1929 Ford Roadster

We are delighted to be offering for sale a splendid example of a classic American hot rod. This all-Henry Ford steel 1929 Model A Roadster was built by Wayne Rochon of London, Ontario, between 2007 and 2010. Three years and over 3000 hours were spent on the build. Wayne was eminently skilled for the task in hand, being a professor who taught motor engineering at the local technical college.

Our seller, an American who built and raced hot rods in Southern California in the 1950s before moving to Britain, found the car for sale on a specialist Hot Rod site the H.A.M.B. and journeyed from his Scottish home to view the car in person. After spending a good deal of time with the car, a deal was done, and the car shipped to the UK. That was back in 2015.

Since then, our seller has lavished the car with attention, improving the car in many ways to suit his taste and the UK climate. A quality hood was a necessity, as well as side screens too. The interior was completely retrimmed.

Sadly, health issues dictate that the car must now be sold.

This desirable hot rod has been painted in a dark metallic blue-black, a GM colour. Smart, elegant, and clearly done to a high standard, impressive stuff. However, this is not a show car or trailer queen, as they are sometimes called; close inspection reveals some stone chips here and there. This car was built to drive; it is agile, quick, comfortable on long trips and safe. Spend some time looking through our extensive photo gallery or better still come and inspect in person.

The lowered stance has been achieved by the construction of a flat cross-member and notching the frame for spring clearance.

Traditional ‘steelie’ wheels are fitted, 15 x 5.5 with 165/80 x15s up front, 15 x 8 with 235/75 x 15s to the rear. Hub caps are form a 1948 Mercury and there are two new spares included in the sale.

The 3-inch chopped windshield and posts are Brookville glazed with laminated safety glass, fitted with exterior rear-view mirrors.

The petrol filler cap comes from a Triumph Spitfire no less, boot hinges from a 1936 Austin, whilst it is believed the rear licence plate lamp comes from an original AC Bristol Shelby Cobra.

Taillights originate from a 1941 Chevrolet with traditional hot rod bucket headlamps up front through which the indicators function. The rear indicators are discreet amber motorcycle lights.

Especially impressive is the new hood, custom made in 2019/2020 by W.A. Ramsey Coach Trimmers in Edinburgh, using German navy-blue canvas; a fitted cover secures the hood when it is down. There’s a matching tonneau cover, ideal if travelling solo with the roof down.

Side screens were constructed too, making roof-up travel on cold day a much more pleasurable experience. For just such occasions a powerful vintage heater is fitted, originating from a 1939 Dodge van.

The aforementioned trimmers were also tasked with redoing the interior. The finest Connolly navy blue hide was used for both the seats and side panels. Traditional hot rod style pleats were used, the results impressive. Plenty of soundproofing was installed at the same time.

The instrument panel is an original 1934 Plymouth Art Deco piece with column-mounted Stewart Warner tachometer. We would mention that the odometer is not currently connected, and the speedometer needs recalibrating.

The boot has also been fitted out with new wood panels, sound-proofing and suitable trimming.

The leather clad steering wheel is a delight both to hold and behold and as a security measure, it can easily be removed!

Driven roof down, you are wonderfully exposed to the sights and sounds of mother nature and we can only imagine the joy our seller had on high days and holidays exploring the Scottish countryside.

The original 29 Model a frame is fitted with custom cross-members, a chrome front end and split 40-Ford radius rods front and rear. The original frame is boxed with a flat front cross member, a custom centre cross member with a drop out to facilitate removal of the transmission; a 7-inch kick to the rear to a Model A rear cross member that has been laid flat to mount the coil-overs.

The front end is a Chassis Engineering drop forged axle chromed with RideTech shocks front and RideTech coil-overs rear. The radius rods have tie rod ends on the front, a 60’s Chevy upper control arm bushings at the rear, to eliminate any and all bind. There is a chromed torque arm that prevents pinion wrap and a panhard bar to eliminate sway.

As the photos of the underside and chassis of the car show, the condition is excellent, betokening care and attention bestowed on the car in all seasons.

In order to gain a full understanding as to what lies beneath the skin of this gorgeous automotive creation, we feel a list may well be in order:

• Engine is a 355 Chevy small block with 461 heads ported and polished with 2.02/1.64 valves, 9:73/1 Jahns pistons, and a Lunatti cam VDBC 268 (duration 268 x 276, lift 542 exhaust 554 intake). Roller tested and rated at over 230bhp. Approximately 15,000 miles run.

• Fi-Tech Fuel Injection with new custom-made aluminium fuel tank, pumps and lines.

• Custom-made aluminium battery frame, rally standard battery, with cut-off switch (behind seat).

• Stainless steel exhaust manifold.

• Pertronix Ignition in original distributor casing.

• Custom aluminium radiator.

• Transmission is a Camaro T5 5-speed (rebuilt new bearings).

• An 8-inch Ford Mustang rear end (rebuilt).

• Hydraulic clutch.

• Front brakes are 12-inch discs with a 5 x 5.5 Ford pattern. GM calipers with Ford rotors.

• Rear brakes are 96/02 Ford Crown Victoria Disc brakes.

• Wiring is a 12 circuit Rebel Wiring harness with 2 open circuits. Every joint is soldered, not crimped and run as neatly as possible.

• Total weight 2,200 lbs.

• Rear shock absorbers coil-overs currently 175lbs.

There are some excellent photographs in our gallery of the hot rod’s underside, so pause a while and gaze in awe at the workmanship.

The engine compartment too is a sight to behold and as far as we can tell, everything looks to be in mighty fine shape, as befits a car that has been loved, enjoyed, and properly cared for.

The roadster meets the regulations for membership of the British National Hot Rod Association, the NHRA. To join the Vintage Hot Rod Association (VHRA) the rear coil overs would need to be removed, a transverse spring fitted, and the disc brakes replaced with drum brakes. The vendor has been advised by an acknowledged expert that the cost of making these changes would be approx. £1500 plus VAT. Crossply tires are also required. With the appropriate roll bar and other safety equipment the roadster would then be eligible to run in the speed trials on Pendine Sands. Below is an image taken in 2014, whilst in Ontario and before its British re-trim, of it with a rather large trophy!

By now we think you will probably have got to grips with this hot rod’s interesting life story. There is a raft of paperwork accompanying the car, detailing the work carried out on UK shores by our knowledgeable seller.

For example, receipts for the trimming costs are available, the final bill totalling circa £7,000, including the Connolly hides.

For peace of mind, all fluids were checked and changed just last month.

This classic American hot rod will surely impress even the most discerning connoisseur. Constructed to the very highest standard using tried and tested components, it will thrill its lucky driver whatever the journey, or race.

Unique, desirable, and ready for a lucky new owner, we confidently predict a huge amount of interest.

A sale price of between £35,000 and £45,000 is what we expect to achieve.

Viewing is always encouraged, within government guidelines of course. The car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’