and Mary Jo, got off the Stan Colella Stage at Chevy Court, Mary Jo got on her phone to call relatives at home with the good news. The couple have one daughter and son-in-law, and one granddaughter.
Eddie, a machinist by trade, said winning the race-inspired ’32, is more than he ever could have imagined. “This is a car that will always be part of our family,” he said. “Everyone in our family is into racing in one way or another, so this is perfect.”