There are only two kinds of car guys: those who love rat rods and those who hate them. If they’re authentic, I’m a big fan, but nothing is cheesier than a fiberglass replica sprayed up to look like rusty metal. Ditto for “authentically distressed” parts; if you pulled it off a ’32 Ford in a junk yard, it’s cool. If you buried it in your back yard for a month to look old, it’s not so cool. When it comes to cool and authentic rat rods, this ’28 Ford Model A up for sale on Auto Trader Classics is as good as it gets.
First, that’s an authentic body, right down to the faded original paint and “W.M. Roe Post 99” lettering. Someone painted that by hand, back in the 1930s. The frame is from a Model A, but it’s been sectioned and reinforced, and the car rocks a 7” drop. Power comes from a moderately built Ford 302, with custom heads, a hot cam and dual Holley carbs. The transmission is from Speedway Motors, and the power gets to the ground via an 8” Ford rear with 3.80 gears. In other words, this thing would be a blast to launch off a stoplight.
As for the rest of the build, it’s chock full of good stuff. Aluminum was used in the bed and door panels to save weight, and the car sits on 24” Foose Nitrous wheels (although the owner will toss in the original steelies if you want them). The owner’s asking for a very reasonable $13,000, which seems like a hell of a deal for a turn-key rod. Even if you weren’t a fan of the whole rat-rod look, you could certainly dress it up and throw on a coat of paint (though please don’t) for less than it would cost you to build a ground up rod. I’m sure it’ll find a good home, and I doubt it will take very long to sell.
Source: Bang Shift
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
