Part Hot Rod, Part Vintage Sports Car, all Unique and Amazing.

Hot Rods are legendary for their rebellious nature. Loud, fast, uncomfortable, and sometimes just plain scary to drive, but there is nothing cooler than a classic Hot Rod. This V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label roadster concept pushes things in a slightly different direction with elements from the vintage sports car world weaved into a fresh, stylish, and amazingly well executed hot rod.

The Vision

With a nod to Deco styling of the era, V8 Speed and Resto worked with Murray Komant to visualize the concept. Starting with a steel 1932 Ford Roadster, the transformation begins to push, pull, stretch, lower, and transform the old Ford into a sporty roadster that is different, but inspiringly familiar at the same time.

The concept is simple… what if a 1932 Ford was intended to be a high-line sports car, rather than an entry level car built for the masses? How would Ford designers and engineers have built an all American speedster to dominate a market held by Jaguar, Bugatti, Cord, Packard, and other high-end, coach-built roadsters? The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label Roadster realizes this vision.

V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label Roadster design elements.
V8 Speed and Resto Shop Black Label Roadster (top) compared with original 1932 Ford roadster profile.

The design combines many traditional hot rod elements, like the chopped top, laid-back windshield, and sectioned body to create the uniquely sleek profile. The body is channeled down over the extended frame, and a custom, sculpted pan smooths the rear view. Hood side louvers are swapped for a polished frame surrounding a precision mesh grille. Narrow wire knock-off wheels recall race cars of the era. Speedy, yet elegant. Fresh, yet familiar. Harmonious and inviting.

Modernized Traditional Power

One thing Ford knew how to do was build a solid V8. The “flathead” V8 debuted in the 1932 model year, with high performance parts becoming available soon after. Keeping with the Ford DNA, the Roadster relies on a Ford flathead, but topped Ardun overhead-valve conversion cylinder heads, fed by a lycoming supercharger. A multi-carburetor, non-supercharged version could be had featuring 8-stack induction. Wrinkle-red coating on the Ardun heads and covers provide contrast to the polished rocker cover ribs, and engine-turned aluminum accents are found on the firewall and in other details. Modern machining techniques, coatings, electronic ignition, roller camshaft, and current-day assembly methods ensure a powerful and reliable driving experience.

Interior Details

Inside, supple leather bucket seats cradle the driver and passenger, while a crafted zebrano wood dashboard displays chronograph inspired instruments for critical functions. Polished aluminum and stainless styling cues combine for a timeless, deco inspired design that is visually pleasing and equally functional and comfortable to drive.

Make It Yours

There is much to share about this stunning project, and we are happy to discuss the build details and start the construction process. Contact the V8 Speed and Resto Shop anytime to chat about bringing the Roadster to life, we are excited to add it to your stable!

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Never Judge A Book…

The goal of this 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon build is to add modern car handling with barely-streetable power from a Ford 427 legendary Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) V8, all while keeping a stock (ish) sleeper appearance. 

A Modern Twist on a Legendary Engine

The elements include a 700+ HP John Kaase built 540-cube SOHC engine, 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, a Roadster Shop chassis and suspension, and great brakes.  The wagon will ride on 17” steel wheels – or Halibrand kidney-bean style wheels, depending on the mood.    The chassis will deliver a slightly lowered, but usable stance.   

A Stock 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon. Or is it?

One of the goals of this custom hot rod 1957 Ford is to make it look unassuming. No racing bucket seats for this one, as it will feature the original style bench seat and steering column mounted shifter. The Ranch will wear an original Starmist Blue and Colonial White color scheme, with a coordinating restored interior.  New Old Stock or restored original trim will be used in all the original and correct locations on the car. The V8 Speed and Resto Shop is handling the build, and it’s going to be an amazing ride!

Follow The Build

The V8 Speed and Resto Shop Team is chronicling the build of the 1957 Ford Ranch Wagon in thousands of photos and videos, and you can follow them all right here. And if you’re inspired, we encourage you to contact the V8 Speed & Resto Shop to chat about your Classic or Muscle Car dream ride today!

 

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817 S. MAIN STREET – RED BUD, IL 62278