INTRODUCTION: This is one stunning car! Only 2,800 miles since it
was custom built from the ground up at a documented cost of
$78,379. Frankly, it looks like they spent twice that! The quality
of the workmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional fit and
finish are evident throughout. This is a high-class, show-quality
build from top to bottom!
EXTERIOR: What a gorgeous design! It features a high-quality Downs
Cabriolet body with a 3-inch chopped roofline, giving it a sleek,
low profile. Most of these have a removable hardtop, but this one
has an actual folding convertible top that goes wherever you go!
The fiberglass body is reinforced underneath with 1-inch round
steel tubing and oak supports. The body is absolutely straight, the
panels fit beautifully, and I didn't find any damage. They kept the
appearance exceptionally clean and smooth by eliminating the
emblems and trim. It features a flush mounted fuel door, remote
operated doors and trunk, and quality Bear Claw door latches. The
hood has a forward-tilting mechanism for easy engine access. The
colors are absolutely stunning! The metallic flake is laid out
evenly, and the clear coat is polished to a wet looking shine. It
also features custom striping that's completely smooth to the
touch. The LED taillights and third brake light are flush mounted
into the body, while the turn signals are neatly integrated into
the mirrors. The tan canvas convertible top is supported by a
beautiful combination of chrome and oak framing. It also features
four power windows with smoked glass. The stance is fantastic! It
sits on staggered Billet Specialties wheels wrapped in Goodyear
tires, 15 inches up front and 17 inches in back. Everything about
this car looks refined, tasteful, and exceptionally well
executed!
INTERIOR: This interior is worthy of a Rolls-Royce! It's completely
upholstered in luxurious Ultraleather, which is incredibly soft to
the touch. The craftsmanship is outstanding, with beautiful
stitching, precise fit, and a very professional finish throughout.
The dash has a clean, uncluttered appearance, with the controls
cleverly concealed in the center console. The bezels are all oval
shaped, giving everything a consistent, custom designed look. The
instrument panel features Dakota Digital vacuum fluorescent gauges,
and the electrical system was professionally wired using Ron
Francis components. It also features a very cool digital climate
control system and a touchscreen stereo with speakers discreetly
hidden behind the upholstered panels. A Flaming River tilt steering
column is topped with a sharp looking custom steering wheel. The
carpeting still looks new and includes matching floor mats. The
beautifully upholstered center console extends all the way into the
back seat, tying the entire interior together. Billet pedals add
another custom touch.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT: It's got the performance to back up those good
looks! The 350 Chevy V8 has been bored and fitted with a 400
crankshaft, creating a potent 383 stroker. This motor packs a
punch! On top is a polished Edelbrock intake and carburetor, along
with HEI ignition and a set of headers. The front of the engine
features a beautiful Tru Trac accessory drive system with billet
brackets, polished pulleys, a compact A/C compressor, and
alternator. The cooling system has been upgraded with an aluminum
water pump, aluminum radiator, matching overflow bottle, and a
large electric fan. The heat and A/C lines are stainless steel and
routed very neatly. The engine compartment itself is just as
impressive as the motor. The surrounding panels have been smoothed
and painted to the same slick finish as the exterior. Polished
components, custom details, and meticulous workmanship are
everywhere you look.
TRUNK COMPARTMENT: Even the trunk received the royal treatment! It
features a power-operated trunk lid with beautiful billet hinges.
Inside, the entire compartment has been custom boxed, upholstered,
and carpeted to match the luxurious interior. Everything is neatly
fitted and finished. Concealed behind the upholstered panels are a
gel-cell battery, a large stereo amplifier, and the air ride system
components. All the equipment is tucked away, maintaining the
clean, finished appearance.
UNDERSIDE: The quality continues underneath! It was built on a
Downs Stage One chassis featuring a fully boxed frame with
additional tubular supports. The chassis is neatly finished in
silver, giving it a clean, custom appearance. It features the
upgraded Downs Stage Two suspension package. Up front is
independent suspension with tubular control arms and
rack-and-pinion steering. The car rides on a RideTech air
suspension system with ShockWave air shocks, allowing you to adjust
the ride height and achieve that perfect stance. In back is a
triangulated four-link suspension with tubular control arms. It has
disc brakes at all four wheels with stainless braided hoses. The
power brake booster and master cylinder are neatly mounted
underneath the car, keeping the engine compartment uncluttered.
There's also a 20-gallon stainless steel fuel tank. Looking up at
the engine, you'll find a finned aluminum oil pan, chrome mini
starter, and chrome flywheel cover. The transmission is a 700R4
overdrive automatic, connected to a custom driveshaft and a rugged
Ford 9-inch rear end with 3.73 Positraction gears. This combination
provides strong acceleration along with more comfortable highway
cruising. And here's a really cool finishing touch: it even has a
power-retractable license plate!
CONCLUSION: This car is the complete package! It's stunning to look
at, luxurious inside, has plenty of performance, and rides on a
sophisticated custom chassis. What impresses me most is the
consistency of the build. They didn't just concentrate on the
exterior; the interior, engine compartment, trunk, and underside
all received the same high level of attention.
Vehicles are displayed in a museum setting. Admission applies
without an appointment and is refunded with purchase, including a
one-year museum membership.
815-385-3644 (9-5 Central)
[email protected] - Prompt responses
Vintage Air
Power brakes
4 wheel disc
Rack & pinion
Air ride
3.73 posi
Folding top
Stereo system
Power windows
Power locks
Power trunk
Power seat
Tilt wheel
Billet wheels
Car cover
