As often seems the way these days, people put so much hard work into building their cars, that once completed, they’re reluctant to take them out of the shed as often as they once did. Bruce Jones, who by day is half of Auckland hot rod building business Rodz Doctr, falls squarely into that category.

After ‘retiring’ a few years back, he soon found his shed at home was full of (more…)

It was nearly eight decades ago that Edsel Ford, son of Henry, commissioned a special one-off machine. It was a 1934 Model 40 Speedster and after having various owners has just been restored and put on show at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in the States.

The unique roadster features iconic styling and was originally penned by E. T. Gregorie. The vehicle has been subject of a number of changes over the years, but remains powered by a 100 hp (75 kW) 4.0-litre V8 engine that was first installed in 1940.

The custom model served as Edsel Ford’s personal roadster and following his death in 1943, toured the United States before being sold for just $603 in 1958. Following the sale it vanished for 41 years, until it resurfaced at the 1999 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Nearly ten years later, the car was sold to a Texas collector for $1.76 million USD. Sadly, that buyer died shortly after the sale and the speedster was returned to the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House which enlisted RM Auto Restoration to restore it to its original 1940 design and condition.  (more…)

With the kiwi dollar enjoying a period of strength against the greenback, many of us are eagerly checking eBay motors in the states to see if there are bargains to be had. Some muscle car searches may have returned this little gem seen above – a Ford Mustang shooting brake.

While the Mustang wagon never got any further than a concept machine for the blue oval, but some enthusiasts have knocked together their own versions. This example was built by oddly named American Joe Ramp and it all looks pretty mint.

Ramp used a 1965 Mustang hardtop coupe as the donor car and proceeded to stretch out the roof and create custom rear side glass along with the fabricated D-pillars. As much of the stock body was retained as possible, so away from the long roof it’s all Ford-built Mustang.

To help shift around the extra weight Ramp upgraded the powertrain by dropping in a 5.0-liter V8 mated to a T5 five-speed manual gearbox. Power is put through to an eight-inch Ford rear-end and 3.00 gears. Custom control arms and upgraded shocks deal with any heavy loads in the rear. (more…)

The Mazda MX-5 isn’t the sort of car we report on at NZV8 but today we have found an exception. Because one keen American car enthusiast has found a positive outcome from what we all fear – a nose to tail crash.

The American owner of the rat rod monster you see above was happily driving his 1996 MX-5 one day when he was hit from behind and his drop-top was wrecked. Instead of just scrapping it he decided to do something a little different. Firstly, he salvaged the engine, transmission, rear differential, gauges, suspension and steering components from the Mazda. He then custom-fabricated a frame from the remains of the crash-damaged car. Front and rear sub-frames were attached, and this allowed for the stock steering and suspension points to be reused.

At this point he decided that his MX-5 reincarnation was to take on a rat rod form and he wanted a filthy look. So he created a grille by turning two 1960′s Ford guard covers sideways and then welded them together. The headlamps were taken from a 1940s era Packard, and the bonnet ornament from a 1941 Cadillac. In the cockpit, luxuries are scarce but there are seats taken from a 1970s Monte Carlo. (more…)

Moonshines Rod & Custom Clubs are hosting their 10th American Vehicle Day this weekend. There will be kids rides, trade displays, food stalls and a band.

Gates open at 10am on Sunday 1st of February 2009 at Trentham Racecourse.

Admission is $5.00 per person and children under 12 get in free.

All American vehicles are welcome, so get your ride down there and check it out.

For more information email Lance Johnston at lanceandcarol@slingshot.co.nz

Tell me you don’t like this car. No matter what side of the fence you are on, you have to admit that this 1934 Desoto Custom Airflow is something special.

This Desoto is current for sale on the DuPont Registry for a mind-numbing $450,000 U.S (NZD$595,000). The owner ‘Butch’ clearly has his eye on the prize for this one, but it will have to be a pretty committed enthusiast to part with that much cash, although this car has taken some pretty prestigious awards including ‘Best of show’ at SEMA Las Vegas.

Here is the info:

Finished in 2006 after 5 year build. One of a kind, all metal body on custom built frame, Air ride Technology, all polished suspension, custom headers and polished stainless exhaust, Colorado Custom wheels, 3312 c.i. (does he mean a 331c.i? ed.) Hemi, 671 blower, 9” Ford rearend, polished stainless fuel tank. Custom gauges by Classic Instruments, all leather upholstery, stereo in overhead console, air conditioning, power windows, bucket seats, center console. Hidden hinges, moulded fenders and running boards, side-opening truck, custom lights. Body has NOT been chopped. Award-winning custom paint by Tommy Carr. Seventy-six total awards including best-of-show, SEMA show Las Vegas. $450,000. Call Butch (541) 218-8983. Portfolio available upon request.

For those with the eyes to appreciate this classic custom bucket, and a wallet to match of course, you’ll know that part of the beauty of these beasts is that they don’t have to sit in the garage dodging dust.

With the customary 9-inch Ford rear end, 350 cubic inch Chevy V-8, custom built. Holly 4-barrel, 3-speed GM Turbo automatic, front disc brakes, Mustang II custom front A-arm suspension, AC, power steering, fuel cell with cap recessed into wood bed boards, custom dash and gauges, custom cloth seats and headliner, Chevy steering column with tilt, oak pickup bed with chromed strips, this Satin Black bone-shaker is ready for pretty much anything you can dish-out…and by all accounts, your bones will be shaken in luxury.

Another beauty for sale in the US. If you are simultaneously scratching your head and your butt right now (in the vicinity of your right-rear pocket), you might want to go and check it out. Price wasn’t available.

For those with the eyes to appreciate this classic custom bucket, and a wallet to match of course, you’ll know that part of the beauty of these beasts is that they don’t have to sit in the garage dodging dust.

With the customary 9-inch Ford rear end, 350 cubic inch Chevy V-8, custom built. Holly 4-barrel, 3-speed GM Turbo automatic, front disc brakes, Mustang II custom front A-arm suspension, AC, power steering, fuel cell with cap recessed into wood bed boards, custom dash and gauges, custom cloth seats and headliner, Chevy steering column with tilt, oak pickup bed with chromed strips, this Satin Black bone-shaker is ready for pretty much anything you can dish-out…and by all accounts, your bones will be shaken in luxury.

Another beauty for sale in the US. If you are simultaneously scratching your head and your butt right now (in the vicinity of your right-rear pocket), you might want to go and check it out. Price wasn’t available.