The town of Connersville, Indiana, was home to a local industrialist named Ben Johnson. Johnson had an enviable collection of classic American and European automobiles during the 1950s and 1960s. His son Benny grew up enjoying cars as well but had more of a penchant for speed. Benny could buy nearly any hot rod he wanted, but in 1955, he decided to build one himself.
Benny Johnson’s modified 1935 Ford coupe was renewed after its 36-year nap in a Connersville, Indiana barn. MARK HENDERSON
Benny began with a basic 1935 Ford coupe. His father had connections at GM, and he ordered a brand new 365 cubic-inch Cadillac El Dorado engine for the project. He eventually added a Latham supercharger with four YH-series side-draft carbs, and then he found a Ford top-loader gearbox to transfer power back into a Halibrand rear end. The four corners were outfitted with Ford solid steel rims and whitewall tires: 6.70”x15” in front, 8.20”x15” in back. Hydraulic drum brakes all around assisted with high-speed stops.
The 1956 Caddy El Dorado motor was built up with a Latham supercharger and four YH-series side-draft carbs. MARK HENDERSON
The body was meticulously chopped, channeled, and sculpted. A louvered hood incorporated special cutouts for the carbs. The grille was sectioned, 1950 Buick headlights were integrated into the pontoon front fenders, and the running boards were removed. The cowl vent and rumble seat were smoothed in with lead. Custom gold and black gave the appearance of European refinement.
Interior details were well considered. Indy-style racing seats—rolled and pleated in black leather—had their outside bolsters modified for easy entry and exit. A custom Plexiglas headliner insert let the sun, moon, and stars shine inside. Stewart Warner gauges conveyed critical data to the driver.
Benny completed the coupe in 1956. He drove it until 1960, then he parked the car in his barn, where it sat for the next 36 years. Jim Robinson was a family friend and would occasionally express an interest in the coupe, but Benny never seemed inclined to sell. One day in 1996, Jim got the surprise of his life. He had completed some bodywork and paint on a car for Benny, and Benny simply gave him the coupe as payment so long as Jim agreed to repaint one more car in return. Of course, Jim accepted the deal and brought his prize home.
The coupe proved surprisingly easy to get back into running form. Jim began with a systematic cleaning inside and out then evaluated the mechanicals. The engine’s internals required some minor attention and cleanup, but beyond that, only routine maintenance issues had to be dealt with. Jim and his wife, Lea Ann, continue to enjoy the coupe, frequently driving it to shows and on tours. They happily redirect any compliments back to Benny for his exquisite vision and craftsmanship.