1929 Ford “NieKamp Roadster”

The First AMBR Winner

This hot rod was the first-ever winner of the "America's Most Beautiful Roadster" trophy at the Oakland Roadster Show in 1950. Constructed by Bill Niekamp in 1949, it used parts from many different cars. Components include a 1927 Essex frame, a modified 1942 Mercury V-8 engine, a 1939 Ford rear axle, and 1949 Plymouth tail lamps. The belly pan, hood panels and nosepiece were hand-fabricated in aluminum. Although intended for street use, performance modifications on this car enabled it to achieve a top speed of 142.40 miles per hour at El Mirage dry lake in July 1952. The NieKamp Roadster would be one of the last roadsters capable of playing the role of both racer and showpiece. As the differences between racing hot rods and AMBR winners became more pronounced, the extreme contrast in their uses allowed little room for any kind of dual-purpose competition.

“When Bill NieKamp decided to build a hot rod he built a darn good one!” - Hot Rod Magazine, March 1950 issue

Collection of the Petersen Automotive Museum.

This Vehicle is featured in ‘The Vault’.