Aside from the continued enormous popularity of the Model T and Model A, there was also ample precedent for that marque in the life of the school. For instance, the beloved Dean Floyd Field had clung to his 1914 Ford until 1928, finally disposing of it after much goading by the students. In 1932, the race was transferred, by an apprehensive administration, to the Tech campus and converted to a parade. From the worn out runners of the ill-fated Athens race, the cars quickly evolved into contraptions almost unrecognizable as automobiles. According to old photographs and witnesses, Ford was still the dominant marque in the annual Ramblin' Wreck parade, and would be so for years to come.
Traditions are acts performed invariably and over a long span of time.
Customs, on the other hand, are neither so durable nor reliable. The appearances of the Ramblin' Wreck parade-winners and other special vehicles at Tech homecoming games usually fit into the latter category. The attempts of these contraptions to circle the track around the held were never boring and there have been notable, but minor, fires and explosions. Given this background, Dull and his crew started their search for just the right car. The driver, Craig Johnson from Florida State University, was competing at the track meet down the street.