James Crosby grew up immersed in racing culture, influenced by his father’s role as crew chief on the legendary Golden Rod, a car that held the land speed record for more than 40 years. That lifelong exposure led James into building and racing cars himself. At the 2025 LS Fest West, he competed in the event for the first time in person after his ’32 coupe had appeared without him the previous year. Built purely as a fun, competitive toy, the car represented a year-long effort supported by close friends and featured numerous Holley components, all while James pursued the Grand Champion class.

The steel Brookville ’32 body, chopped 3½ inches, sits on a TCI front chassis and uses a rear-mounted radiator to achieve a 50/50 weight balance at 2,600 pounds. Power comes from a “Frankenstein” LS-based dry-sump 429, and the car reflects James’s hands-on approach, having been assembled from loose body panels with help from trusted friends. After time away due to family medical issues, James returned to the driver’s seat, sharing driving duties with partners Tanya and Josh Tusman and he plans to bring the car back again at LS Fest West 2026. Watch the full video to see the car and hear James’s story in his own words.