2017 Detroit Autorama – February 24-26
February 24-26 is not too far off folks, which means some great cars will be heading to the Cobo Center for the 65th Annual Meguiar’s Detroit Autorama. Fabulous rides like this 1931 Model A Hot Rod are on display during the three-day event. In this video interview, AMIG’s Rick Drewry speaks with owner Pat about how this build took shape. Share it with your fellow car lovers and see if they, too, are anxiously awaiting the 2017 Detroit Autorama.
1931 Model A Hot Rod – “Drives Like a Dream”
With a French flathead engine under the hood, Pat’s Model A is no slouch in the muscle department. It puts out about 200hp and as Pat modestly says, “It’s a very strong car.” For good measure, he crafted his own fuel injection system and added an overdrive transmission to improve drivability. Did it work? “It drives like a dream,” he says with a smile.
How the Ford Flathead Joined the French Military
When did the French fall in love with the Ford flathead?! In the 50s Ford’s French operations merged with Simca, a French auto maker, to produce a line of V8-60 powered military vehicles. Ford eventually exited the partnership, leaving Simca to continue building the flathead engines over the next 40 years. These Ford-Simca engines put the oomph in French military vehicles, powering everything from troop transports to fuel tankers until they were discontinued in the 90s.
French Blocks Invade the U.S.
Today, these steel block beauties are a hot rodder’s dream. The remaining French inventory made its way to the U.S. in 2005 and is currently being snatched up by gearheads like candy treats. The French blocks are better castings than the original Ford models thanks to advances in metallurgy and foundry technology. No wonder Pat chose to get one for his hot rod.
A Hot Rod Legend, Barney Navarro
Pat’s build also pays tribute to one of his hot-rodding heroes, Barney Navarro, by using Navarro parts in his car. A 50s hot rod pioneer who hails from Southern California, Barney spent a lifetime discovering ingenious ways to extract more power out of ordinary engines. He influenced generations of racers with his innovations. Defying conventional racing wisdom, Barney placed a GMC supercharger on a flathead V8 and preceded to clock laps of 147 mph in his hot rod. He made the impossible, possible.
You Can’t Beat This Hot Rod Lincoln
Everyone knows the 50s song that immortalizes a blazing fast, souped up Model A. Bringing a Hot Rod Lincoln to life is no easy task. It is one job Pat and his restoration team took seriously. From the hand-crafted bumpers to the glass and brass gear shift, the attention to detail is evident. An appreciative crowd circles the old-school hot rod, making note of the hard work and trying not to drool on the engine. As Pat wipes an imagined spot off the finish, you can tell he is already thinking of his next build. We’re counting down the days until we to see what he brings to the next Detroit Autorama.
Join Classic Auto at America’s Greatest Indoor Hot Rod Show
Detroit Autorama continues to prove it is one of the nation’s most important indoor hot rod shows. From stunning customs to faithfully preserved rat rods, the creativity and hard work that goes into these cars is inspiring. If you plan to attend the show this February, stop by the Classic Auto Insurance booth and let our friendly staff help you find the right policy for your collector car or classic street rod. With onsite quotes, we can instantly help you insure your vehicle for less. Visit our website at www.classicins.com and see how we can help safeguard your dream car.
