As part of Ford Motor Company’s anniversary activities marking the 75 th Anniversary of the iconic 1932 Ford, ten of today’s premier hot rod builders have been invited to produce pedal car versions of their personal style of hot rod. Each builder is starting with a special edition “75 th anniversary” pedal car representing the famous 1932 Ford roadster, donated by Warehouse 36. These 10 one-of-kind customized collectables, personally autographed by Edsel B. Ford II, will be auctioned in late 2007, with the proceeds divided between the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and the charity of choice of each builder.

The first of these hot rod masterpieces has been built by Chip Foose and made its world début at the 2006 JDRF convention in Washington , D.C. Foose has won every major hot rod award in the country – many more than once – and has been inducted into numerous design and automotive halls of fame and is the star of the TLC television series “Overhaulin’.”

The other craftsmen constructing custom pedal cars for charity are Bobby Alloway, Roy Brizio, Boyd Coddington, Pete Chapouris, Jesse Greening, Steve Moal, Rolling Bones, Thom Taylor and Troy Trepanier. The cars will tour the country over the next year and be auctioned in late 2007.

“JDRF is so excited to be connected with the anniversary of the Ford Deuce hot rod. The unveiling of Chip Foose’s ‘souped up’ pedal car at our JDRF Annual Conference was electric,” said Gina Roche-Kelly, JDRF National Manager. “Everyone, and I mean everyone, wants one of their own. JDRF is so appreciative of our partnership with Ford Motor Company and the gracious support from the world’s best hot rod builders.”

A display of the 75 most significant ’32 Ford hot rods of all time will kick off next year’s 75 th anniversary of the celebrated 1932 Ford, a car known for its innovative engine and bold design. The 75 cars were selected by a blue ribbon panel of authorities after first nominating 474 individual ’32 Ford hot rods for consideration and then conducting two rounds of balloting. The display will be part of the 58 th annual Grand National Roadster Show, the nation’s oldest annual car show, held in Pomona , Calif. January 26-28, 2007 . > CONTINUED