1937 Ford Fordor Sedan

Description

There are as many different ways to build a hot rod as there are hot rods in existence, but this 1937 Ford sedan shows a slick way to get modern comfort and convenience without having to reinvent the wheel. Using a complete Chevy S10 chassis, which is a neat fit under the little Ford, you get all the upgrades without a lot of backyard engineering. And the truth is, it flat-out works!

The build was completed some years ago, but you'd never know it by looking at the body. The glossy black paint is from the Lincoln color charts and looks excellent on the Ford body. Obviously, this car has been loved and properly maintained ever since it was completed. It's a four-door sedan, but the fastback profile looks sleek and cleverly masks the extra doors, and few cars are as attractive in any form as Ford's Art-Deco '37s. None of the original sheetmetal was altered or cut for the build, so it looks quite stock, right down to the teardrop headlights and wrap-around grille that's painted black to match the body, just as it was in '37. A few chrome bits provide contrast to all that black paint and the accessory fog lamps are a nice touch. In fact, if not for the big chrome wheels, you could probably fool 9 out of 10 people into thinking it was stock. Well, until you start it up, anyway. But we'll talk about the mechanicals later.

The handsome interior keeps the Art-Deco theme alive and uses the original bench seats to achieve an old-fashioned vibe. The striped fabric is in excellent shape and works better than modern leather or tweed in a car of this vintage, and subtle door panels were stitched together to complement the seats. Original hardware, window moldings, and the dashboard are all part of the package. However, you will note that the S10 DNA shows through with a GM tilt steering column and wheel, factory S10 instruments that are all fully functional, and even OEM headlight switches and pedals. The integration is nicely done and while it won't' fool anyone, the workmanship is seamless. Better still, thanks to using a complete chassis, things like the A/C work properly, the controls feel familiar, and the whole car just drives like it's supposed to. There's a modestly-sized trunk out back, which has been fully upholstered with black carpet and carries the battery box, too.

To get the specs on this car, just look up an S10 pickup. From the 4.3 liter V6 (which is 2/3 of a small block V8, by the way) to the suspension and brakes, it has a highly polished, OEM feel. The brawny V6 is a tight fit in the pointed engine competent, but thanks to some careful engineering, it fits and there's decent service access, too. Factory fuel injection means it always starts right up and thanks to the 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission, it actually pulls down decent fuel economy, too (I bet the Ford is at least as aerodynamic as the S10). All the undercarriage components, including the gas tank, brakes, and rear end are S10 so parts and service are easy to find, and the custom exhaust system gives it a great sound that's one part hot rod and one part modern tech. Custom 15-inch chrome artillery wheels with V8 hubcaps are a nice touch and they carry wide whitewall radials that ride and handle great.

A very neat Ford with a cool Chevy secret. Fully engineered and ready to drive anywhere, it's a different route to a familiar destination. Call today!