Mel Eggleston, one of USRI's Founding Members and current Vice President, has had this 1940 Ford Coupe for 45 years. It was his High School and College transportation, then served as his family car for a long time. Mel tells a story of using it for a family of 4 to take a 2 week vacation in Yellowstone. You can imagine that it took quite a packing job for a coupe!

Mel also knows what building a Street Rod is all about and the value of taking one's time to do the job right. So, it is no surprise that this ride has been tucked away in his shop for several years waiting to see daylight. It was painted 3 years ago, and was buffed out just this month (July, 2010). "The results are a good measure of the value of taking one's time", says USRI President, Curtis Stoddard. "The car looks even better in person than in the pics. It was worth the wait. This car is a fitting testament to his dedication to the pastime of bringing old iron back to a better life."

Congratulations to Mel and Jan.