Slammed and flaunting its naked V8 for all to see, this 1930 Ford Five Window Coupe in Whittier, California looks ready to rip. Running and driving condition escaped the description here on Craigslist, but this 95 year-old shows no signs of abandonment or a sedentary lifestyle. A Buick “nailhead” V8 dumps unmuffled exhaust gasses frightfully close to the bodywork for a no-doubt visceral and unidirectional conversation with those on board. The $25,000 asking price (or best offer) buys a potent slice of Americana. Thanks to reader T.J. for spotting this So-Cal classic.
Triple Rochester carburetors top a heat-isolated Log Intake for flow and towering height. Check out that cleverly adapted firewall-mounted Army surplus aluminum canteen! I carried a similar unit on many hikes. A nifty 1960s Super Turbine “Switch-Pitch” 400 automatic transmission provides crisper acceleration and better economy than most three-speeds of the day.
A ’40 Ford style steering wheel has been a popular swap since the Eisenhower era. Simple vinyl upholstery covers the rudimentary interior. The tilt-out windshield provides speed-conditioned air while traveling.
I hope I look this dangerous at 95. Staggered tires add rake and taller rear meats add grip on acceleration while softening the effective gear ratio, though the torque-rich Nailhead should have no problem burning rubber on this no-frills rod. Someone said you drive a Custom to attract a mate and a Hot Rod to get away from them. Put this one in the Hot Rod category, though it’s a thing of beauty to me.
What looks like a Ford tractor grille shell keeps it in the family while adding an agricultural twist to this street-going speed implement. Exposed suspension and other mechanical bits fade into the background thanks to matte black paint treatment. Lincoln-style brake scoops direct cooling air to the front stoppers. Would you change anything on this 95 year-old Hot Rod?
This is a cool old style hot rod much like what guys were building in the 50’s and 60’s but they don’t generate much recognition these days. The amount of engineering that went into creating theses was amazing. I have a friend that built one much like this. Channeled body, later model Mercury front end, narrowed 9” ford rear, 350 sb Chevy etc. He took it to a car show several years ago and the Judges picked it apart because it didn’t have mirror straight body panels, 8 coats of color and 20 coats of clear coat etc. He won’t even take it to a show anymore. What a shame.
Sounds like the judge(s) had a grudge against the guy and their nose needed some adjustment.
Love hot rods. Good write up Fitch, and thanks for the interesting attachment on the transmission.
Only two changes I’d like, wire wheels and a manual transmission
And maybe a bench seat so two people can ride upfront.
I’d put on some air filters and install ear plugs.
Growing up in the UK this was our idea of a hot rod..and to me it still is.If I had one it would look like this..I’d add air filters and maybe muffle the exhaust a bit..after all I like to drive my cars without a headache..or the cops pulling me over!
Yep – the straight pipes have to go if the car’s to be a street driver in mid-America. Other than that, it’s ready to go.
What a cutie! I would love to have this just to fool around in. Price even seems reasonable.
Nice old school hot rod, personally I would prefer the rear fenders and maybe a half fender on the front
Like the fact it doesn’t have a SBC mill. Put a 4-speed manual in it and then leave it alone!!
Those Turbo 400’s with the switch pitch converters were awesome! I’d leave that in place.
I think a bright color would keep you from being run over! Full front seat would be nice. Nice build with the Buick.
The nailhead makes it, in my opinion. This thing makes me want to do block long burnouts down the main drags of small midwestern towns for some reason. Right past the courthouse. Blaring Social Distortion. Not that you could hear it over the exhaust. Maybe it’s just me…