Ricky Bobby Built Model A Hot Rod 301ci Mercury Flat Head V8 Tremec 5-speed

If blending in is your thing, keep scrolling—this beast isn't for you. But if commanding attention, stealing the spotlight, and owning every street and show is how you roll, then this professionally built traditional hot rod is your ticket to high-octane swagger. Built by the renowned hot rod specialists at Ricky Bobby's Rod Shop in Manchester, Tennessee, this 1928 Ford Model A Tudor sedan has been masterfully transformed into a striking hot rod. Sitting on a custom-fabricated 2”x4” steel frame by Ricky Bobby's Rod Shop, this build incorporates a 1946 Ford front drop axle with coil springs and a four-link rear suspension with coilovers for a low and aggressive stance.

The all-steel body has been extensively modified, featuring a 9.5-inch chop, a 3-inch shortening, and shaved details for a sleek profile. The drip rails were removed and finished with a bead-roll-style design before being coated in deep black paint. Classic touches include 1959 Volkswagen taillights, 1932 Ford headlights, and a fuel-filler access cleverly integrated into the driver-side C-pillar. A removable soft roof covering, supported by wood bracing, adds some open-air enjoyment.

Aesthetically, this hot rod rides on custom wire wheels by Rally America, sized 18”x4” in the front and 20”x5.5” in the rear, all painted black and adorned with bright 'V8' logo center caps. Braking power comes from Wilwood front disc brakes, concealed by finned, drum-style covers, while the rear drum brakes sport Buick covers for a vintage performance look.

Powering this hotrod is a 1949 Mercury 301 cubic inch flathead V8, originally a 239ci, but now bored .125” over and fitted with a 4.25” crankshaft. Performance upgrades include an Isky 400 Jr. camshaft, ported and polished Offenhauser heads, an Offenhauser intake manifold, and dual Stromberg 97 carburetors. A custom “bee-hive” design adorns the air cleaner, coil, and oil filter cover, while open headers let this machine breathe freely. And the 12-volt electrical system ensures reliability. Mated to a Tremec 5-speed manual transmission, power is delivered to a Ford 9” rear end with 3.73 gears for optimal drivability.

Inside, the cabin features diamond-quilted black leather upholstery, So-Cal black-face gauges, and a LimeWorks steering wheel paired with a matching LimeWorks column. A stock-style steering box manages maneuverability duties, while Kugel Komponents pedals, black carpets, a rearview mirror, and hidden switches complement the clean interior. The floor and interior panels feature bead-rolled detailing, and a black-handled shifter completes the look.

This expertly crafted hot rod is a seamless blend of old-school charm and modern functionality, making it a standout example of a custom-built 1928 Ford Model A Tudor sedan. This isn't just a showpiece—it's a driver, a head-turner, and a full-throttle time machine ready to tear up the pavement. Whether cruising Main Street or hammering the throttle on an open road, this bad boy delivers an unfiltered, high-octane experience that only a true hot rod can provide.

Key Highlights

* Ground-up build by Ricky Bobby's Rod Shop
* 301ci stroked/bored Mercury flathead V8
* Ported and polished Offenhauser heads
* Dual Stromberg 97 carburetors
* Tremec 5-speed manual transmission
* Ford 9" with 3.73 gears
* All steel body
* Chopped 9.5", shortened 3"
* Front Wilwood disc brakes
* Hand-built chassis
* Diamond-quilted interior
* Removable soft-top
* 4-link rear suspension
* Front drop axle