Some builds happen fast. This one didn’t.
For the past year and a half, Dewald Immelman has been pouring time, patience, and passion into a project that’s been silent since 1995. Parked for decades. Forgotten by many. But not beyond saving.
Now, slowly but surely, she’s being brought back to her former glory — one bolt, one part, one late night at a time.
This isn’t a rushed build. It’s a long-term restoration. The kind that demands respect for history and rewards you with character.
The Heart of the Build: 3.6 Straight Six
At the core of the project sits a 3.6 straight six — proper old-school engineering. There’s something timeless about a six in a row. Smooth delivery. Solid torque. Built to work and built to last.
To give it extra personality, Dewald fitted a custom adapter to run a 38 Weber carburettor. It’s a setup that brings back the raw, mechanical feel modern systems can’t replicate. The throttle response is sharp, the induction sound addictive.
Paired with a branch manifold and a free-flowing exhaust, the result is impossible to ignore. Anywhere the car goes, it attracts attention. The deep note of a straight six breathing through a Weber doesn’t just sound good — it announces its presence.
Six in a row. Ready to tow.
A Restoration with Purpose
There’s still a long road ahead. Bodywork refinements. Finishing details. The kind of work that separates a quick project from a proper restoration.
But that’s exactly what makes this build special. Bringing a car back after standing since 1995 isn’t simple. It takes patience and persistence. Every improvement feels earned. Every successful start-up feels like a small victory.
This is not just about rebuilding a car. It’s about reviving history.
The Classic Car Community
One of the most rewarding parts of the journey has been the community.
The classic car world is built on shared stories, advice, and genuine appreciation. At shows, conversations start instantly. People walk around the car, trying to figure out exactly what it is. The curiosity adds to the experience.
To make it even more engaging, Dewald has been collecting different Hot Wheels and Matchbox versions of the car. Displaying them at shows draws even more attention and sparks conversation before people even look at the real thing.
It’s these small touches that make the project extra special.
There Is Only One Oval
For Dewald, there’s only one oval — the Ford oval.
This project represents more than metal and mechanics. It’s about keeping classic Ford heritage alive, about honouring the era when straight six engines ruled the road and cars were built with character.
The build isn’t finished — and that’s perfectly fine.
Because long-term restorations aren’t about rushing to the end. They’re about enjoying every step of the journey.
Six cylinders. One oval. And a story that’s still being written.
