1957 Ford the famous Gene Pitney John North White Pearl Historical Custom

1957 Ford Fairlane Historic Custom Description

Gene Pitney John North 1957 Ford Custom “White Pearl”

Rarely does the opportunity to get a multiple trophy winning historic custom car from the 1950s that has received numerous national awards and was featured in numerous magazines of the 1950s and 1960s and have it in an almost original, gorgeous condition. Most times these 1950s and 1960s custom cars are found in deplorable condition and have to be restored from pictures. The car in this ad has original custom paint, custom interior and chrome and original custom design as it was done by John North, one of the famous customizers and considered the George Barris of the East (Massachusetts).

The car in this ad that I have owned for over 15 years is the “real deal” and is a 1957 Ford ordered from the factory with a E-code engine (2 four barrel carburetor) and 3-speed transmission by John North.

Immediately after purchasing the car he sent it brand new to a great customizing shop to have it nosed, decked and raked with dummy spotlights, Lakers and special Lincoln white pearl paint job with seven coats. John North also had the interior tuck and rolled by one of the finest upholsterers and the tuck and roll was even used on the floor as carpeting, there is even a tuck and roll steering wheel cover autographed by Gene Pitney.

Yes, after John North customized and showed the car, winning dozens of major trophies, he sold it to his neighbor Gene Pitney, the famous singer/songwriter. Documentation of this is in a vid with John North’s son who recently saw the car and was discussing his memory of Gene Pitney picking up from his dad’s home. John North vid with son available.

This car has not been restored and everything (98%) on it is original as it was customized in 1957/1958, except some paint on the rear end of the car. The car has never seen rust and has always been well cared for and garaged and has never seen a drop of rain since I have owned it.

Dual exhaust are fitted with glass packs and is one of the best sounding Ford rumble that you will ever hear. The engine runs with tons of power and the transmission shifts like it was brand new and the clutch is very smooth. Even the original gold leaf scalloping on the car is still in very attractive condition. There is the original non-functioning television that was mounted in the glove box and the dash board and instrumentation includes a 120 mph speedometer flanked by a fuel and temperature gauge. The odometer is reading only 48,000 miles. It is a wonderful, period correct tac that was installed by John North on the steering column that works perfectly as you can also see in the vid. Vid is available.

The car was known under the official name “White Pearl” when it was on the show circuit and the “White Pearl” logo is painted on each of the front fenders. John North’s nick name “Moose” is painted on the fire wall.

Again the engine is equipped with the factory 312 c.i. V8 and two 4-barrel carburetors that delivered just under 300 hp. I have driven this car on many events and it is a joy to drive. The mufflers make music and the engine compartment is highly detailed as you can see from the pictures. This car can cruise at 85 mph plus all day long.

SomeMagazinesFeaturing“TheWhitePearl”

Rod & Custom, July1957“4 Door Charmer” p. 60-61

Rodding & Restyling, June 1959

Car Craft, July 1959 “Battlegrounds for Glamour”

Rod Builder, November 1959

Car Craft, January 1960 “Stockers Are Not for Me”.

Hot Rod, January 1960 “Score with Scallops”

Hot Rod, August 1960 Cover Photo

Rod Builder, November 1959 “CulturedPearl”

Custom Rodder, July 1959 “Tops in Tail Lights”

Custom Cars, December 1958 “TheBig Show”

Custom Cars, November 1959 “WhiteistheColor”

Car Speed and Style, June 1959 “Autorama Time Again”

Rod Builder Annual, November 1960

Old Cars News & Market Place, June 15, 2006 “Coast Customs Meet intheMidwest”

AutomobileMagazine, September 2006 “Kustom Konvergence”

Cool Cars Square Roll Bars by Bernie Shuman, Fifties Hot Rodding in New England 2006 Hammershop

Hot Rod Deluxe Annual 2011 “1958 Auotrama Crowd Photo”

I have collected many historic custom cars and I would say that this is one of the greatest finds for a historic custom cars that exist. Feel free to discuss any questions with me and happy to discuss price. For more details Eightfourseven sixsixeight twothousandfour (ten to ten daily). I do not text.

Winning bidder is responsible for pickup or shipping of the vehicle at buyer's expense. 847-668-2004 with questions call only, no text.

Thanks for looking.