With so many vintage autos nowadays being restored to perfection, it’s no wonder the owners are afraid to drive them, with most of their travel being on top of trailers. The owner of this 1936 Ford Coupe here on eBay took a totally different approach by creating a Rat Rod, a once popular endeavor that is typically applied to pre-WWII American cars. The idea traditionally refers to ignoring cosmetics and focusing on performance, using whatever parts are affordable and available, with this one seeming like a textbook example. So far, bidding has reached $10.000, but that’s short of the reserve, so head over to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to check this one out in person before deciding how much you’re willing to spend here.
While the Flathead that originally occupied the bay was considered a great engine for the time, it only made 85 horsepower, so it’s been swapped in favor of a small block Chevrolet. We don’t get many specifics regarding its origin, but the seller does assure us that no cheap parts have been used here, and he also mentions that it’s connected to a Turbo 350 transmission. A rear-end from an S-10 pickup has been incorporated out back, with Mustang II components used in the front.
There’s plenty of surface rust and patina outside, but the body itself seems fairly solid, although it does appear that a few sheet metal welds have been made here and there. This one’s also got a great stance, with the side-exit exhaust screaming that this ’36 means business. At least the front glass is present, with tilting it forward providing the comfort of modern-day air conditioning back in the thirties. No windshield wipers are installed, so don’t plan on getting out on any rainy days.
Things inside are about as no-nonsense as out, with that afghan throw doing a capable job of hiding whatever’s underneath it on the seats. I’d be sure to ask the seller to please include that Schiltz beer cooler in front of the Sears cruise tank, and maybe even fill it up with a few cans of the brew to enjoy once your driving destination has been reached. It’s fun to see that Rat Rods are still alive and well, and I’m curious to hear what our readers think about this one. Did the builder hit the mark here?
I like it. It’s good enough to warrant a paint job and a good interior. I would also go for a right taillight vs. the hanging substitute. Overall it looks like fun to me.
Do a 3-point turn…
This car is rough around the edges, but it’s not a ratrod. Ratrods are silly and should be mocked. I have something similar to this right down to the shifter and blanket on the seat and anyone who calls my car a ratrod is getting a punch in the head.
But, does yours have the bullet holes in it?
I’m not really sure what you mean by rat rod if this isn’t one. I think of rat rods as driver quality cars with good vintage mechanical bits and a body in a natural patina. Fake rust or unnatural weathering the looks of a vehicle in any way is just no good for me.
If I ever did a hot rod it would have a flat head, drum brakes, a manual transmission and not much attention to looks. I’d want the feel and edgy driving experience of early hot rodding not a Dairy Queen show piece.
100% he hit the mark. I would bet he built it with the result planned just the way it is.The parts are quality and it was done to drive and have fun. Not sure about all the carburetors, I am guessing not all of them are hooked up!
You leave me out when with the auto-tragic-transgression. A flathead and top loader 4-speed would be more to my liking.
But there is a posterior for every seat.
Hi MarveH, I’m with RKS, tis’ more hot rod than Rat Rod. This is probably a more period correct hot rod, lowered, SBC, but a rat rod, generally, while correct in using odd bits and pieces, they generally don’t resemble any particular make. They can have Studebaker fenders and a wash machine for a cab. I think some may think of it as a rat rod, but more like a ratty hot rod, and could be finished easily. The hard parts are already done.
I like it the way it is, rat rod or not, and I would never punch anyone for any comment on my car. I would want glass in it, and clearly visible brake and turn signals though.
SBC whiners begin!
Funny no one mentioned the bullet holes in the hood 😱
Cars like this were common back in the 50s. You buy the car for $75 and find a flathead motor for $50. Borrow a chain hoist and the branch on the apple tree. Torch the springs while your buddy jumps up and down on the bumper.
Boom, you’ve got a 50s hotrod.
I agree it is not a Rat Rod its a 89 year old steel body the got saved. It can continue to be restored. The hardest part is done. If Bob Drake is still in business most of the parts can be purchased to bring it to the next level. I think it is a beautiful car. I like the lines in the center of the fenders that Ford did not make in 1935.