Ford Model A Roadster Hot Rod 1931 - World Of Classic Cars -

Ford Model A Roadster Hot Rod 1931

400 hp, 425 cu. in. Buick V8 engine with six two-barrel Stromberg carburetors, three-speed GM Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, solid front axle with single transverse leaf spring, live rear axle with single transverse leaf spring and air-assisted shock absorbers, four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes. Wheelbase: 103.5"

While flathead Ford V8 engines powered the majority of early hot rods, they were quickly abandoned with the arrival of lightweight overhead valve V8 engines during the early 1950s. In particular, Buick’s “nailhead” V8 quickly found favor among hot rodders and drag racers, including “TV Tommy” Ivo, beginning with his famous Model T roadster and culminating with his “Showboat” exhibition machine of the early 1960s. Ivo inspired many hot rod builders, including Jim Cooper, who constructed the car offered here.

Ford Model A Roadster Hot Rod 1931

Built to emulate George Barris’ famous “Emperor” show rod, construction of this steel-bodied 1931 Ford Model A Roadster took place during the early 1960s. Cooper thoroughly enjoyed his roadster, which was a well-known and tough competitor at car shows and on the drag strip. The car was updated with a 425 cubic inch Buick V8 engine, topped by six Stromberg carburetors, and backed by a Turbo Hydramatic 400 transmission in the mid-1960s.

Ford Model A Roadster Hot Rod 1931

After Cooper passed away, the car remained in a Midwestern garage for many years until its resurrection by the Giacalone family in 2006. The car remains largely as constructed, and is based upon a chrome-plated 1932-vintage frame. The fully chromed front suspension features custom radius rods, a dropped front axle, and a chrome plated transverse leaf spring. Meanwhile, the rear suspension utilizes a painted 1955 Chevrolet axle housing with Posi-Traction, custom built radius rods, a chrome plated transverse leaf spring, and air-assisted shock absorbers. As well, a set of Ford F-100 hydraulic drum brakes provides the stopping power.

Ford Model A Roadster Hot Rod 1931

The chopped and channeled 1931 Ford Model A body features 78 coats of candy apple red lacquer, originally sprayed by Ed Lepold over a gold base. Also, the Roadster features custom made chrome-plated nerf bars, and a fully chromed underside. The interior is finished in 1960s-era black diamond pleated upholstery, with matching carpeting by Dickie Wright. As well, the dash originates from a 1932 Ford truck, and contains a complete set of Stewart-Warner gauges.