The John Athan '29 A Roadster: A Legendary Pre-War Hot Rod

The John Athan ’29 A Roadster

The John Athan ’29 A Roadster holds a special place in the annals of hot rod history, serving as one of the most revered and influential pre-war builds ever created. Built in 1937 by John Athan, a trailblazing figure in Southern California’s burgeoning hot rodding community, this roadster wasn’t just another car. It was a groundbreaking fusion of two of Ford’s most iconic models—the 1929 Model A and the 1932 Ford frame—a combination that set a standard for hot rod builds for decades to come.

Athan and the Origins of the ’29 A Roadster

John Athan, a friend of the legendary Ed Iskenderian, was part of the first generation of hot rodders in Southern California during the 1930s and 1940s. This group of young mechanics, tinkerers, and speed enthusiasts took the principles of early car building and racing to new levels, often relying on ingenuity and resourcefulness to create high-performance vehicles. Athan’s ’29 A Roadster, crafted in his garage, became a symbol of that DIY hot rod spirit.

What set the Athan Roadster apart was its pioneering combination of the Ford Model A body with the more modern and sturdier 1932 Ford frame, known as the Deuce. At the time, combining the lightweight Model A with the Deuce’s more advanced suspension system was a radical idea. The result was a car that not only looked sleek but could also handle the demands of high-speed racing. This was a pivotal moment in the development of hot rodding, influencing how builders approached car customization for years to come.

In addition to the frame swap, Athan’s roadster incorporated several key modifications that would become hallmarks of early hot rod culture. The car’s fenders and running boards were removed to reduce weight and improve aerodynamics, while a flathead V8 engine powered the car, exposed for all to see. With drop axles for an improved stance and performance upgrades, the roadster was both fast and visually striking. Its innovations helped shape the Southern California hot rod scene and beyond, as other builders began to adopt similar modifications to their own cars.

The “Elvis Roadster”

While the Athan Roadster was already a major figure in the hot rod community, its legacy reached even greater heights when it crossed into the world of Hollywood. In 1957, the roadster was prominently featured in the film Loving You, starring Elvis Presley. In the movie, a young Presley is seen driving the roadster during one of his first major roles, cementing the car’s association with one of the biggest cultural icons of the 20th century. This connection earned the car its enduring nickname—the “Elvis Roadster”.

The story goes that Elvis Presley, enamored with the car, attempted to buy it from John Athan on several occasions. However, despite Presley’s legendary status and wealth, Athan refused to part with the car, keeping it as a treasured possession for the rest of his life. The roadster had become more than just a machine to Athan—it was a piece of his personal history, and it even played a role in his love life. Athan and his wife famously drove the roadster from California to Las Vegas when they were engaged and returned home in it as newlyweds. For Athan, the car was woven into the fabric of his life, and no price could make him part with it.

A Labor of Love: The Roadster’s Restoration

As the years passed, the John Athan ’29 A Roadster became a hidden gem, tucked away in Athan’s garage during the 1970s. Athan, like many hot rod pioneers, eventually moved on to other pursuits, and the roadster was locked away, out of the public eye. It wasn’t until the late 1990s that Athan decided to restore the car to its original glory.

This restoration was no small task. It was a meticulous effort to ensure that the car remained true to its pre-war roots while preserving the modifications that had made it so special in the first place. The flathead V8, the exposed engine bay, and the signature stripped-down look were all carefully maintained. The restoration breathed new life into the roadster, and once completed, the car was displayed in several prestigious institutions, including the Smithsonian Museum in Washington D.C., the Wally Parks NHRA Museum in Pomona, and the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. These exhibitions cemented the roadster’s status not only as a cultural artifact but as a piece of automotive history.

The Roadster’s Auction Journey

After John Athan passed away in 2016 at the remarkable age of 95, the roadster remained with his family for several years. In 2019, the car was put up for sale at the Mecum Indy auction. Despite its legendary status and the deep cultural significance attached to it—both as a pioneering hot rod and as the famous Elvis Roadster—the bids didn’t meet the expected range. The highest offer reached $475,000, falling short of the anticipated $750,000 to $1,000,000 range. Some speculated that imperfections, such as slightly misaligned doors, may have contributed to the lower bids. However, the roadster’s true value is immeasurable. It is a one-of-a-kind piece of American history, embodying the ingenuity and passion of the early hot rodding era.

A Lasting Legacy

The John Athan ’29 A Roadster remains a testament to the spirit of early hot rodding. It was a car built by a young enthusiast in a time when automotive innovation wasn’t about factory specifications or mass production but about pushing the boundaries of performance and design. By marrying a Model A body with a ’32 Ford frame, Athan set a precedent that countless builders would follow.

More than just a technical achievement, the roadster also became part of pop culture history through its connection to Elvis Presley, who only added to the car’s mystique. The fact that Athan refused to sell the car to Elvis multiple times speaks to the deep personal attachment he had to the vehicle, which was intertwined with his own life story.

Today, the John Athan ’29 A Roadster stands as an icon of the hot rod movement, a symbol of the creativity, resourcefulness, and passion that defined a generation of early car builders. Its legacy continues to inspire modern hot rodders and car enthusiasts, serving as a reminder of a time when cars were not just machines but expressions of individuality and freedom. The roadster’s place in museums and its status as the “Elvis Roadster” further solidify its importance in both automotive and cultural history.

For those who admire hot rods, the John Athan ’29 A Roadster is not just a car—it is a symbol of an era, a monument to the pioneers of the hot rod world, and a reminder that with enough imagination, any car can be transformed into something extraordinary.