1946 Ford Coupe Streetrod

Description

Good rods do everything well. You don't have to make excuses for them, you don't need a special sheet to explain to a stranger how to make it run, and they look sharp. This 1946 Ford coupe is a full-sized rod that gets everything right, from the sleek chopped bodywork and functional interior to the fully sorted chassis that just works like it's supposed to.

There's no missing this bright purple Ford coupe, but that's probably a good thing, since rods are all about personality. Not much changed in 1946, and Ford was still selling every car they could build to a car-hungry public, and Henry would still recognize this one even with all the mods. The top was chopped three inches, most of the trim was shaved (including the bumpers), and the windshield was Vee'd, so there's no doubt it's a bit sleeker than original. Fit and finish are good, with great gaps and even that tough lower door sill area lines up right and fits flush. Two-stage paint gives it a bright shine and a deep rich color that will never wear out, and even though it shows signs of use, it still grabs your attention. The pinstripes on the nose and tail are painted on while the graphics on the sides are decals, so you can change the look if it's not quite what you had in mind. Either way, this car gets attention.

A pair of neatly upholstered bucket seats anchor a very functional upgraded interior. The gray and red color combination works well with the purple bodywork, looking even a bit restrained in comparison. Be sure to check out the matching rear seat (which is more like two custom buckets with a console between them), the stylish door panels, and the modified dash full of Auto Meter white-faced instruments. A tilt column fits right in the vintage Ford and with a three-spoke wheel and custom leather rim, it'll be easy to get comfortable in the driver's seat. Cold A/C has been discreetly built into the dash, along with an AM/FM/CD stereo head unit that powers some cleverly hidden speakers throughout the interior. The spacious trunk is upholstered in gray carpet, and offers hidden compartments for the battery and fuel tank, plus lots of room for a week's worth of luggage.

Good rods also deliver plenty of performance, but do it reliably as well, so this Ford received a warmed-over Chevy 350 cubic inch V8 that's been rebuilt and liberally coated in chrome. With just about 12,000 miles since it was completed, everything is still in good order, and you know it's properly sorted by now. Under that twin snorkel air cleaner you'll find an Edelbrock carburetor and intake, along with an electronic ignition system. It's backed by a TH350 3-speed automatic transmission which spins a Ford 8.8-inch rear end from a late-model Mustang. Front suspension is a Mustang II tubular A-arm setup, and there's a disc brake at each corner. It gets that perfect stance from classic 15-inch Torque Thrust wheels wearing 215/65/15 front and 225/70/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

Good rods like this are a special mix of great craftsmanship and quality parts. Get in and drive should be your motto, and this one is certainly priced right. Call today!