There are several 21st century approaches to the traditional Ford street rod. The stylized Oze kits are one variation, while the Downs Nostalgic Convertible is another. The latter version, which was built of fiberglass, is a near-faithful rendering of a 1937 Ford Cabriolet and was formerly offered by Legend Motors Worldwide, of Lawton, Michigan. This car was built in 2007 to exacting standards and features a Cadillac Escalade LS-2 engine that has been fitted with modified cylinder heads, A BBK aluminium intake, and Aeromotive fuel rails. The transmission is a 4L60E Hydra-Matic four-speed unit, and Wilwood four-wheel power disc brakes have been fitted to provide additional stopping power. The body sits on a custom chassis frame, which retains the correct 112-inch Ford wheelbase.

This Ford is excellent in all respects and has bright red paint, soft brown leather bucket seats and interior, and a dashboard with Classic Instruments. It features a tilt steering column, a Pioneer entertainment system, Vintage Air air conditioning, and a power-operated trunk lid. Its chrome wheels are mounted with B.F. Goodrich Silvertown radial whitewall tires, with P180/70R15 in the front and P235/70R15 at the rear. Included with this car is a large binder with technical data on almost all components of the car, which is the equivalent of an owner’s and shop manual and is unusual for a custom car.

This custom car is very tastefully done, with a host of reliable and proven components, and its build quality is fantastic. It would only garner the most favorable of comments out and about.