1929 Ford Model A Hot Rod Roadster

Highlights

• All-Henry Ford steel body - increasingly rare among hot rods
• This hot rod has been painted in dark metallic GM blue-black; a smart elegant colour that has been done to a high standard
• Over 3,000 hours spent on the build by a professor of motor engineering
• Interior retrimmed in Connolly navy blue hide at a cost of circa £7,000
• Imported from Canada in 2015 and now registered on UK plates
• Accompanied by extensive paperwork detailing work carried out in the UK

The Appeal

The model 'A' was a pioneering car in its day, but its impact didn't end when production halted. The motoring world quickly realised that these versatile, plentiful cars were perfect for modification and customisation - and finding one built on an all-steel Henry Ford body, rather than a fibreglass reproduction, is increasingly uncommon. This all-Henry Ford steel 1929 Model A Roadster is a splendid example of a classic American hot rod, constructed between 2007 and 2010 by Wayne Rochon, a professor of motor engineering at a technical college in London, Ontario, who invested over 3,000 hours into the build.

At its heart is a 355 ci Chevy small block producing over 230 bhp, mated to a rebuilt Camaro T5 five-speed manual gearbox with hydraulic clutch.

The original ‘29 Model A frame is fitted with custom cross-members, a chrome front end, and split’ 40 Ford radius rods front and rear. The original frame is boxed with a flat front cross member, a custom centre cross member with a drop-out to facilitate removal of the transmission and a 7-inch kick to the rear to a Model A rear cross member that has been laid flat to mount RideTech coil-overs.

The front end is a Chassis Engineering drop-forged axle, chromed, with RideTech shocks front and RideTech coil-overs at the rear. The radius rods have tie rod ends on the front and 60’s Chevy upper control arm bushings at the rear to eliminate any and all bind. There is a chromed torque arm that prevents pinion wrap and a panhard bar to eliminate sway.

Shipped to the UK in 2015, the car has since been thoughtfully improved for British conditions. The interior was retrimmed by W.A. Ramsey Coach Trimmers in Edinburgh, using Connolly navy blue hide, with traditional hot-rod pleats and extensive soundproofing. A custom navy-blue canvas hood and side screens were also made for inclement weather, and the lucky new keeper will also note the vintage heater from a 1939 Dodge van, and evocative Art Deco instruments sourced from a 1934 Plymouth.
In current ownership since 2023, the car has been used for touring the Scottish countryside and attending car shows, and is stored in a Carcoon when not in use. This is a car built to be driven and is quick, agile, safe and comfortable on long trips - and it comes with the paperwork and provenance to match.

Key Information

• Mileage: approximately 16,500 miles (odometer is inoperative and not currently connected)
• Country of registration: Canada (now registered on UK plates)
• Technical inspection status: MOT exempt
• Technical specs: 5,800 cc V8, five-speed manual, left-hand drive
• Paperwork: Receipts for interior retrim totalling circa £7,000 and a file of paperwork detailing UK-based work

The Detail

• 355 ci (5,800 cc) Chevy small block with ported and polished 461 heads, 9.73:1 Jahns pistons, and Lunatti cam; roller tested and rated at over 230 bhp
• Camaro T5 five-speed manual gearbox, rebuilt with new bearings; hydraulic clutch
• Fi-Tech Fuel Injection with custom aluminium fuel tank, pumps and lines
• Pertronix Ignition fitted within the original distributor casing
• Custom aluminium radiator and stainless steel exhaust manifold
• 12-circuit Rebel Wiring harness with every joint soldered, not crimped
• Front brakes: 12-inch discs with GM calipers and Ford rotors; rear brakes: Ford Crown Victoria disc brakes
• RideTech shocks at the front and RideTech coil-overs at the rear
• Chassis Engineering chromed drop forged axle; chromed torque arm and panhard bar to prevent pinion wrap and eliminate sway
• 8-inch Ford Mustang rear end, rebuilt
• Original 1929 Model A frame, boxed, with custom cross-members and split '40 Ford radius rods front and rear
• The lowered stance has been achieved by the construction of a flat cross member and notching the frame for spring clearance
• Interior retrimmed in Connolly navy blue hide with traditional hot rod pleats and extensive soundproofing
• The matching leather clad steering wheel is removable and acts as a security measure
• Custom hood and side screens by W.A. Ramsey Coach Trimmers (2019/2020); matching tonneau cover and fitted hood cover included
• 1934 Plymouth Art Deco instrument panel with column-mounted Stewart Warner tachometer
• Odometer not currently connected; speedometer needs recalibrating
• Vintage heater sourced from a 1939 Dodge van
• Custom-made aluminium battery frame with rally standard battery and cut-off switch
• Boot fitted with new wood panels, soundproofing and trimming
• 3-inch chopped Brookville windshield with laminated safety glass and exterior rear-view mirrors
• Hub caps from a 1948 Mercury; two new spares included in the sale
• Taillights from a 1941 Chevrolet; traditional hot rod bucket headlamps incorporating indicators
• Some stone chips present in the paintwork from regular use
• Traditional ‘steelie’ wheels are fitted, 15 x 5.5 with 165/80 x 15’s at the front and 15 x 8 with 235/75 x 15’s at the rear
• The rear indicators are discreet amber motorcycle lights
• The vendor describes the underside and chassis condition as very good
• The vendor describes the engine as in good order, as befits a car that has been loved, enjoyed, and properly cared for
• Stored in a Carcoon when not in use
• Total weight approximately 2,200 lbs (1 ton)

BEFORE YOU BUY

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