1959 Ford Pop Hot Rod – Classified of the Week

Hot rods are, by their very their very nature, subjective. A hot rod is built through expression and is deeply routed in personal taste. Seldom is a hot rod built with the next owner in mind. However, there is an overarching style which, if plucked from gently, can produce a hot rod that will appeal to a broader crowd. Maybe that’s by design, or maybe it’s just that the builder has a more subtle take on what a hot rod should be. Take this glorious 1959 Ford Pop for example. It’s a hot rod, no doubt. But it’s got a universal appeal. The metallic green paint and tan interior speak to the classic enthusiast, the V8 engine is universally loved, and those steel wheels with fat black-wall tyres – delicious. It stands out, as any hot rod should, but it doesn’t offend or raise eyebrows. 

Then of course we have the other hot rod consideration. These are cars that people have built, normally at home or in a personal workshop. And if you can, that’s great. But not all of us have the skill or ability to craft such machines. But does that mean those of us confused by the different ends of a spanner should be excluded? Of course not. And that is why this 1959 Ford Pop appeals so strongly. It’s ready to go, it’s pretty much perfect in fact, and there is no spannering required. Just jump in and go. 

This particular Ford Pop is a well-known car on the hot rod scene, having been built a number of years ago. It’s a captivating beast, too. You have the ostensibly classy and understated aesthetic, but underneath that steel body lies a bespoke tubular frame up front, a 327 V8, a C4 transmission, the rear has been tubbed, the whole thing lowered, there’s a bulletproof 9-inch rear axle, Wilwood front brakes, and the fuel for the V8 is kept safe in a custom alloy fuel cell. 

And while there is no denying that this Ford Pop is unique, it’s only unique in a classic sense. It’s not unique to its original builder, meaning you can jump in and enjoy it without people questioning some provocative air-brushed mural, or fluffy dice. It’s also been built properly, as the detailed history file goes to prove. Sadly, there are hot roads out there that are built more with enthusiasm than skill. This isn’t one of those cars. The tubular front end is a work of art, the brakes, the suspension, it’s all… right. It all suits the car and all works as it should.

If you have always wanted a hot rod, this has to be it, surely? Okay, so it might not have the kudos of a ’32 Ford from America, but as a British ‘rod goes, this has to be one the finest on the market today. Fast, beautiful and built with seemingly unending care and attention to detail, whoever buys this isn’t going to want to let it go. So make sure it’s you!