Ground Up Built Business Coupe Streetrod 4.3L V6 Auto A/C Leather Mustang II

Dial up a Google image search for “1937 Ford” and you'll be greeted by pages of elaborate fiberglass customs. Indeed, the De Luxe Ford is right up there with Willys and Bel Airs when it comes to hot rodding's greatest cultural icons. And, while we're all about creativity and radical builds, this classy coupe truly feels like a breath of fresh air. Founded on the proven tenets of street rodding, the car was fully revitalized during a comprehensive, ground-up restoration that concluded in late 2017. With an all-steel body, factory brightwork and subdued Sikkens paint, its basic specs could describe a relatively stock car. But a few minutes of deeper examination reveals otherwise, as, from custom upholstery and 4.3 liters of Vortec V6 to cool air conditioning and a modern automatic transmission, choice modifications start adding up to one impressive ride. If you're an enthusiast who enjoys a near perfect mix of vintage hardware and modern convenience, here's a classic that delivers in every way!

HISTORY/APPEARANCE

This timeless Ford began life as a solid runabout that was maintained, driven and paraded for most of its existence. Sometime in the last decade, the car was located on the South Carolina coast and purchased by a Burlington, North Carolina resident who wanted a fun project. And, based on appearances, that enthusiast did a fantastic job of disassembly and restoration. A custom leather interior followed a full roster of refinished hard parts, and the streamlined body received a rich coat of Pontiac Midnight Blue Metallic that's been infused with subtle pearl. Sadly, before he could get everything assembled, the enthusiast passed away, and the car ended up in an estate sale. After a little research, the Ford was purchased by its current owner to be assembled and sorted throughout 2017.

A clever descriptor for this slicked off coupe might be “traditionally unique”. In the tradition of old school hot rodding, this Ford makes excellent use of choice mechanical mods. However, it wraps those mods in a mostly era-correct appearance. At the front of the car, a whittled hood centers a polished handle above a polished bumper, contoured headlights and a streamlined grille. At the back of that hood, polished wipers clear a split, stainless-trimmed windscreen while elegant mirrors reflect a tinted greenhouse. Beneath that glass, a pinstriped profile founds stainless-trimmed heat extractors in front of matted running boards, correct door handles and a locking fuel filler. And at the back of the car, a second polished bumper frames a “V8” trunk handle, traditional taillights and a Center High Mount Stop Lamp.

ENGINE

'Keep it simple' is a good philosophy when it comes to performance and reliability. And the builders of this clean classic did exactly that by equipping the car with 4.3 liters of thrifty Vortec 6-cylinder. At the top of the fully sorted mill, a custom air tube bridges the gap between a small K&N filter and a coated GM intake. That intake pushes oxygen through tough, cast iron heads that are capped with polished Edelbrock valve covers and a polished Edelbrock oil cap. At the back of those heads, a factory distributor sequences spark through 8mm Ultimate Heat Protection cables, which snake around coated long-tube headers. Opposite that distributor, billet pulleys spin a chrome alternator next to a chrome AC compressor. And at the front of those pulleys, a shrouded flex fan cools a beefy Walker radiator. Aesthetically, the Jet Black sixer rides in a glossy, body-matched engine bay that's finished with polished hood hinges and polished brace bars. And items like a trick dipstick and a quality Wilwood master cylinder provide a perfect combination of form and function!

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. Behind the Vortec, a reliable GM 700R4 4-speed spins power to an 8-inch Ford axle that's finished with stout, 3.40 gears. A factory chassis utilizes a Mustang II front-clip and relocated leaf springs to give the car a tastefully lowered ride height. Modern rack-and-pinion steering is a welcome addition. Braking is solid, thanks to a familiar combination of discs and drums. There's an aluminized exhaust system that aligns throaty Flowmaster mufflers with polished stainless tips. Everything rolls on classy chrome wires, which spin 205/70R14 Lexani LXM-101s in front of 235/70R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. And everything, from this Ford's custom driveshaft hoop to its beefy rear sway bar, is clean, restored and ready to pound pavement.

INTERIOR

Pop the doors and you'll find a custom leather interior that's much nicer than traditional factory fodder. At ground level, piped carpet centers a tall Lokar shifter between color-keyed floor mats and integrated Rockford Fosgate kick speakers. At the center of that rug, a plush leather bench sits snug between a custom package tray and “V8” branded side panels, which anchor traditional handles and sculpted armrests in front of power operated windows. In front of that seat, an ornate dash founds white-face Auto Meter telemetry beside controls for Vintage Air conditioning. Above that ledge, modern courtesy lamps lead a custom headliner, which hides the car's remote-controlled audio system behind tasteful visors. In front of the driver, a polished and tilting steering column anchors a retro Sun tach behind a polished and wood-rimmed wheel. And behind the passengers, a custom-upholstered trunk frames a Custom Autosound CD changer.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION

* Miscellaneous build receipts

The street rod scene is huge! And, looking over this Ford, it's not hard to see why. The car's clean, unaltered lines are enough to draw any enthusiast, and the reliability of a modern GM powertrain is more than enough to keep folks smiling. Have you forgotten what it's like to actually drive a car? To drive a car you actually enjoy? To drive a car that'll inspire joyous memories for years to come? Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and grab the wheel of this impressive coupe!

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SUMMARY

* The beneficiary of a detailed, ground-up restoration that was completed in 2017
* 4.3 liter Vortec V6
* 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Modern air conditioning
* Custom leather interior / Modern audio
* All-steel body / Sikkens Pontiac Midnight Blue Metallic paint
* Upgraded suspension (with lowered ride height) / 14 and 15-inch wire wheels
* Rack-and-pinion steering / Front disc and rear drum brakes
* Ford 8-inch rear axle / 3.40 gears
* Sale includes miscellaneous build receipts