1931 REO Flying Cloud

Description

If youпїЅre a member of the пїЅdare to be differentпїЅ crowd, this 1931 Reo Flying Cloud is for you. Having been in the same family since new, this second offspring of Ransom Eli Olds (of Oldsmobile fame) is an awesome rod that is almost guaranteed to be the only one at any event you attend.

Professionally built with a list of upgrades as long as your arm, this is the kind of rod that you can take cross-country on the Power Tour and not worry about comfort or reliability. The body is still the way the Murray Body Company made it, and nothing has been chopped or channeled. Instead, they used paint techniques to highlight the Flying CloudпїЅs original features, including that sweeping trim line that runs down the hood and to the rear fenders. With a monochromatic look that comes from painting all the chrome to match the body, the big sedan has an imposing, purposeful look that undoubtedly took many hours to achieve. The original cloth insert in the top has been filled using a section of roof from a Malibu wagon, but the rest of the body is 100% 1931 steel, including the fenders, running boards, and doors. Even the trim is original Reo, with the only exceptions being the 1933 Ford taillights on modified Model A stanchions. Paul Dockery applied the vivid PPG 2-stage urethane, which is a cool custom color lifted from King Van Lines and Wayne Watson added the pinstripes.

The incredibly spacious interior has been tastefully reupholstered using lilac and dove gray to tie the car together. Comfortable buckets replace the original fixed bench, and the rear seat is a fold-down unit from a пїЅ78 Plymouth, and allows access to the spare stowed behind it. The gauges have been upgraded, but use what appears to be the original gauge panel, and a modern tilt column has been fitted. Overhead, a custom consolette houses the Sony AM/FM/cassette stereo system. Of course, A/C and power windows are included, making this as much a luxury car as a performance piece.

It appears that a 1974 Pontiac gave up its heart for this Reo, including the 400 cubic inch V8, 3-speed automatic transmission, and 10-bolt rear end. Rebuilt to original specs, every surface was painted to match the body, and the upgraded electrical, cooling, and A/C systems are neatly integrated. The boxed and reinforced chassis includes custom cross members, and a tubular Mustang II type front suspension provides a smooth ride and far better handling than the original rigid axle. Power disc brakes provide the stopping power, and power steering makes this big sedan remarkably easy to handle around town. Custom Prime wire wheels give it an appropriately vintage look, and wear 195/75/15 front and 235/75/15 rear Uniroyal radials.

Reos were high-quality cars, and this modified version lives up to the originalпїЅs legacy with great build quality and reliability. If youпїЅre tired of seeing hundreds of Fords at every show, perhaps this is the solution. Call today!