-
Home
- TV Shows
- TV Schedule
- NASCAR
-
Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Games
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
- Home
- TV Shows
-
TV Schedule
-
SPEED Showcase
-
- NASCAR
- Formula 1
- Auto Racing
- Moto Racing
- Cars
- Bikes
- Store
- Social
- Mobile
- Deals
- Videos
- Photos
Automotive Lifestyle
VINTAGE: Hot Rods At Barrett-Jackson
Three divergent approaches to classic custom performance at the Orange County collector-car auction.
This clean 1930 Ford convertible hot rod is a primo example of the custom-car craft. (Photo: Barrett-Jackson)
(This story was originally written by Roger C. Johnson for the Barrett-Jackson Orange County catalog.)
The decade of the 1930s was a milestone in American automotive history, and Ford Motor Company cemented their leadership by producing incredible cars that are admired and loved, even today.
The style and simplicity of these early machines nourished their immense popularity. For the performance enthusiast, it meant they were ideal for modifying – make that “hot rodding.” In the process, this generation of cars actually spawned an entire culture of followers that would eventually grow worldwide and continue to do so for seven decades and counting.
The Fords of the early 1930s may very well be the most beloved pre-WWII cars of all time. The 1930-32 examples represent the very last pre-modern design with their vertical, blunt-looking front ends. When the subject turns to aerodynamics, they stand proud, if not cocky, as the flag bearers for the age of innocence and purity. Those stylists and engineers of the day were perfectly content knowing the car could muscle its way through the atmosphere on power alone.
Yet, this design offered the kind of enduring looks that grabbed the eyes and souls of car enthusiasts right from the beginning. Basic math skills had them realizing early on that by adding horsepower and stripping off weight, these cars could really move on down the road.
The desire to own examples of these early 1930s cars is strong enough today to sustain, if not grow, a constantly expanding and highly specialized hot-rod industry. All three custom cars described here have equal credentials in hot rod tradition, despite dissimilar approaches. If you’ve ever thought of joining a club so exclusive and satisfying that most of your friends will think you’re crazy, we have three beautifully engraved invitations right here.
This all-steel 1930 Ford custom convertible (Lot #356) is a perfect example of the breed. The lovingly created classic hot rod sports a 350cid ZZ4 Chevrolet small block backed up by a stout yet mileage-friendly 700R4 four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Everything rides on a custom Brizio chassis, giving it structural integrity way beyond all cars back then and even most cars now.
This car’s highway manners are further refined with a complete Heidts independent front end supporting disc brakes and coilover shocks. An aftermarket Griffin radiator keeps the engine cool while a Vintage Air system does the same for the car’s occupants. The leather interior helps create the lap of comfort for its lucky owner and passenger.
The external door handles have been shaved in favor of a remote entry system, and the running boards are smoothed and filled in to create a perfectly uninterrupted flow of visual delight. The hood side panels offer the classic louvered effect while providing a subtle view of the power plant to the discerning eye. Oh yeah, those louvers let engine heat escape besides merely looking fabulous.
Everything under the hood is either chrome plated or polished. The classic five-spoke wheels are by Billet Specialties and make a beautiful delivery system for putting the rubber to the road. A custom Sony sound unit has the power to nicely compete with the engine’s exhaust note for your attention. If you’re looking for a hot rod with a touch of class – the best kind of exclusivity – it would be difficult to find a better example.
The decade of the 1930s was a milestone in American automotive history, and Ford Motor Company cemented their leadership by producing incredible cars that are admired and loved, even today.
The style and simplicity of these early machines nourished their immense popularity. For the performance enthusiast, it meant they were ideal for modifying – make that “hot rodding.” In the process, this generation of cars actually spawned an entire culture of followers that would eventually grow worldwide and continue to do so for seven decades and counting.
The Fords of the early 1930s may very well be the most beloved pre-WWII cars of all time. The 1930-32 examples represent the very last pre-modern design with their vertical, blunt-looking front ends. When the subject turns to aerodynamics, they stand proud, if not cocky, as the flag bearers for the age of innocence and purity. Those stylists and engineers of the day were perfectly content knowing the car could muscle its way through the atmosphere on power alone.
Yet, this design offered the kind of enduring looks that grabbed the eyes and souls of car enthusiasts right from the beginning. Basic math skills had them realizing early on that by adding horsepower and stripping off weight, these cars could really move on down the road.
The desire to own examples of these early 1930s cars is strong enough today to sustain, if not grow, a constantly expanding and highly specialized hot-rod industry. All three custom cars described here have equal credentials in hot rod tradition, despite dissimilar approaches. If you’ve ever thought of joining a club so exclusive and satisfying that most of your friends will think you’re crazy, we have three beautifully engraved invitations right here.
This all-steel 1930 Ford custom convertible (Lot #356) is a perfect example of the breed. The lovingly created classic hot rod sports a 350cid ZZ4 Chevrolet small block backed up by a stout yet mileage-friendly 700R4 four-speed overdrive automatic transmission. Everything rides on a custom Brizio chassis, giving it structural integrity way beyond all cars back then and even most cars now.
This car’s highway manners are further refined with a complete Heidts independent front end supporting disc brakes and coilover shocks. An aftermarket Griffin radiator keeps the engine cool while a Vintage Air system does the same for the car’s occupants. The leather interior helps create the lap of comfort for its lucky owner and passenger.
The external door handles have been shaved in favor of a remote entry system, and the running boards are smoothed and filled in to create a perfectly uninterrupted flow of visual delight. The hood side panels offer the classic louvered effect while providing a subtle view of the power plant to the discerning eye. Oh yeah, those louvers let engine heat escape besides merely looking fabulous.
Everything under the hood is either chrome plated or polished. The classic five-spoke wheels are by Billet Specialties and make a beautiful delivery system for putting the rubber to the road. A custom Sony sound unit has the power to nicely compete with the engine’s exhaust note for your attention. If you’re looking for a hot rod with a touch of class – the best kind of exclusivity – it would be difficult to find a better example.
Goodwood Festival Of Speed
LATEST HEADLINES: AUTOMOTIVE
-
GREEN: Porsche Adding All-Model Hybrids
Gas/electric plug-versions of its entire lineup – including… -
AUTOS: Porsche Boosts 918 Spyder Power
The upcoming supercar will produce 887 horsepower from its gas/electric… -
AUTOS: Acura NSX Details Revealed
The rebirth of the mid-engine sports car – now an all-wheel-drive… -
DRIVEN: Jaguar’s Many-Splendored XJ
The British luxury sedan comes in 10 different flavors, with plenty… -
AUTOS: Lamborghini Egoista Launched
The wild single-seat concept car is unveiled at the end of the epic… -
AUTOS: Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Hot Pontiac G8
NASCAR team owner Rick Hendrick helped his driver modify the 2009… -
VINTAGE: A Fast Historic Tour Of France
Vintage race and touring cars compete in the 22nd annual Tour de… - More News
