Vehicle Description
SUMMARY
The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration
5.7 liter LT4 V8 / 330 horsepower
700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
Custom leather interior / Vintage Air conditioning / Modern
audio
Lightly modified all-steel body
Aftermarket chassis and suspension
18 and 20-inch Foose wheels
Power rack-and-pinion steering
4-wheel power disc brakes
Ford 9-inch rear axle
For every hot rod, there's a trend. For every trend, there are
admirers. And for every admirer, there's a dilution of the hot rod
that created the trend in the first place. But, every once in a
while, a trend is so powerful it not only becomes the standard for
what's cool with a particular model, it also sets a baseline for
that model's respective fans. Need some examples? We all know you
can't build a serious Willys without a tubbed rear end. And we also
know you can't build a Ford coupe without shaved door handles. Like
it or not, these are just unspoken facts of gearhead life. With
their tidy proportions and classic form, '40s Fords are certainly a
standard in the street rod world. And the baseline for notable '40s
builds is a solid, all-steel body, proven V8 power and
comparatively upscale trim. The question then becomes: what happens
when someone meets that baseline and throws in a couple of great
ideas for good measure? You get a fully sorted custom like this
vividly awesome drop-top!
BODYWORK/TRIM
With its wind-swept design and classic good looks, the 1940 Ford
has always been a rare and highly desirable line of cars. And not
surprisingly, gearheads, customizers and 70 years' worth of fans
have elevated it to one of hot rodding's greatest cultural icons.
Based on its clean appearance, this Ford is the beneficiary of a
detailed, ground-up restoration that's been exceptionally well
maintained. That restoration likely began with the car's all-steel
body being carefully stripped and professionally prepped. Once that
solid profile was thoroughly worked, a fresh Haartz top was seated
between a nosed hood, partially shaved doors and a decked trunk.
Polished bumpers, correct lighting and a red-tinged DeLuxe grille
joined polished wipers, tinted glass and a trio of mirrors to
provide the simple yet custom perfection. Everything not polished
was bathed in brilliant base, sealed in glossy clear and detailed
with traditional trim spears. And today, this razor-sharp custom
rolls as a real head turner!
ENGINE
Power is supplied by 5.7 liters of GM LT4 that, according to the
factory, twists 330 horsepower into a stout 340 lb./ft. of torque.
At the front of the body-matched block, a polished accessory drive
spins a polished alternator and polished AC compressor at the sides
of a stylized air cleaner. Once air enters that filter, it flows
through a polished throttle body to a polished Tuned Port intake,
which is bolted down over factory-spec internals. Distilled fossils
are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced
through loomed Taylor plug wires. Spent gases swirl through
ceramic-coated, long-tube headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a
polished aluminum radiator that's fitted with a chrome puller fan
and sleeved hoses. On the visual end of the spectrum, polished
valve covers, polished fluid reservoirs and a polished breather
help transform what's essentially a crate swap in to what's known
as the complete package. And the over-restored engine compartment,
complete with louvered inner fenders, is completely finished to
match the car's sharp exterior.
DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION
Every good street rod has a solid foundation. Flip this Ford upside
down and you'll find a roster of mechanical improvements that mix
classic looks with modern mobility. A smooth 700R4 4-speed spins
comfortably in front of a Ford 9-inch axle. That ultra-reliable
driveline rides modern chassis components, which stuff tough QA-1
coil-overs behind a polished sway bar and polished, tubular control
arms. At the front of that suspension, power rack-and-pinion
steering makes the most of turns. Power-assisted disc brakes,
consisting of two Wilwood calipers, two body-matched calipers and a
small proportioning valve, are a welcome addition and big
performance upgrade. There's a polished stainless exhaust system
that makes good use of polished mufflers and polished, "V8" branded
tips. Everything rolls on polished Foose wheels, which spin
215/45R18 Yokohama AVID ENVigors in front of 255/40R20 Yokohama
PARADA Spec-Xs. And items like stainless fluid lines, a polished
transmission pan, a finned transmission cooler and a polished
stainless fuel tank finish an otherwise impressive canvas.
INTERIOR
Wrapped in timeless Tan, this convertible's warm and welcoming
interior is supple, tasteful and extremely well done. A
body-matched dash hangs clean VDO telemetry and hardware for
Vintage Air climate control between billet foot pedals, a tilting
steering column and a leather-lined Budnik wheel. In front of that
dash, broad bench seats, power-operated for the front passengers,
wear requisite leather hides. At the bottom of those seats, tight
carpet floats piped and color-keyed mats at the sides of a trim
waterfall that's centered on a modern Pioneer head unit. At the
sides of the passengers, stylish panels hang billet door handles
and crisp Rockford Fosgate speakers in front of modern power
windows. And behind the cockpit, a leather-lined trunk centers a
15-inch TV in front of quality Painless wiring.
If you're the kind of enthusiast that likes to play with your toys
as much as possible, this '40 Ford is a perfect addition to your
garage. The work is done. The money is spent. All you have to do is
enjoy it!
