Hot rod builder Barry White was born into a drag racing family, and it only seemed fit—as if it was truly his destiny—to find his way into the automotive industry in one way or another. 

From his youth into his adulthood, Barry enjoyed checking out the rides at the local California racetracks; however, some time in the early 1980’s, all the racetracks in the area closed down. 

It would only be a short time before another hobby would soon surface for Barry. 

Barry bought a 1929 Ford Hiboy Roadster in 1985.

Barry’s wife of 26 years, Becky, says that it’s hard to remember all the way back to that ’29 Ford, but she recalls that Barry got a great deal on it… And, she definitely remembers being pregnant with her daughter when the couple purchased the vehicle.

“I was in the middle of my pregnancy when we bought it,” says Becky.  “And when Barry finished the car a year later, it was tough driving around with a carseat.”

For that reason, the Whites eventually sold the ’29 roadster.  But, Becky says that Barry had always loved tinkering, and his passion for cars led him to buying and working on a 1940 Ford.  She says that it was then that friends of Barry really began to recognize his talent, and soon, the White’s home garage was always filled with cars.

Moving from his garage to a shop, to a larger shop and so on, Barry’s hot rod hobby turned into a full-blown business, and he is now known as one of the best in his trade. 

Barry’s California-based shop usually houses 30 cars at a time, with one turn-over a year.  With 15 years of working with that many cars, Barry’s had the chance to turn out some real beauties, including one gem called Impact, which was named America’s Most Beautiful Roadster in 2001.  Becky says her husband has won “numerous other awards,” in addition to that; however that specific award is the most prestigious that he has been honored to win.

Just a couple years after Barry won that award, the television industry picked up on his popularity.  By 2005, the shop had its own series on TLC, called “Wrecks to Riches.” 

“And, since then, it’s been crazy,” says Becky.

While working harder than ever, with his own TV series on his hands, Barry’s hoping to win the AMBR award again, according to his wife. 

The shop’s 2007 show schedule has been set, and Becky confirms a future presence at the Grand National Roadster Show.  She also confirmed that a 1932 Roadster will be entered, with hopes of it being named the most beautiful in America. 

Details about the vehicle will be left undisclosed until the car is showcased at the auto show that is held in late January.

Barry White’s Speed Shop has also confirmed attendance at the following 2007 shows:

Sacramento Autorama
Cal Expo, Sacramento
February 9, 10 & 11, 2007

Portland Rod & Custom Show
Expo Center
Portland, Oregon
February 16, 17 & 18, 2007

Seattle Roadster Show
Qwest Field
Seattle, Washington
March 2, 3, 4, 2007

In addition to those events, Becky says the shop almost always makes appearances at the Goodguys Del Mar Nationals (Del Mar, CA) and L.A. Roadster’s Father’s Day Show (Pomona Fairgrounds).

You can also check out an updated show schedule, along with information about and photos of Barry’s work, by visiting the shop’s site at:

http://www.barrywhitesrrc.com/home.html.

Story by: Becky McLaughlin