Car Features

Photos by Tony & Carman Matthews

“When I bought the Ford, a fair bit had already been done, but it was missing detail – it lacked soul,” Steve says. “Most COEs I’ve seen are haulers in the States, but I wanted to do something different. That’s where the Texaco wrecker theme came in. Down the line I may set it up as a proper shop hauler, but right now, I’m pretty happy with where she’s at.”

The Birth of a Drag Strip Icon 

The ’41 Americar was small, light, and perfectly proportioned. Originally fitted with a modest 4-cylinder Go-Devil engine, it didn’t stay stock for long. By the 1950s, racers like Stone, Woods & Cook had transformed the Willys into the sweetheart of the quarter-mile, cementing its place in hot rod culture. 

David Blumberg’s Dream Find 

Back in 1961, Ford USA launched the unibody pickup. On paper it was slick. In reality? Not so much. Buyers weren’t impressed and by 1962 sales were tanking. Ford had to move quickly, ditching the unibody design and returning to a separate cab and bed. The only problem? There wasn’t enough time to tool up a new bed, so they bolted the older ’57–’60 Styleside beds onto the ’63 cabs. The lines didn’t quite match, and enthusiasts quickly christened them “wrong bed” trucks. So, while it might look “incorrect,” this F-250 rolled off the line exactly as you see it.

Photos by: Jan van Der Walt.

Initially acquired from an elderly couple, the project began with Francois' septuagenarian father taking the reins. He fitted a Jaguar suspension, overhauled the 350 small block, and completed the drivetrain assembly. Despite encountering imperfections in the paintwork, the Chevy held sentimental value as a project undertaken by his father.

For Cape Town’s Nick Vernon, the encounter was pure chance.

Owner: Byron Geldenhuys

Photos by Ivan Mostert

Article by Ashley Thompson
 

John Jeffery | Miller Speed Shop
Photos by Joe Van Zyl

First thing in the morning, I make the call, and guess what? It’s still available—and just down the road. As I drive over, I can’t shake the feeling. Why is it still there? Is this another wild goose chase?

Nathan’s original plan was to turn the KE30 into a street car using the SR20 turbo four-cylinder engine from his Top 60 Hilux, LOWLUX. But when the team from 1320Video got caught without a car for the Nats, Nathan jokingly offered up the Corolla.

These are the guys known for chopping up Ferraris, tuning Lamborghinis, and turning McLarens into weapons on four wheels. The Race Speed Shop crew aren't afraid to mess with the world’s most expensive metal.

When it Rolled In…