Andy Bekech Prowler Member #35

Club Secretary 2008-2009

Club Historian (forever)

Andy was especially proud of his all steel 1932 Ford Victoria that was originally owned and built in 1950 by Bob Stewart (a Prowler). 

Andy was voted a Life Member in 2017.

Ed and his son Bob were the originator of the “Dago” dropped front axle.  The top of the car was ‘chopped’ in 1950 by Jaoquin Arnett of the famous ‘Bean Bendits’.  The car ran at the El Mirage dry lakes in the early 1950’s.  In one run it made 127.5 MPH, while running under the banner of the Russeta Timing Association (R.T.A.)

The Ford Victoria was featured in the ‘Hop UP’ and “Car Craft’ magazines in the 1950s.  It made the front cover in April 1952.

Andy owned the car from 1956 to 2010.  It was rebuilt twice, once in 1957 and again in 1980.

He also had a beautiful 1940 Ford convertible until about 2009.  He considered this car as close to a roadster as he wanted to get.  As a retired fire fighter he of course paints his cars ‘Fire Engine Red’

Andy recently sold the dark blue 1940 Ford Coupe which was previously owned by Fred Castro. The word is it has been taken all the way down to the frame and is being repainted and upholstered. Can’t wait to see it!

Andy is the perennial Curator of Hot Rod History and Prowler historian. He interviewed by publications for articles about our hobby and individual hot rod aficionados trying to locate an old car.  The Prowlers would appreciate readers with stories about Prowlers or their old cars, pictures, etc. to contact us. See our home page for the contact information. 

Someday there will be time to tell some stories about some of the other cars Andy has owned below…