JIM GIBERSON

Pioneer - Hot Rod, Custom Car and Drag Racing

 

1952 Newspaper article showing Jim Giberson and his car third from left  (Larry Braine collection)

Jim Giberson, 1957

The Digney Gang, 1950, Jim in centre with hat

Jim was a popular hotrodder from the late 1940s and the 1950s. In 1949, he built and drove a modified 1930 Ford model A, with Ford V8-60 power.

From 1949 to 1951, Jim was a mechanic at Digney Speedway and was a member of the BC Roadster Racing Association (BCRRA).

As did many of his peers from that era, Jim hung out at the Aristocratic drive-in restaurant at Fraser and Kingsway, Vancouver. At this time he also built a channeled 1932 Ford Coupe with a modified Mercury engine, which, was his daily driver.

Jim associated with the core group of guys who discussed the idea of forming a car club in late 1951, this led to the first formative meeting in January 1952 of what was to become the British

Columbia Custom Car Association (BCCCA). Jim was a senior member of the group at age 25.

Jim was known as Gibby and was active in most of the BCCCA events in the 1950s. He served on the Timing and Safety Committee and worked at the Abbotsford Airport drag strip from 1952 until it was closed in late 1957.

Jim also participated as a drag racer and was on a winning team in the relay races at Abbotsford.

He served the BCCCA executive as treasurer from 1958 to 1960. Jim’s wife Joan was a member of the BCCCA Ladies Auxiliary.

In the early 1960s, Jim raced karts at Westwood.

In the mid 1960s, Jim was a part of a team racing at Langley Speedway and

in 1966 he was honoured with the Top Mechanic Award.

Jim was a good mechanic and gifted sheet metal man who helped many car club members and friends with their automotive projects. He continued to attend and support car club events through most of his life.

In 1995, Jim served on the BCCCA Reunion committee.

Sadly, Jim Giberson passed away in 1998.

 

By Larry Braine