Frame Off Built Ford Steel Coupe 350 Tri-PowerV8 T-5 5 Speed Ford 9" 3.55

SUMMARY

What do you get when you combine the aesthetic traits of a show-worthy street rod with the drivability of a modern hot rod? This all-steel Ford 5-window! With the universal appeal of high dollar eye candy, and the road going prowess of a late model cruiser, this slick '31 coupe is a professionally built custom that provides its owner the best of both worlds. And what's better: you can have your show stopper and drive it too for a fraction of the money and time it takes to complete a ground-up build. If you're an anxious buyer who's tired of the 'garage furniture' culture that seems to pervade the classic car hobby, this stunning Ford is the coolest road-ready hot rod your money can buy!

BODYWORK/TRIM

This hot coupe's smooth, all-steel body began life as a run-of-the-mill Model A that was destined to roll through years of dry sunsets. When the car's current owner took possession of its straight and solid shell, he promptly contacted Mills & Co. in Marietta, Georgia to arrange a celebrity-style restoration that included a 3-inch chop and 3-inch channel. Once those custom cuts were laser-straight, Customs & Color in Powder Springs, Georgia added a spectacular coat of House Of Kolor Goldmine Pearl. When that killer 2-stage had been buffed to a spectacular shine, veteran artist Bill Abrams created a filigree of stylish pinstripes. And today, this Ford is a banner showpiece that mixes the skill of experienced fabricators with the integrity of Dearborn's storied product.

Naturally, since it's a Mills & Co. creation, everything on this Ford is exceptionally well-done. The car mixes just the right amount of pre-war charm with high quality, 21st century detailing to produce spinning heads and gawking fans. At the front of its body, Satin Black frame horns center a 1932 grille shell between a chrome 'bullnose' cap, sharp Guide 682-C headlights and a bright blue "Ford" emblem. Behind that grille, a chrome-trimmed firewall anchors a tilting windshield between correctly mounted doors and a removable Haartz top. Behind that windshield, smoked glass rides above a factory decklid that's complete with a traditional trunk handle. And below that decklid, '48 Chevrolet tail lights illuminate small, center-mount exhaust tips. The car's profile combines the clean, simple look that's typical of classic, fenderless hot rods with a number of traditional touches, including correct door handles, a Ford fuel cap and old school bear claw hinges. And overall, its top notch build integrates the greatest attributes of both old and new into a single, unifying vision that establishes a lasting impression.

ENGINE

Check this custom's color-keyed engine bay and you'll find a mean, 350 cubic inch GM crate engine that's good for 8.5 to 1 compression, 290 horsepower and 350 lb./ft. of tire-twisting torque. At that top of that Jet Black small block, a trio of chrome air cleaners forces wind into a trio of Rochester 2GC carburetors. At the base of those carburetors, an aluminum Offenhauser intake hangs a proven Mallory Unilite distributor between finned, cast aluminum valve covers. At the base of those valve covers, high quality Taylor plug wires snake around ceramic-coated, lake-style headers. And in front of those headers, an old school generator spins behind a large electric puller fan and custom, 5-row radiator. Aesthetically, both the monochromatic mill and its assortment of bright accessories seem right at home inside their smooth, color-keyed frame. And details like polished fuel lines and a fresh Delco-Remy voltage regulator ensure this coupe runs every bit as good as it looks.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

In keeping with its 'impressive but functional' theme, this first class Ford rides a double Z'd chassis, 4-inch up front and 8-inch out back, that's been fully worked and professionally powder-coated. The smooth 350's power flows into a rugged T5 5-speed that spins stout 3.55 gears via a tough hydraulic clutch and proven John's Industries 9-inch. At the head of those heavy duty components, a 4-inch dropped axle, Posies reversed-eye spring and Vega-style steering box ride between early Lincoln drums, familiar Pete & Jake's hairpins and modern Pete & Jake's shocks. Opposite that rack, Pete & Jake's ladder bars and a second set of modern Pete & Jake's shocks sandwich a second Posies reversed-eye spring between two Ford 10-inch drums. At the center of the car, ceramic-coated, true-dual exhaust funnels a deep roar through throaty Mellow Tone mufflers. And all this fully sorted hardware rolls on 16-inch painted steel wheels, which spin staggered Firestone Deluxe Champion whitewalls around snazzy Ford center caps.

INTERIOR

Take a look inside this custom and you'll find a spectacular street rod interior that, like the car's waterproof roof, was professionally installed by Burt Litton Interiors of Marietta, Georgia. At the center of the cockpit, industrial bomber seats wear Morbern Carrera Buck Vinyl between sturdy, 2-point seatbelts. In front of those seats, a custom dash hangs crisp Stewart Warner 'wings' around authentic Gibson Guitar accessory knobs. Below that dash, like-new carpet floats amid Wilwood hydraulic foot pedals, thick Dynamat insulation and a simple, vintage shifter. At the edge of that carpet, Haartz side panels hang traditional chrome handles below glossy pearl frames. Above those panels, a tight Haartz headliner frames a delicate mirror just ahead of beautifully stained roof bows. In front of the driver, a LimeWorks column anchors a beefy Stewart Warner tachometer behind a speed-drilled LimeWorks wheel. And behind the passengers, an appropriately upholstered trunk backs a modern battery and small storage nook.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

This striking Ford 5-window is a nicely finished classic that was built to be driven AND seen. It uses top-notch components from some of the best names in the business to create a unique car that mixes killer personality with awesome curb appeal. If you're looking for a road ready hot rod that's guaranteed to draw a crowd wherever you go, your search is officially over!