Two of the most celebrated custom roadsters in hot rod history are set to appear at Mecum’s Glendale 2026 auction, offering bidders a rare opportunity to acquire former America’s Most Beautiful Roadster winners. Both cars will cross the block on Friday, March 20, as consecutive lots drawn from the Petersen Automotive Museum Collection.
Leading the pair is a 1933 Ford Model 40 Roadster known as “Possessed,” scheduled as Lot V310. The car earned the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster title in 2010 and represents a modern reinterpretation of classic 1930s coachbuilt design. Finished in maroon with a tan interior, the roadster features a highly modified 392-cubic-inch fuel-injected V-8. The engine was specially created and donated by Ford Racing, underscoring the car’s significance within contemporary hot rod culture.
The design was led by hot rod visionary Gary Ragle, with construction handled by Scott’s Hot Rods & Customs of Oxnard, California. The bodywork includes a hand-built custom body with an elongated nose, while paint and finishing were completed by Palmer’s Custom Paint & Body. The interior, crafted by Ron Mangus Custom Hot Rod Interiors, incorporates bespoke details throughout, including custom instrumentation designed to resemble Breitling chronograph watches and unique electric switches. The car rides on one-off billet wheels and is accompanied by custom luggage sets, including both picnic and bar configurations tailored to the interior.
Immediately following is Lot V311, a 1932 Ford Roadster known as “Orange Twist,” winner of the America’s Most Beautiful Roadster award in 1988. Finished in orange with a black interior, the car was built by Ernie Immerso and stands as a showcase of traditional craftsmanship. Unlike many modern builds, Orange Twist retains an authentic all-steel 1932 Ford chassis and body.
Power comes from a 284-cubic-inch Mercury flathead V-8 fitted with Ardun overhead-valve cylinder heads and fed by six Stromberg carburetors. Custom-built wheels complete the exterior presentation. While the car is operational, it was constructed primarily as a showpiece rather than a long-distance driver, reflecting its original purpose and era.
Together, Possessed and Orange Twist represent two distinct generations of award-winning hot rod design. Their back-to-back appearance at Mecum Glendale places a spotlight on the evolution of America’s most celebrated roadsters, each embodying the craftsmanship and vision of its time.
Mecum Glendale will be selling over 2,000 collector vehicles at the State Farm Arena March 17-21. Visit their website to see all consignments and collections, buy tickets and register to bid onsite or online.
