For the first time in the history of the JDRF Promise Ball, vintage street rod aficionados will have the option of winning one of two fully restored vehicles being donated to the gala: a 1931 Model A Ford Victoria Sedan or a 1937 5-Window Ford Coupe.
Thanks to the generosity of long-time JDRF supporters and philanthropists Louis and Vivian Vance, these pristine cars are being featured in the Promise Ball's live auction on Saturday, May 12, at the Westin La Cantera in San Antonio.
"Vivian and I were in Louisville, Kentucky, at the premier auto show that only allows cars under the year of 1945," says Louis Vance."If you can imagine, 12,000 cars on more than 200 acres of these kinds of autos [is] a street-rod enthusiast's haven."
"Since I already had the '31 Ford Sedan, I thought it would be really cool to own a Chevy.We decided to visit the man that I bought the `31 from three years earlier to seewhat he had built for the show.On impulse Vivian and I fell in love with the `37 Ford Coupe," notes Vance.
Looking back, Vance recalls, "Ithink it was my idea to donate [a car] to the JDRF gala to be auctioned off. After a while I came up with the idea that we should have both cars there, and then let the person with the winning bid have a choice of which car [he] would like to drive home."
Vance continues, "We wanted to help in some way to generate more interest andexcitement in others to help raise additional monies for research to "fund" a cure.Donating to JDRF was what my wife and I took on in part because of the passion we saw in my son Jeff and his wife Michele to find a cure.It wasn't until Kathryn was 5 or 6 years old that I first realized what a debilitating disease Type I really is.I saw my grand daughter go so low that she appeared to be comatose.This took place of all placesat Disney World. She went from being so excited and beside herselfof see Mickey Mouse to a young person that probably didn't know her own name.Thank God Jeff and Michele were there to revive her".
The highest bidder will have the opportunity to own one of these American dream cars. The 1931 Model A Ford Victoria Sedan is viper red with an all-steel body and luxurious Berkshire buff leather. Its motor is a 1976 Camaro 350 with a 350 turbo transmission, plus many extras too numerous to mention.
The 1937 5 Window Ford Coupe is hot-red with an all-steel body and sand ultra leather. It boasts power seats, power windows, power trunk lid and remote doors among its amenities. The motor is a 1983 Chevy 350 stroked to 383 with a turbo 350 "tranny".
The conditions of the two cars, the way they look and drive, and the restorations are superb. Vance believes that, "it would take a solid year of nearly full-time work to get the cars to this quality."
How can a price be placed on such a priceless item?
"A price can be put on either one," says Vance."I would like to see a minimumbid of $55,000.I think that is a fair price for either one, but [it] would be up the buyer as to which one [he] will take." One hundred percent of the proceeds will benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Full-color photos and a complete list of all restorations made to these vintage street rod beauties are available. For further information or to place a bid, contact the JDRF South Central Chapter office at 210-822-5336.
Of course, parting with either of his prized possessions won't come easily. Vance notes, "I do have a love for vintage cars that are of the street-rod version. It issad to know that one will not be coming back home with us after the gala, but my heart swells knowing that the funds raised from the sale of one of these cars will one day pave way for a cure for Kathryn and so many others."