JIM McGOWAN - Inducted 2005

Pioneer - Hot Rod, Custom Car and Drag Racing

Jim attended the first formation meeting of the BC Custom car Association (BCCCA) in early 1952 and became a member soon after. At that time he owned a 1942 Chrysler sedan which he had customized.

When the BCCCA held it's first drag race at Abbotsford Airport in September,1952, Jim was asked to look after the back gate, and if anyone tried to come through, “charge them a dollar”. He ended up with pockets stuffed with dollar bills and not know-ing what to do with the money.

In late1952 his friend Andy Anderson suggested he buy a 1932 Ford roadster that was being sold by the family of former BCCCA member Owen Sedman. Jim took the advice and purchased the car. He began modifying the roadster and in late 1953 entered it in the first Pacific International Motorama. In 1954 he completed the chopped and channelled roadster with the installation of a Dodge hemi V8 and the application of a bright red paint job. He named the custom roadster The Apache.

Jim was active in the BCCCA throughout the fifties. He served on the Timing and Safety, and Publicity committees, as well as participating in association events. He helped with

The Apache, 1954  (Jim McGowen collection).

by Larry Braine ,2005

Jim McGowen

setting up the first electronic timing equipment which was installed in the Timing bus. Jim's wife, Mary was a member of the BCCCA Ladies Auxiliary.

Jim and his Apache roadster won many awards in motorshows in the 1950s and 60s.

Among these were:

1956 Seattle Seafair - Best Competition Street Rod;

1956 Tacoma Show - Best in class

1958 Pacific International Motorama - Best roadster

1964 Seattle Show - Best Engineering and 2nd in class

1964 Victoria Motorama - Best Street Rod roadster

1964 P.I. Motorama - 2nd in Street Rod roadster

1964 Winternationals, California - Entrant

Jim also showed the car at the LA roadster Show on three occasions

In 1967, the car was trailered to a show in Calgary. This was the only time Jim did not personally drive the car to an event.

The car has been featured in several magazines.

Jim still owns, and drives the Apache, and shows it occasionally. He rebuilt the car in about 1980 with late model Ford engine and running gear.

At a recent Deuce days event, Jim was presented with a Special Achievement award in recognition of the years of displaying his car.

In 1986 Jim built a very nice, customized 1934 Ford Coach, with late model drive train and suspension. He and wife Mary have toured North America a few times in the ‘34, towing a Boler trailer.

On two trips to Knoxville, Tennessee, they were presented with the Long Distance Award at a car event.

Jim finished his working days on Vancouver Island. He and Mary enjoy their retirement years in Sydney, BC.