1927 Rat Rod Automatic

Description

You either get rat rods or you don't. They aren't built to be pretty, but they are possibly the most accurate reflection of early hot rodding's roots. Cars like this 1927 Ford Model T pickup were built from scavenged parts that were a unique expression of the builder's vision, and no two are alike. In a world filled with me-too plastic '32 coupes, something like this stands out everywhere it goes. Obviously satin black is a mainstay of the rat rod movement, and it works exceptionally well on cars like this Model T truck. No-nonsense, low maintenance, and designed to show off the builder's custom touches, it has a timeless look that will not go out of fashion. The familiar square Model T cab appears to be a coupe, not an original pickup, or at least if it was a pickup, it was extended to vastly improve legroom inside. There's a modest bed out back and the lowered and channeled stance makes it look low and lean without being claustrophobic inside. Factory Model T fenders were also modestly reshaped to fit the wider rear wheels and there's a simple black radiator shell up front. A few whimsical touches include diamond-plate treads on the running boards, a rat trap in the bed, and a giant stop lamp on the back of the cab, all part of being unique. It's pretty austere inside but that doesn't mean it's not comfortable and functional. They cleverly dropped the seats between the frame rails, so it has good head room even with the chopped top and those are bucket seats out of a late-model that are surprisingly comfortable. More diamond plate on the floor helps with the industrial look and a simple Ididit chrome steering column and removable 3-spoke wheel give it a vintage feel. There are cool Faria gauges that look suitably retro and a long-handled Lokar shifter gives you someplace to hang your hand while you drive. Fun details include the Moon race-style accelerator, the under-dash heater/fan, and a cow horn. Like most well-built rat rods, this one is fully functional and safe to drive, not just thrown together for effect. That matters. Power comes from a 350 cubic inch Chevy V8, but with the blacked-out look and some custom parts, it's tough to recognize. Most visible is the custom aluminum air cleaner housing, which is topped by a flying pig hood ornament. Finned valve covers might have been borrowed from a Corvette and there's a big Edelbrock intake up top. There's a good-sized cam inside that gives it that lumpy idle that makes a true hot rod, but with an HEI ignition system, it fires easily and drives great. Rack and pinion steering makes it easy to handle and disc brakes up front are more than adequate given the truck's miniscule curb weight. The front suspension is familiar Mustang II so it rides surprisingly well and there's a GM 10-bolt on ladder bards out back. A TH350 3-speed automatic transmission simplifies the driving experience and the stance is just about perfect with chrome steelies and staggered 165R15 front and 285/70/15 rear whitewall radials. Old school, the next best thing, or simply a traditional rod that's ready to rock? How about all of the above? Call today!