Rotisserie Built Wild Rods Roadster EFI LS1 V8 700R4 4 Speed Automatic A/C

One day we might look back and consider today the zenith of street rodding. With an endless assortment of components, a deep pool of talent and many ways to fuse the two together, the possibilities are simply limitless. And the best part is: modern rods can be as driver-friendly as production cars while offering twice the style. The culmination of custom leather, a professionally polished profile and small block Chevrolet power, this spectacular roadster is about a nice as hot rods come. And with modern audio, Vintage Air climate control and a custom undercarriage, it's a fully sorted cruiser that's ready for years of enjoyment. Want to view the street rod scene from the best seat in the house? Take a close look at this awesome Ford!

BODYWORK/TRIM

Sourced from Wild Rods of Granada Hills, California, this hot roadster's quality fiberglass body was super clean before its 6-figure build even started. But nonetheless, the car was subjected to a full, ground-up massage that included hours of labor-intensive prep. Naturally, that dramatic attention to detail was highlighted in equally dramatic 2-stage, which reflects bright Viper Red pigment. And today, with an undeniable nod to timeless Ford design, this classic rolls as a banner show piece that celebrates the best virtues of modern street rodding.

Thanks to high quality trim and first-rate form, this hot rod really puts the “cool” in old school. At the front of the car, Ford-cased H4 headlights frame a polished and streamlined grille. At the sides of the car, shaved doors found painted “Thirty7” themed pinstripes between smooth running boards and sculpted, LED-lined mirrors. At the top of the car, a removable hardtop seats tinted glass and tight tan canvas behind a tinted windshield and small stainless wipers. And out back, a shaved decklid shades a polished tag bracket and flush-fit LED taillights.

ENGINE

Peek under the car's clamshell hood and you'll find 5.7 liters of LS1 V8 that makes over 300 horsepower! Straight from the factory, the proven mill combines a sturdy aluminum block with lightweight aluminum heads, coil-near-plug ignition and aluminum flat top pistons to create razor-sharp throttle response and a torque band that's as wide as Texas. At the front of the engine, polished serpentine components spin a polished AC compressor, a coated water pump, and a polished and color-keyed alternator behind an “LS1” branded air cleaner. Once air enters that cleaner, it flows through a polished throttle body to a polished intake, which is bolted down over completely stock internals. High-octane fossils are provided by GM electronic fuel injection. Sparks are sequenced through fresh Taylor plug wires. Spent gases roar through a slick pair of block hugger headers. And cooling comes courtesy of a beefy Walker radiator that centers a large puller fan beneath a “V8” branded cap. Aesthetically, both the Viper Red mill and its assortment of bright accessories seem right at home inside their smooth, body-matched frame. And details like polished hardware, polished fluid lines, a polished Wild Rods cowl and color-keyed fuel rail covers ensure this Ford has the looks to match its performance.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

This custom's pert profile and proven powerplant roll on a polished and painted chassis that's been assembled to exacting standards. The spry small block torques a dressed and painted 700R4 4-speed, which spins a polished driveshaft that's threaded to a polished Ford 9-inch. That custom drivetrain pushes a polished 4-link suspension that's fitted with adjustable air bags. Opposite that 4-link, a polished independent front-clip employs tubular control arms and two more adjustable air bags. Turns come courtesy of power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering. Quick stops are a cinch thanks to polished Wilwood calipers, which utilize a Wilwood proportioning valve to clamp two vented rotors and two solid rotors. At the center of the floor, polished exhaust pipes breathe through polished, glasspack-style mufflers while braided fluid lines drain a polished fuel tank. At the corners of the chassis, stylish Colorado Custom blades turn 235/40ZR18 Fulda Carat Extremos in front of 295/45R20 Toyo Proxes S/Ts. And everything, from the car's polished oil pan and chrome-trimmed starter to its small transmission cooler and color-keyed brake booster, is well-planned, well executed and ready to roll!

INTERIOR

Pop this classic's suicide doors and you'll find a custom leather interior that perfectly matches the aforementioned hardtop. At ground level, leather flooring floats piped and color-keyed mats beneath billet foot pedals. At the center of that plane, plush seats frame a custom console, which centers a small Lokar shifter behind an Alpine CD player and Vintage Air climate control. At the front of that island, a Snoopy-themed dash frames Dakota Digital telemetry under a billet rearview mirror. At the sides of that dash, custom door panels front modern power windows with billet handles and contoured door pulls. In front of the driver, a neat Colorado Custom steering wheel laps a polished, tilting column. And behind the cockpit, a surprisingly large trunk is lined in a full outfit of leather.

Despite the availability of components, building a quality street rod that looks, runs and drives as it should is still a serious undertaking. The builders of this Ford didn't cut a single corner, and it shows from every angle. With all the right parts, and tasteful looks that will always draw a crowd, this slick little roadster would be a great addition to any garage. Don't miss the chance to park it in yours!

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SUMMARY

* 5.7 liter GM LS1 V8 / Over 300 horsepower
* GM 700R4 4-speed automatic transmission
* Custom leather interior / Removable hardtop roof
* Vintage Air conditioning / Modern audio
* Wild Rods fiberglass body / Viper Red paint / Custom pinstripes
* 18 and 20-inch Colorado Custom wheels
* Custom suspension / Equipped with air ride
* Power rack-and-pinion steering / 4-wheel power disc brakes
* Polished Ford 9-inch rear axle
* Fully polished exhaust