You know how rat rods are supposed to be basic, crude, and kind of nasty? This incredible 1930 Ford tudor sedan changes the game in a big way. Professionally built by A&J Street Rods, it definitely nails the rat rod look but adds a jaw-dropping interior, impeccable build quality, and plenty of creature comforts to the mix to create something altogether new and different. Is this the ultimate expression of the traditional hot rod?
Yes, we know the rat rod movement was born from guys getting tired of high-dollar pro-built rods dominating the scene, but look again at the price tag on this beautifully crafted Ford. It isn't crazy and just look at what you get! It's got that old school look in spades, from the ultra-low chopped roof to the bare metal bodywork to the exposed flathead, but it simply runs and drives like a properly engineered machine. Not all rat rods can make that claim. You'll note that the body, while still nailing the back-to-basics look, fits together extremely well, although a few bumps and bruises were retained just for effect. Up front there's a cut-down '32 Ford grille shell and a set of bullet-style headlights, plus one fog lamp that's really kind of cool. The license plate was frenched into the rear valence and there's a cool fuel filler up high, almost as if it was installed as an afterthought. Yeah, this car nails the look.
The interior is simply gorgeous. While many rat rods make due with cribbed buckets from late-models or a bench covered with a blanket, this one is beautifully crafted in saddle leather. The low-back buckets are all-day comfortable and still provide plenty of room in the chopped sedan. Sisal carpets provide a wonderful contrast to the smooth leather, and the same carpets are used as inserts on the door and kick panels. A tilt column makes it easy to settle in behind the wheel, and a bare metal instrument panel full of Classic Instruments gauges echoes the exterior look. Creature comforts include power windows, cold A/C, and a powerful stereo system, so get ready to cruise. There's also a custom-made set of luggage in matching materials that goes with the car, a nice touch echoing back to the coachbuilt era. How can you not fall in love with this car?
The engine isn't some garden-variety small block Chevy, but rather a bored and stroked 8BA Ford flathead. Inside you'll find a Scat steel crank, an Isky cam, and a set of fresh Offenhauser finned cylinder heads. There's a new Eddie Meyers aluminum manifold with a pair of Edelbrock 94s on top, which gives it a traditional hot rod look, and we love that finned air cleaner. You'll also dig the custom exhaust pipes that have flapper valves on top, a cool rat rod touch that's also functional, and both the block and the firewall are covered in Ford bronze engine enamel. The front suspension is a Super Bell 4-inch dropped axle on a Posies spring, a pair of Pete & Jakes shocks, and a set of disc brakes. Out back, Chassis Engineering supplied a 4-link with QA1 adjustable shocks, and there are a pair of discs here, too. A C4 3-speed automatic transmission spins a 9-inch rear end, so this is an all-Ford build for those of you who care. Black painted steel wheels are back-to-basics cool and carry 205/75/14 front and 235/75/15 rear wide whitewall radials for the perfect retro look.
Rat rods aren't necessarily beautiful, but this one is beautifully built. It delivers the look and feel, with a dose of pro-built comfort and performance, all at a shockingly low price. Call now!