This 1930 Ford Model A roadster is said to be an authentic, 50’s built hot rod recently discovered after half a century in storage. Original Ford sheet metal has been channeled and dropped over a late 30’s to early 40’s Ford chassis with hydraulic brakes, and though originally fitted with a tri-power Olds (included separately), it’s recently been fitted with a 24 stud flatty but will need finishing work prior to driving. Find it here on eBay in Orange, California with reserve not met.

Originally from the Jersey Shore, we dig the East Coast style motorcycle rear fenders and find its proportions and detailing equally well-executed. Rust is claimed to be limited to some surface corrosion on the driver’s door, and the car wears a cool, time-worn patina that should ideally be retained.

We’d cover it in matte clear and drive it as-is, though wouldn’t be entirely against an amateur, garage-done respray–this thing was never meant to be a show car, and so it should remain.

Underneath the well-kept, factory Ford softtop, the interior wears cool tuck and roll blue vinyl on the doors, seats and kick panels, and though originality isn’t mentioned we assume it dates from the car’s 50’s era build. Modern-type swing pedals are a nice touch, as are Stewart Warner gauges and the old-style Buick tach. A banjo wheel would be ideal, though the generic speed shop item currently fitted isn’t terrible. Note the missing shift lever–we think a long, S-shaped item with a big art glass knob would be perfect.

Fitted with a 327 SBC and Muncie 4-speed when found, the previously mentioned and original Olds motor was found in the trunk. Since fitted with a 40’s Ford flathead, we think it’s a better match than Chevy power but the Oldsmobile would be an equally good fit, especially if like your hot rods scary and loose.

Provided you’re handy with a welder and have the hand tools, finishing this one up shouldn’t be too much of a challenge, but still enough of one to allow its next owner to say they played an honest part in its history. Once done, a pilgrimage to the Jersey Shore for TROG sounds like a good shakedown.