2017 Hot Rod of the Year 1930 Ford Model A Supercharged 354ci V8 5-Speed

2017 Hot Rod of the Year 1930 Ford Model A Supercharged 354ci V8 5-Speed ///

Winning the 2017 Goodguys Hot Rod of the Year places this 1930 Ford Model A Tudor among the most celebrated traditional hot rods of the past decade. Professionally built by Hilton Hot Rods, the all-steel Ford combines a heavily modified Model A body, a supercharged early Hemi and carefully selected period-style components. Its honors also include a 2026 NSRA Pro's Pick, while appearances on the covers of the Goodguys Gazette and Cruisin' Times magazine further reflect the attention the build has received. The accompanying awards and copies of both magazines are included with the car.

The all-steel Tudor body features a 3" chopped top and a pronounced forward rake that give the Model A its aggressive profile. Its elaborate finish draws inspiration from the custom panel-painting techniques popularized during the 1960s, using layered pearl teal and blue panels, fades, contrasting outlines and fine white pinstriping to emphasize the body's shape. A removable snap-in vinyl roof insert fills the Tudor's roof opening, while a painted windshield visor, fenderless body, exposed and polished engine, compact headlights and a body-color 1932 Ford-style grille shell reinforce its early hot rod character. Chrome-plated 16" steel wheels wear polished center caps and staggered Stahl Sport radial tires measuring 5.50R16 up front and 7.50R16 at the rear, creating a traditional “big and little” appearance with modern radial construction.

Power comes from a 354ci Chrysler Hemi V8 built by Ross Racing Engines and topped by a polished 4-71 supercharger. Dual Autotrend electronic fuel-injection units are styled after classic Stromberg 97 carburetors, maintaining a period-correct appearance while incorporating modern fuel delivery. Driveshaft-style headers incorporate capped lakes-style outlets before feeding a polished stainless steel dual exhaust system with inline mufflers, while extensive polished and chrome-plated components complete the exposed engine presentation. A World Class T5 5-speed manual transmission sends power to a Winters quick-change rear end. The Tudor rides on pinched 1932 Ford-style frame rails, complemented by a dropped original Ford I-beam front axle, wishbones and spindles, transverse leaf springs and 1936 Ford-style rear radius rods. Schroeder steering and hydraulic drum brakes complete the chassis equipment, while extensive chrome plating and body-color detailing continue throughout the chassis and undercarriage.

Mikey Seats of New Jersey created the custom two-tone interior, pairing black leather upholstery with turquoise patterned cloth inserts. The treatment extends across the seating, door panels and surrounding cabin surfaces, accompanied by black Daytona carpeting and silver contrasting piping. A Bell-style 4-spoke steering wheel and tall floor-mounted shifter retain the character expected of an early hot rod, while vintage Stewart-Warner instruments are positioned within the painted dashboard and framed by an engine-turned bezel. The upholstered rear cargo area houses a custom fuel tank painted and pinstriped to match the exterior, extending the car's detailed presentation into an otherwise functional component. The removable roof insert can be taken out to open nearly the entire center section of the roof.

Despite its award history and show car presentation, this Tudor was built to cover real miles. Soon after completion, the Hilton Hot Rods crew drove it approximately 3,000 miles round trip from Virginia to the Lone Star Round Up in Texas, demonstrating that the build was intended for far more than stationary display. Its combination of Hilton Hot Rods craftsmanship, Ross Racing Hemi power, national awards, magazine coverage and proven road use gives it the credentials of a serious, road-proven traditional hot rod.

Key Highlights

* 2026 NSRA Pro's Pick
* 2017 Goodguys Hot Rod of the Year
* Built by Hilton Hot Rods
* All-steel 1930 Ford Model A Tudor body
* 3" top chop
* 354ci Chrysler Hemi V8 built by Ross Racing Engines
* Polished 4-71 supercharger
* World Class T5 5-speed manual transmission
* Winters quick-change rear end
* Dual Autotrend electronic fuel-injection units
* Dropped Ford I-beam front axle
* Transverse leaf springs
* Schroeder steering
* Hydraulic drum brakes
* Driveshaft-style headers with capped lakes-style outlets
* Polished stainless steel dual exhaust
* Extensive chrome-plated chassis components
* Removable snap-in vinyl roof insert
* Chrome-plated 16" steel wheels
* Stahl Sport radial tires
* Black leather and turquoise patterned cloth interior by Mikey Seats
* Vintage Stewart-Warner instruments
* Custom body-color fuel tank
* Goodguys Gazette cover car
* Cruisin' Times magazine cover car
* Proven award winner
* Proven road ready
* Approximately 3,000-mile Virginia-to-Texas road trip after completion
* Awards and copies of both magazines included