'31 ford coupe

1931 Ford Model A Coupe

Owner: Bob Booth

Homebuilt by owner Bob Booth, this rod has been built early-’60s style. The body is all steel and original Henry Ford but the chassis is a modern reproduction from TCI in the US, although Bob installed the central K-member and mounts himself.

The front axle is a Magnum item and carries genuine (and much sought-after) ’58 Buick brake drums and ’40 Ford backing plates. Bringing up the rear is a Ford 8-inch axle from a ’57 Ranchero, no less.

The drivetrain is centred around a brand new out-of-the-crate 350cu.in Chevy V8, which has been dressed up with period-style goodies, such as triple Stromberg carbs sitting on an Edelbrock inlet manifold. The tough-looking ‘Limefire’-style headers lead into a dual stainless steel exhaust system and power is transmitted via a Turbo 350 auto ’box.

The body was in reasonable condition when Bob acquired it but that belies the huge amount of work needed to bring it up to Bob’s exacting standards, including replacing the wooden internal bracing frame used in days of old. Of particular note is the neat modification Bob carried out on the firewall, with its triangular recess which follows the lines of the distributor and engine block.

The dash is from a ’32 Ford but carries new, classic-style dials from Stewart Warner and the interior is covered in a white diamond-pattern vinyl, a colour and style so prevalent in early ’60s west coast rods. The Radir wheels and cross-ply whitewalls complete the deception.

One concession to the modern era however is the paint, which is a contemporary and rather fetching Citroen Saxo hue!

There's more info and pix of this superb rod when you buy a copy of Hot Rod Showcase Volume One.