An integral part of making this decision to purchase was my securing an agreement from A. J. Watson to do the chassis restoration that would involve the correction of modifications performed on the original frame to configure the car for other racing different from the first design. While I most definitely wanted to be involved in the restoration and have done many cars myself, I was sure I wanted A. J. Watson, the cars original builder, to return this chassis back to its exact 1963 build. Watson did agree and once we transported the car to his shop work began immediately. Extensive photo documentation was kept from the first day and it was exciting to uncover even more original details on the car as A. J. began his work. It wasn't long before the planned restoration changed course and for the better. Watson agreed to do the entire restoration with my assistance in research, parts chasing and finish body & paint work. It was like the dream was getting better all the time. A. J. Watson, the original builder was going to restore, nearly 50 years later, one of his original 23 Watson Roadsters and I was going to work side by side with him on the car I now owned. The next year brought numerous trips to Watson's Indianapolis area shop for days of work I will never forget.

Early on it was decided to restore the car back to its first build Indy debut, 1963, as the Racing Associates entry of owner/driver Eb Rose and mechanic Herb Porter. My research work thru the IMS photo archives, USAC, previous owners and independent photo journalists revealed a treasure trove of great documentation for this car, actually much more than I ever dreamed would be uncovered. The search for correct parts and pieces was more challenging but every time I was close to striking out, A. J. would make a call or two and miraculously come up with some elusive item from some long forgotten source. Watson also had the connection to find the best talent out there to assist us with this project. 

Besides myself, John Lawson was there from the beginning to do whatever he could to help, particularly with his expert welding skills. When it came time for the complicated fabrication of the aluminum nose and hood panels, Watson enlisted Jerry "Weeks" Baker to build pieces of such perfection it was truly a sin to paint them and hide his metal working art. When the body panels came back with me to Erie for finish and paint work, I had great assistance from local experts Rick Byler and Gary Slurkanich to achieve my goal of having the car be cosmetically fantastic. Erie artist Greg Felix replicated from vintage photos the graphics and real "gold leaf" racing numbers.

Owning this "Twice Blessed" Watson Roadster is a thrill every time I pull off the car cover but the memories working with A. J. Watson and his associates on this project has become the high point of my life in the car hobby.

To Review Larger Size Images, Click Here!