In the world of custom cars, there are body swaps, and then there are body swaps. This one is the latter. This 1940 Ford 5-window coupe, wrapped tightly around the chassis of a 2005 Chevrolet SSR, is the physical definition of Kar Kustomization at its finest, an ode to mid-century hotrodders with a modern twist.
Kustom Exterior
The design of the 1940 Ford was inspired by the art deco trend of pre-war America with its sleek silhouette, killer V-shaped grill, and teardrop headlights. It goes without saying that this car is gorgeous. But the builder saw something more in this stunning canvas. So they pulled out the torches and blades, then went to work. The body underwent major surgery, widening the center section by six inches to fit over the modern chassis. The bubbly top was treated to a six-inch chop to channel the angry rebel in this ride’s soul.
This car needed to be as clean and mean as the WW2 veteran who would have piloted it. So next went door handles because who the hell needs ‘em anyways!? Trim molding was excess weight and glam for your Dad; this car didn’t need chrome to shine. Its rear fenders were widened and welded to the body. A set of Mini-Cooper headlights were seamlessly molded into the fenders while Victory Motorcycle taillights were formed into the rear fender wells. As with most kustom shops when it comes time to pick a paint job, you have three options. Black, black, or black. And the builder chose wisely with a dual-stage black. These customizations are the perfect way to keep onlookers entranced and endlessly searching your ride for modifications at every show. So when you own this beast, be prepared to spend a few hours with each person as they lust over your hot rod.
A Smooth Ride
Sure, you’d bounce all over hell and back on the original leaf springs in 1940, but that’s what people were used to back then. As an advanced automotive race of classic car enthusiasts, we modify for a better life by having a smoother ride. And for this coupe, that meant infusing a painted and polished 2005 Chevrolet SSR chassis. Up front, an independent double A-arm configuration from the stock Chevy is merged with Ridetech airride suspension for better performance. The rear also rides on the same air ride suspension coupled with the SSR’s five-link system. The SSR disc brakes reside at all four corners with the original ‘05 SSR alloy wheels.
A Modern Cockpit
When this Ford rolled off the assembly line in the 40’s, your interior was classy yet sparse and rather uncomfortable. Sure, they could have bolted in an updated interior, and it would work great. But this restomod has the entire SSR interior tucked inside. That means all modern electronics, updated and functional A/C, a reliable instrument cluster, comfortable electric seats, and more. All the modern world could offer. The rear trunk has also been treated with a fully upholstered interior with leather from Twin City Upholstery.
A Rebel’s Soul
An old flathead would look neat in the engine bay even though it churned out only 60 horsepower. But in today’s world, your great grandpa’s stock motor just isn’t going to cut it. The Chevrolet SSR 6.0 LS engine now resides in place of Ford’s old V8. It’s not that this car has a modern motor swap, oh no, it’s how it’s been swapped. Look through these photos, pinch yourself, and then look again. The effort taken to fit this motor into this hole with such tastefulness is nothing short of automotive artistry. This ride is built to cruise, so the stock build that generates 400 horsepower is more than able to get that job done. A 4L65E automatic transmission is situated between the seats to keep you cruising at high speeds and low rpm’s. The 8.6 rear axle is clean as a whistle and rolls down the road with 3:73 gears, the perfect ratio to whip some ass at a stop light and cruise home later that night.
If Picasso had built cars, he would have built this machine. It’s the perfect cross between a modern restomod and a kustom kar by taking its timelessness and class and updating it with modern sophistication and reliability. And I guarantee you, if you’re great-grandpa is somewhere in car heaven lookin’ down on you, he’d tell you this is the car! So be prepared for when it hits the auction block and fight for this beauty because it’s truly one of a kind.
The Block is Open
Ready to sell your vehicle? Submit your build details directly at BuyTheCar.com/seller/start. To view this week’s active listings and auction inventory, visit BuyTheCar.com.
