355 V8 TH350 GARLITS INDUCTION UPGRADED SUSPENSION RARE & QUALITY BUILD WOW

This one is just too much fun to pass up. It only takes a quick glance to know this 1950 Ford Thames Panel pickup is not just some classic British commercial-grade economy machine. The slick paint and wheels are just a hint at the mighty motor, upgraded suspension, and custom interior. This is the unique build for someone who knows really cool things come in small packages.

The Ford Thames van/pickup is based on the Anglia - a car that helped put England on wheels. It's a rare sight over here today, and in fact, many British car fans might be keen on seeing an Anglia/Thames at their favorite car show. But don't let them get to close, or else this wild child might make them spill their Sleepy Time tea. After all, the red-hot paint on this one is super-slick. Plus, the expertly deleted bumpers, bright headlights, large dual exhaust tips, LED taillights, and aggressively staggered alloys will make anyone take notice. And of course, those vertical stacks coming out of the hood mean power.

The custom work continues on the inside. There's the comfort of dual individual bucket seats finished in a supple leather. This is a thoughtful look with a tasteful tan with bold red inserts and the Thames name stitched into the seatback. This two-tone nicely coordinates with the door panels, headliner, dash, and carpeting for a uniform presentation that will impress everyone. The double doors of the rear hatch swing wide to give you easy access to the cargo area. So this is great for tailgating. You also get upgrades like a sat nav under the dash and an AM/FM/CD/HD stereo with USB input to plug in your phone. The driver gets a B&M shifter and a sports steering wheel mounted on a polished tilt column. Beyond that is a full set of gauges, including a column-mounted tach - a nice indication of something good under the hood.

The engine bay has been given a full American makeover with a tidy style and plenty of flair. At its heart is a 355 cubic-inch V8. Not only is this five times the size of anything offered in the Thames/Anglia, but that's just the tip of the performance iceberg. This is a built with roller rockers and a mild cam. Those stacks are a professional Garlits Performance IN 600 Street Induction setup (a $1,600 investment alone) feeding an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor and Edelbrock intake. And it exhales with authority and power as headers feed the dual exhaust. So when you put this much muscle in a lightweight package like this, you may just want to paint your own company name on the side of this panel van... then you can use the slogan, "It hauls them all!" The V8 feeds a Chevy three-speed automatic on its way to a stout Ford 9-inch rear. The rear also has adjustable coilovers and meaty tires in the tubbed wells. Up front is an independent suspension and disc brakes for good control.

This a one-of-a-kind that won't disappoint with the smiles it gives you in private, and the crowds it attracts in public. So if you want something distinct, powerful, and absolutely cool, don't miss this English Ford.