Summary

This in-progress project vehicle is a mocked-up rolling chassis without an engine or transmission. From appearances, the modified firewall indicates a modern V8 and enlarged transmission tunnel is ready for an automatic transmission.

Details

Though capable of improving on even the most iconic Detroit body styles (see the Chezoom for proof), Boyd chose not to overpower the graceful curves and sumptuous lines conjured by Ford stylist Eugene Gregorie for the 1940 Ford DeLuxe 5 Window Coupe. Instead, Boyd and his team brought the archaic underpinnings up to the latest standards. The stock C-channel frame has been replaced by a custom-fabricated Bob Drake box-section frame. The stock floorpan has been largely replaced by sheet steel inserts, contoured to add room to the transmission tunnel for a modern transmission. The stock transverse-leaf, live axle front suspension has been replaced by twin chrome-plated tubular steel A-arms and coilover springs. Likewise, the stock torque tube rear axle and transverse leaf spring rear suspension give way to a modern DeDion-style independent rear suspension. The differential housing is rigidly mounted to the frame with twin chromed tube-steel lower control arms reaching outboard to the wheel hubs. Custom tapered solid alloy axle half shafts link the differential to the wheels while Carrera coilover springs support the load. Rear brakes are not yet in place, though the front brakes consist of large diameter discs with aluminum calipers and polished knuckles. The body is entirely made of steel with only subtle touches performed, such as the elimination of the roof seams and drip rails. This in-progress project vehicle is a mocked-up rolling chassis and does not have an engine or transmission. From appearances, the modified firewall indicates that a modern V8 was planned, and the enlarged transmission tunnel seems to be ready for a modern overdrive automatic transmission.