1940 Ford Carnation

This model, though little known, is one of the earliest artifacts of the model car hobby. Constructed by Jim Keeler in 1961, it won Best of Show in the 1961 Winternationals Auto Show. Typical of Jim's work, this model was aggressive in its detailing. He opened the trunk and doors, created roll and pleat upholstery using insulation from electrical wires, and fulling detailed the chassis and engine.

The model suffered enormously since 1961. It was completely disassembled, parts were missing, the paint job (including the Keeler hand painted 'carnation' on the rear of the body) was oxidized, and the paint on the trunk was damaged. Acquired by Mark S. Gustavson in 1986, it sat for nearly a decade until a qualified restorer with the time necessary could be found. Fortunately, Harold Perry stepped in to help in early 1996.

Harold completely disassembled the model, cleaning off more than 30 years of grime. Harold relayed, by e-mail, a series of letters to Mark Gustavson concerning questions about the restoration which, in turn, were submitted to Jim Keeler who provided necessary information. Nearly 5 months of hard work, which included replating a few parts, replacing others, and repainting the trunk with three decade old vintage paint, produced this truly beautiful restoration.