Walt Hollifield's 1932 Ford (Photo Brad Bowling)
CONCORD, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2000) – Early in its life Walt Hollifield’s ’32 Ford pickup lived on a farm where it transported hay, feed and maybe even the occasional pig. On Oct. 20-22, it will tow two “hogs” — in this case, Harley-Davidson motorcycles — to Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the seventh annual GoodGuys Southeastern Rod & Custom Nationals.
Hollifield, a Charlotte resident who owns and runs American Textiles Specialties in Spartanburg, S.C., bought the eye-catching motorcycle hauler from a Harley-Davidson dealer who had started building it into a street rod but decided it would involve too much money and effort.
The most unusual feature of the pickup, its not-from-the-factory “extended cab,” was already in place when it came into Hollifield’s possession. While long-cab trucks are popular in today’s showrooms, no one in 1932 ever considered the possibility of adding comfort and space to the inside of a truck by simply expanding the passenger area. The customizer who first got his hands on Hollifield’s pickup rectified that oversight by welding the back portion of a ’29 Model A cab to the back of the ’32.
Other bodywork included chopping the cab’s top, widening the rear fenders to accommodate super-wide tires and creating a hood from fiberglass.
Under that hood is perhaps the greatest change from Ford factory stock — a Mustang Boss 302 engine wearing a high-performance Holley carburetor. The one-time Boss powerplant now produces 404 horsepower at the rear wheels and transmits power through a five-speed Mustang gearbox.
Hollifield didn’t miss any chances to pay tribute to his favorite brand of motorcycle; Harley logos aplenty decorate the inside of the pickup, and a custom-made Harley-Davidson gas cap is tucked away on the driver’s side of the polished wood and stainless steel bed. Even the black interior door panels, seats and headliner are outlined with metal studs in true biker fashion.
Hollifield’s original plan for the ’32 was to haul one of his Harleys in the bed, but the inveterate tinkerer re-thought the situation. “They originally had a ramp system set up in the back to put one motorcycle in,” Hollifield remembers. “I figured my wife and I would always be needing to haul two bikes, so we installed an equalizer hitch to tow a trailer.”
The two hogs are a ’91 Heritage Softail and a ’99 Road King that sports a high-performance twin-cam version of Harley’s lumpy, torquey V-twin. They ride stylishly and safely behind the Ford on an aluminum trailer whose flooring and trim match that in the pickup’s bed.
Because of its unusual and flashy nature, Hollifield’s ’32 gets more than its share of attention.
“We’ve driven it to charity events for March of Dimes and Toys for Tots, where it’s a big hit,” Hollifield said. “Of course, it’s very popular with Harley fans. On the way to the speedway for a photo shoot last month, I got pulled over by a state trooper who just wanted to find out what the rig was all about.”
When Hollifield’s Ford hits the infield of Lowe’s Motor Speedway for the GoodGuys Southeastern Rod & Custom Nationals Oct. 20-22, it will be one of 3,000 custom cars from around the country — but probably the only one hauling hogs.
General admission for the GoodGuys Southeastern Rod & Custom Nationals is $10, with children aged 7-12 admitted for $6 and seniors over 60 admitted for $8. Children 6 and under are admitted free. Parking is $5. Event hours are Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Lowe’s Motor Speedway at (704) 455-3205.
