Post-War Hot Rod: ’29 Model A Roadster

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If you’ve ever seen a hot rod-themed magazine from the 1950s, a car like this ’29 Model A would be a common sight. Cars like this were plentiful and inexpensive as the post-war car culture was starting to gain traction. It is a neat throwback to see a car done in a traditional style like this one. It can be found here on Craigslist with an asking price of $22,500. Located in Temecula, California, the southern part of The Golden State is the perfect place to cruise in a ride like this. Have a closer look at this cool old hot rod and thanks to T.J. for the tip!

If you haven’t guessed it yet, the powerplant for this car is a flathead from a 1946 Cadillac. It measures 346 cubic inches and is backed by a 3-speed Caddy transmission. While you can build a chromed-out, supercharged flathead, one like this fits this car perfectly. The custom headers are made from 1936 torque tubes and the rear end is also from 1936. The radiator is aluminum and the shroud probably keeps the flattie from running too hot in the Southern California heat.

The interior (again) is a throwback to the early days of hot rodding. A 1940 Ford dash has been narrowed and installed along with a ’40 Ford column and steering wheel. The wiring is all new complete with a modern fuse panel, the battery in the trunk, and a cut-off switch in the cabin.

Traditional touches have been done to the body and frame as well. The body was channeled three inches over the boxed Model A chassis (which was also stretched three inches). The rear has been z’d nearly four inches with a c-channel and “x” member. The front suspension includes 1950’s handmade radius rods, which is a cool custom touch. Check out the motorcycle fenders over the front tires that move with the steering! Classic 1950’s stuff! Overall, this is an awesome-looking, period-style, hot rod that anyone would have a blast driving. What do you think of traditional customs like this one?

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Comments

  1. bobhess bobhessMember

    Fit the panels up and put a good plaint job on it and you’ve got one good looking hot rod. Old school at its best.

    Like 8
    • Frank Sumatra

      It’s pretty “old school” the way it is. I woudn’t touch a thing. I would dye-check or Magnaflux the handmade radius rods before driving it though.

      Like 7
  2. Speedy D

    Not a real roadster — front cowl and doors are from a 28-9 sedan cut and capped and rear section from a 28-9 coupe or roadster — roadster windshield stanchions rather crudely mounted to the cowl — build quality aside looks like a fun ride

    Like 6
    • SG

      I’m thinking this was a sport coupe at one point judging by the tops of the rear quarters and the deck. I really dig the flat-cad motor but this build doesn’t feel super authentic. Maybe something that was started in the 50s and finished decades later?

      Like 0
    • Steve RM

      I was going to say about the same thing. It’s obviously pieced together from different cars. I don’t know what the doors are from.

      Like 1
      • Speedy D

        As I noted above — they are 28-9 Model A sedan doors

        Like 0
    • Jon Golliher

      You are right that it is not a roadster. It was actually a Sport Coupe or Cabriolet and was really a convertible with glass side windows, unlike the clear plastic side curtains found on roadster models. That is why the doors were similar to sedan doors and had to be cut down. I have seen others converted and you can always tell because the quarters don’t mate up to the doors. The posts for the windshield were actually part of the cowl, similar to a coupe or sedan, for the door uppers to close against. Unfortunately, there is no easy way to really make them appear as a roadster.
      Jon Golliher Anderson, Indiana 9/15/22

      Like 0
  3. Steven Craig MacDonald

    At 71 one of my regrets is that I never owned an old school hot rod like this. Its cosmetic flaws add to the “legit” factor and drive up the cool rating. If I owned it I’d drive it. And if I drove it I’d install some exhaust tape so I didn’t get sued by the dad of an unsupervised 5 year old who has to touch everything as I enjoy breakfast in our local diner.
    Yes please!

    Like 0
  4. Rw

    I’ve always liked coupes better still do but I like this.

    Like 0
  5. Joe Haska

    Speedy D, Got it right , it was a closed car made to look like a roadster. This was fairly common ,as Roadster’s were the most expensive and sought after body style. There are lots of things about this build that are what you might expect, you would find in a fifties built Hot Rod. Cadillac Engine, 40 Ford Dash, 29 Roadster Channeled, 32 Grill Shell, Cycle Fenders. It has a long list of what people talk about for a Vintage Hot Rod. I get that and I understand it. However, for me I would like a better presentation. It is somewhat of a gourmet meal, but is being served on a paper plate. This is very representative of a back yard build, on a budget and that’s OK. I would just like to see a higher quality build, to represent this era of Hot Rods. There were a lot of quality cars built then, just as there are now.

    Like 3
  6. Crawdad

    I think the crude aspect of some of the work is perfect. Imagine a 17-18 year old kid whose dad was not mechanically inclined building this. We did stuff as crude and rough as this to 50’s 60’s cars in the late 60’s early 70’s . I agree, won’t appeal to all , but very authentic. ( did you ever know anyone who lowered their car by heating / cutting coils ? – just one example )

    Like 0

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