With modified parts mostly pre-dating World War II, this 1928 Ford roadster in Damascus, Oregon offers a snapshot of early hot-rodding. Gear-heads scavenged later model wrecks for upgrades, and this one’s had its original mechanical brakes upgraded to 1940 Ford hydraulic or “juice” brakes. A ’40 Ford also donated a steering column to the cause. What look like 21st-century tires, wheels, and headlights offer some safety on this old roadster. It must run and drive, because the seller invites you to “Jump in it and go!” Can someone please scuff up those wheels and headlights? Joking aside, the new owner can decide how to present this root-beer colored Ford.
This is our best engine picture, folks, so I’ll let our Ford experts call out the details. The brief description mentions a Stromberg carb feeding the “A” series (inline four-cylinder) motor through a downdraft intake. A nondescript header vacates the exhaust, according to the listing. On a good day, that might top, what, 60 HP? That’s OK, though. People today spend $700 for an exhaust system that adds 7 HP to their Honda.
My Grandfather’s first car was a used Model A roadster, so I have a soft spot for these open air Fords. Presumably a “rumble seat” rests beneath the rear hatch, a cozy nest for two additional passengers. Taller rear tires benefit traction, though in this case it’s about looking cool with forward rake and an aggressive stance. You don’t need 700 HP to troll the sidewalks and invite a potential friend to “Hop in; live a little!” Credit whoever discovered this vintage hot rod for not painting over its battle scars.
Here’s the best shot of the interior. The seat looks like plywood covered with remnants from Jo-Ann’s Fabrics, and the white aftermarket steering wheel appears to be circular in shape. Check out more pictures and a short description here on Craigslist. The $18,500 asking price demands more details, so schedule a visit with the lonely seller. Thanks to reader T.J. for spotting this old school hot rod. These iconic bodies have been sliced, diced, and slammed so many ways that the possibilities are endless. What would you change on this modified classic?
I wouldn’t touch anything about this but the steering wheel and shifter, what a preserved piece of early hotroddin!
needs a steering wheel from a track roadster and title in my name.
Never was into these early Fords but this looks like insane fun..wouldn’t change much just sort what needs sorting and have fun glwta
awesome ! and a testimony to junk yard scavenging
Ah yes, I well remember my high school friends and I sourcing used parts for our pre- and post war rides. I won’t admit to scavenging frequently but, the junk yard dogs didn’t bark when we came around.
Im lovin’ that ’32 grill and windshield a la Andy Hardy (mickey rooney) The ’62 Catalina tailights are the nuts too! I think the bigger ’40 Ford steering wheel afforded more leverage against that A bone suspension.
Buick taillights.
Those taillights may be earlier (50ish) taillights. This price certainly isn’t out of line. I had a bone stock 29 roadster that I acquired from a 57 year slumber, rust free car, locked up 4 cyl and 57 year old Montgomery Ward tires. This was in 2008. I sold the car for 11,000. after my partner passed away and I needed to sell to pay half to his estate. I’d love to take this one for a stroll down main street…………
Wow! You don’t see a real one of these every day.
Very cool! A little sorting, and maybe a little padding upgrade for the interior- then lots of fun.
I appreciate the author’s reference to not needing 700hp to have a fun vehicle.
I agree Bunky, this car exudes cool at every corner, doesn’t look like it needs anything but driving! But yeah a little more padding here and there to soften the ride a little bit, gas and go!, Cuz like a previous reader said, you just don’t see these guys on the roads anymore, and it wouldn’t be proper to resto-mod it, imho…
Taillights look early to be
mid fifty’s Buick but mounted horizontal
Agree…..that’s what they are Buick – actually early 50’s Buick.
If this car was where I could get to it, I am sure I would have a divorce. I could not let it get away. Taillights 50 Buick? The steering wheel, I don’t see a decent picture, must be bad , you guys don’t like it. I can’t even begin to think how many smiles to the gallon I could get out of this car! I love it. My very own TROG car.
Not many years ago there was a guy in Damascus OR. with a business devoted to customizing Model A and other old Fords. I don’t recall his name off the top of my head. I do remember it was around for ages until his death a few years ago.
This was probably the product of a now deceased customizer of old Fords. The shop was well known for his work. It was located in Damascus Oregon a now suburban area SE of Porland Or. I don’t remember his name off hand I could find it with no problem.
I think the tall tires were used to offset the low gearing of the rear axle that was needed for the lack of power with a stock engine. the dry lakes guys used the tallest tire they could get to go for top speed runs. That was then copied by all the wannabes to get ‘ the look ” and maybe some benefit with a hot enough mill to pull the taller tires.
In the late 60’s and early 70’s, us teenagers did some stupid , very counter productive stuff trying to be cool. ( cough ) 750 double pumper on a stock 307 ( cough )
I mean a car can hardly move without 2 cfm per cid… :D
What we’ll pay to go back in time! This old A is what the poor kids ran, back in the day. Ya’ run what ya’ brung! $50 and a trip to the boneyard, would get you a hot rod.
I don’t love the seat, the color or the J C Whitney steering wheel, but I’d still love to drive it.
Aw man, such a cool old ride. It desperately needs a flathead though!
I agree about needing a flatty…the period-correct mill. Thought those hubcaps were from a 40s-early 50s Ford but then noticed the center has a longhorn similar to later Ford Rancheros???? Other nice cars shown in the background of some of the seller’s photos.
Already sold!
Just revived my itch for a toy like this yesterday. Started looking around to see what there is available. This one is gone already. Dang it! Story of my life.
Deja Vu! I saw this one in person last Wednesday night at the Beaches Cruise-In at Portland International Raceway. So it must run and drive adequately!