As 86 year-olds go, this 1934 Dodge Five-Window Coupe in Hico, Texas looks rather sharp and not-to-be-messed-with. The red-painted Cragar S/S front wheels seem like a mixed metaphor, but changing rolling gear will be the simplest portion of what this car needs. The listing here on eBay features a Make Offer button and the option to Buy It Now for $10,995. Buyers with $11,000 can own this car and celebrate with a Happy Meal.
The 440 cid (7.2L) V8 ran some time ago, and the front has been updated with a Mustang II front end, a hot rod favorite for decades. Surface rust over old gray primer is no one’s idea of “patina,” but at least no one will complain about a new paint job… of any kind. That said, there’s no reason to go all-out on this early ’80s-style hot-rod. Get it running and safe then begin a cycle of Check fluids, Go somewhere, and Burn the tires off. Lather, rinse, repeat.
Some fabrication may be required before earning an inspection sticker. The lack of floorboards and lower firewall reveal solid-looking structure. According to the typical Hot Rod TV show, it only takes about 20 minutes to create those parts from scrap lying around your $5 million shop, so what’s the big deal?
Wearing an unaltered all-steel body, this car *could* be restored to factory, but stock examples far outnumber vintage hot rods, and alterations have likely cemented this coupe’s future as a rod. Years ago I heard someone define the difference between a “Custom” and a “Hot Rod” by saying “A Custom is what you drive to attract women. A hot rod is what you drive when you’re trying to get away from them.” I couldn’t find a source of that quote to credit but if you know, please comment below. How would you finish this old-school coupe?
Seems like a lot of unfinished projects lately. A shame they just can’t afford to finish them.
“According to the typical Hot Rod TV show, it only takes about 20 minutes to create those parts from scrap lying around your $5 million shop, so what’s the big deal?”
Best line today!
And you wonder why people ask ridiculous prices for their cars!
Nope. People ask ridiculous prices for their cars because there are people more selfish than they who will pay that much.
Suicide doors on a 5 window coupe, that’s a lot of potential IMO. Of course the 440 would have to go, replaced by a 340 for more manageable power.
The BOS vs. title could be an issue in some states, so I’d check that out prior to putting down any $$, same thing with giving it a good once over. If it all checked out, there’s a lot of fun potential there for the right person.
My 2 cents.
Myself, I’d keep the big block, oh yes. The coloum shifted auto would go, however. Some sort of flash looking induction system would be required. And pray the owner has all the missing bits like the lights, bumpers and so on.
All sorts of potential here, assuming you are brave and married carefully.
@Retired Stig- Many cultures in the third world will marry their own cousins, although I have also heard this of happening in the Deep South. I believe this may be the only way of your wife not complaining about this project,
Small point: Wheels appear to be unpopular Cragar G/Ts, which came with centers painted gray (vs. chromed). Great newsletter! I look forward to it daily.
Pull the 440 out, slide in a DeSoto Red Ram Hemi from the mid 50’s and it’s perfect.