1931 Ford 5-Window Coupe

Description

This 1931 Ford 5-window coupe is one of those rods where you can tell that someone was really sweating the details. It has an old-school look, but every detail was carefully planned to not only make it look great and drive well, but to also make it easy to maintain and reliable. Check out some of the other rods out there, then take a good, long look at this very carefully engineered Ford.

There's no argument that this all-steel 1931 Ford coupe doesn't have a very traditional look, from the chopped top to the open engine compartment to the '32 Ford radiator shell. On the other hand, the metallic copper paint is pretty slick and looks fantastic on the vintage Ford. Close examination reveals some neat tricks, like that grille shell that's channeled down between the frame rails and the original windshield that's been neatly trimmed to fit in the chopped roofline. The original door handles and hinges remain, a tie to the rodders of the '50s who cared more for speed than cosmetics (although they're quite nicely chromed) and the tinted glass gives it a sleek look. A rear roll pan and traditional 1939 Ford taillights make the rear end look smooth and the curves of the deck lid highlight the Model A's timeless appeal.

The tan interior is simple and tastefully done with leather seating surfaces and custom stitchwork on the door panels. For a Model A, there's a surprising amount of legroom inside, which is thanks to clever fabrication on the bench seat. The entire interior was lined with Fat Mat sound deadening materials, so this car is smooth and quiet at speed and stays comfortable even with the warmed-over 351 up front. Power windows were installed in the doors and all the glass is new except for the windshield, which was already safety glass from the factory. Pretty white-faced VDO instruments add an elegant look to the dash, ably assisted by the Grant wood-rimmed steering wheel on a tilt column. The trunk is upholstered with tan carpets and carries a body-colored 16-gallon fuel cell and a battery stashed under the floor.

It's always nice to see a Ford in a Ford, and the 351 Cleveland V8 in this Model A is a great choice for a lightweight rod. Clearly built to be a part of the design and not just a powerplant, it wears body-colored valve covers and a scoop along with lots of shiny aluminum and stainless details. A big Walker radiator keeps it cool and a mechanical cam gives it that old-school cackle that's extremely cool. Those four exhaust tubes look extremely cool coming off the engine and dumping into side pipes, all of which have been ceramic-coated for long life and good looks. The original Model A frame was fully boxed and reinforced and carries a chrome front axle with a Vega steering box and Chevy disc brakes. Out back there's a narrowed 9-inch Ford with 3.73 gears and 28-spline axles that were drilled to fit Chevy wheels. An AOD automatic overdrive transmission means it cruises effortlessly on the highway and shiny Weld wheels give it a race-ready look that's entirely the point of a hi-boy like this.

Complete with pages of detailed instructions on its care and maintenance, this is one of the most thoroughly engineered and well-thought-out rods we've ever seen. The fact that it's also fast, fun, and comfortable only adds to its appeal. Call today!