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.image.png1.2 MB
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
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