Remember those cool rods from the '70s, the ones that filled the pages of the programs at the AutoRama each year? This 1931 Ford Model A pickup is the modern interpretation of one of those cars, a neat little truck with Ford 302 V8 power and lots of style. The pickup is one of the most familiar body styles of the dozens that were offered on the Model A chassis. It's functional yet attractive, a combination that works incredibly well... either as a restored car or a hot rod like this. It keeps all the familiar Model A styling cues, so there's no question what it is, but thanks to some subtle tweaks here and there, it has a definite custom look. The cab is a fiberglass Studley Body while the bed is from Brookville and they work well together. The screaming orange paint certainly helps, and they skipped the flames and graphics, which lets the bodywork simply speak for itself. The body is fairly true to the original, so it has that authentic look but with a few subtle tweaks, it's a bit more comfortable for today's world. Fit and finish are quite good, and it uses traditional tricks like shaved door handles and hinges, a custom rear roll pan with built-in taillights, and a '32 Ford grille shell. You'll also note that the bed floor is beautifully finished oak, adding to the well-finished look. The pickup was never known for its spacious cab, but this one has been skillfully "re-engineered" to allow taller drivers to get comfortable behind the wheel. Most of that is due to a custom bench seat that's been expertly upholstered in brown and tan leather with matching door panels. A smooth painted dashboard replaces the simple Model A piece (that was actually the gas tank) and includes white-faced gauges to monitor the vitals. There's also a wood-rimmed steering wheel, traditional "spoon" accelerator pedal, and plush carpets that make the humble Model A feel a bit more upscale. There's nothing here to slow it down, so they skipped the radio, but it does have power windows and a trick T-handle shifter for the 3-speed automatic underneath. A 302 cubic inch Ford V8 lives under the half hood and it's a neat fit behind the familiar '32 radiator shell. A Holley carburetor on an aluminum intake is a traditional setup, and while it's a bit fussy when it's cold, there's no arguing that this is an effective, time-proven combination. Finned Ford Motorsport valve covers have been painted satin black to contrast with the Ford Blue block, and we dig the all-business look under the hood. There's a big aluminum radiator up front with an electric fan and long-tube headers feed a custom exhaust system that tucks up into the frame for excellent ground clearance. The transmission is an FMX 3-speed automatic feeding what appears to be a GM S10 rear end, which hangs on a 4-link setup and coil-over shocks. Up front there's a traditional I-beam axle with hairpins and a leaf spring, and front disc brakes provide plenty of stopping power. The stance is exactly right, too, thanks to a big-n-little combination of aluminum Halibrand-style wheels and 165/80/15 front and 255/70/15 rear performance radials. A cool little truck with plenty of power and upgrades that make it comfortable for anyone to drive. For those who like to be a little different, this is a great alternative. Call today!