Award Winning 3 Window Roadster LT1 700R4

Many of you may recall the '32 Revolver hot rod we had in here a few months ago (you know, the first rod to ever win hot rodding's Triple Crown?). This tight, red rod is based on the same Zipper body as the '32 Revolver, updated with a '33 nose and full fenders. These bodies are designed and engineered from a builder's standpoint, including numerous special appointments such as a 3-piece hood, hood and deck hinges, latches and prop rods, door hinges and latches, and a removable hardtop. They are also fully steel reinforced and include lap and shoulder belt anchors and steel side bars in the doors.

This well-finished roadster is painted a searing Viper Red, which really emphasizes the aggressive custom look of the Zipper body. This car is unique in its combination of components, blending the Zipper body, the full fenders from a '32, plus the pointed, scooped 1933-style grille. Darrel Zipp's high-quality fiberglass work was lovingly finished to a very high standard before a drop of paint was sprayed. Then the bright paint was applied and buffed to an incredible shine before the subtle flame graphics were applied along the splash aprons and airbrushed onto the dashboard. You've probably also noticed the trick 1-piece fiberglass hardtop that is completely removable, painted to match, and is a unique part of the Zipper look. The body shows some signs of being driven and enjoyed (who builds a rod and doesn't immediately go out and have some fun when it's done?), but overall this car is in outstanding physical condition.

The details on this car are what make a Zipper unique. Undoubtedly you've noticed that 1-piece curved windshield, which is a Zipper trademark. It's unblemished. Then there's the billet grille insert, which isn't chrome, but a natural machined finish that looks great on this high-tech hot rod. The taillights have been flush-mounted with the rear pan, the headlights are Zipper pieces that look perfect on this car, as are the side mirrors. Look through the grille at the front splash pan and you'll spot a pair of subtle turn signal lenses that shine through the grille whenever they're engaged. In all, this is an integrated package of a rod, not merely a random collection of parts, that clearly shows a single, unifying vision in its design and construction.

Power is supplied by a reliable and powerful LT1 small block Chevy out of a Corvette, backed by a 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission. Part of a super-sanitary installation, the engine features chrome valve covers and color-matched intake trim pieces that disguise all the wiring and other functional bits in the center of the engine. Notice the clean heater hoses running to billet bulkhead fittings on the firewall feeding the Vintage Air heater system, the chrome strut that holds the hood open, and smooth firewall. Headers are from Hedman, the pulleys were supplied by Billet Specialties, and there's a Tuff Stuff polished aluminum performance alternator. Dig the custom painted master cylinders on the firewall, too, with separate reservoirs for the front and rear brakes for a true hot-rod look. Up front there's a custom AFCO aluminum radiator that easily keeps the hot small block cool.

Underneath is a complete Zipper chassis that has been fully boxed for durability then painted in more of that Viper Red paint. There are billet aluminum motor and transmission mounts, a Wilwood pedal and balance bar for the brakes, stainless steel lines, and aluminum AN fittings throughout. Up front there's a Kugel Komponents Phase II front suspension with polished stainless steel A-arms and coil-over shocks. Out back you'll find an indestructible 9-inch Ford housing with more Aldan coil over shocks. The brakes are from Wilwood with discs all around, including a rear parking brake. The front discs are backed by Zipper's trick aluminum caliper plates that really dress up the brakes. There's also a custom fuel tank out back designed and installed by Zipper just for this application.

For a traditional hot-rod look, a set of big-n-little tires were installed on polished Halibrand-style wheels. Up front you'll find 195/60/14 tires, while out back are some massive 285/70/15 meats, all from BFGoodrich.

The red leather interior is a real treat. The first thing you notice is the killer ’32 dash insert with traditional V8 logo and a set of white-faced VDO gauges. Dig the ghost flames painted on the dash around the insert, and the integrated panel below that houses the stereo system and headlight and heater controls. The steering column is a chrome tilt unit with an aluminum column drop bracket, topped by a Billet Specialties wheel wrapped in more red leather. The seats and door panels are beautifully stitched and embroidered, with a matching embossed flame pattern on the doors. I really like the cut-outs in the door for an armrest since the sills are so high and the seats so low in this car, and the map pockets at the bottom are clever additions. The shifter is from Lokar, and there are new seat belts for safety. Out back, the trunk is upholstered to match, with embossed “V8” and flames in the front and side panels, respectively, and trick billet hinges. Look underneath the lid for another leather panel and yet more embossed flames. The detailing on this rod makes it special.

Documentation includes a big folder full of receipts, including those for the body and chassis from Zipper. There's also a Certificate of Origin from Zipper Motors, a Zipper catalog, and some photographs of the car when it was first finished several years ago. There are also manuals for all the components that went into this build. Note that the vehicle is titled as a 1935 Ford.

Building a great hot rod is always an expensive proposition, and this one uses top-notch components from some of the best names in the business. This particular rod features a body from one of the better companies, Zipper Motors, and they are not in production any longer (Zipper is focusing on their Track-T style bodies now), so it isn't exactly something you'll see at every show. The no-cowl hood, the trick curved windshield and the combination of full fenders, a '32 body and the '33 grille shell makes this a car that will get you noticed no matter where you go. It is already a show-winner, too. Fully documented and nicely finished, this is a rod built to drive and enjoy and is the kind of car that you can simply get in, turn the key, put it in gear, and go cruising. In the summer, is there anything better than a 2-seat roadster with a barking V8 and retina-searing red paint that will draw a crowd anywhere you go? I think not. Call today.