Jack Flower
Jack Flower was one of Downey High class of 1960s fastest graduates. Driving a 1955 2- door Chevy Bel Air, his car was known around the region. Soon after graduation, Jack went to work for George Reed, Inc, essentially building the streets he was cruising and driving on. In 1969 he had the chance to upgrade his car to a 1958 Bel Air with a way-too-big 409 motor in it.
Jack remembers many great nights dragging 10 and 11th in Modesto and one particular night, they had beer in the car and some of the police were checking them out. They quickly pulled over to stash the beer before getting pulled over a short time later. The police admonished them to “go straight home”. They quickly went back to get the beer, but the police had beat them to it and the beer was gone.
Throughout the 60s he raced Go Karts through out the region and also raced indoor slot cars. Jack was very involved in helping our local car clubs grow and thrive. He was a member of both the Mid Valley Chevy Club and also served as the President of the Modesto Area Street Rod Association. These clubs were key to Modesto’s car culture through the 70s and 80s.
Jack never slowed down, in 1964 his daughter Sherri was born and he got a Chevy SS. In the 80s he built a 1940 Ford, 1948 Ford Coupe, 1950 Olds and a 1950 Ford, all during the 80s. In 2005 he built a 1960 Bel Air hardtop, an original 3/2 4 speed car. Recently he has been rebuilding mid 60s Chevy pickups. He lives in Modesto with his wife Vicky and has been volunteering at the Graffiti USA Museum.
