Skip to main content

283-Powered Ford Highboy Roadster Hot Rod

This Ford roadster hot rod was built by the seller’s father using a Brookville Roadster ’29 Ford steel body and a fabricated frame. Completed in 2025, the build was carried out at Roberts Collision Center of Clearwater, Florida, and power comes from a 283ci Chevrolet V8 with ported-and-polished aluminum cylinder heads, a four-barrel carburetor, and an Edelbrock intake manifold. The car rides on a front drop axle with disc brakes and hairpin radius rods as well as a triangulated four-link rear setup with adjustable coilovers. The engine is linked to a TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end, and other highlights include 15” wire wheels, tan upholstery, a Lokar shifter, and white-dial gauges in a polished bezel. This Highboy roadster hot rod is now offered by the seller on behalf of the owner with a clean Florida title.

The Brookville Roadster steel body and boxed steel frame are finished in BASF Glasurit blue paint and clearcoat. Exterior details include a polished grille insert, black headlight buckets, a tilt-out windshield, and LED taillights.

Cream-finished 15” wire wheels wear polished hubcaps and are mounted with 165-series Firestone F-560 tires up front and 255/70 Firehawk Indy 500 units out back. The car rides on a drilled front drop axle supported by a transverse leaf spring and polished hairpin radius rods, while the live rear axle features a triangulated four-link setup and adjustable coilovers. Braking is handled by a Wilwood dual-circuit master cylinder with front discs and rear drums.

The cabin features a reclining, adjustable bench seat trimmed in Ponderosa Nauga Leather that extends to the door and kick panels, and they are joined by color-coordinated lap belts. Blue carpets with black binding line the floor, and additional appointments include a Lokar shifter, a concealed USB charging port, and red ambient lighting.

The three-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of white-dial instrumentation consisting of a 160-mph speedometer flanked by gauges for fuel level, coolant temperature, voltage, and oil pressure. The six-digit odometer shows 5 miles, which is said to represent the distance driven since the build was completed.

An Optima Red Top battery is mounted in the trunk, which is trimmed to complement the cabin.

The 283ci Chevrolet V8 was built using a cast-iron block sourced from a C1 Corvette as well as ported-and-polished aluminum cylinder heads. The engine is further equipped with a four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock intake manifold, an Accel distributor, coated “rams horn” exhaust manifolds, and a chrome alternator, air cleaner lid, and valve covers. The Cold-Case aluminum radiator is cooled by an electric puller fan.

Power is sent to the rear wheels through a rebuilt TH400 three-speed automatic transmission and a Ford 9” rear end with 3.55:1 gearing. The rear axle housing, driveshaft, and undersides have been painted to match the body.

The car is titled in Florida as a 1929 Ford using the VIN A1782413, which appears on a plaque mounted to the firewall.

Auto Archaeologist Shows Us They’re Still Out There

I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Ryan Brutt being a member of the Moparts.com forum and shoot up into automotive fame. He has a penchant for hunting down decrepit muscle cars, showing us pics and videos, and eliciting oohs and aahs. Now, Ryan has hit the big time as Chicago’s very own WGN-TV has done a profile on the barn find sleuth who profiles old cars.

Ryan and the folks from WGN (picture courtesy of Ryan Brutt)

Truth be told, Ryan has already hit the big time as a contributor to Hot Rod, author of two books, and the most popular display at the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals. Thanks to the “network effect,” car owners have gone from being suspicious of this would-be interloper to welcoming him with open arms because Ryan is honest, keeps his word, and doesn’t disclose private information. In fact, Ryan was recruited to document what may be the ultimate barn find because . . . well, because he’s the Auto Archaeologist!

Lesson learned: follow your passions, be kind, and the universe will open up for you.

Ryan’s Barn Finds display at MCACN

Ryan’s adventures could be random sightings from the roads, inquiries about possible cars in barns, or an invite from a hoarder or owner of a specialized salvage yard—it runs the gamut. Looking at Ryan’s output, you’ll notice with amazement that there are a lot of very rare cars that people have sitting on dirt.

In other words, they’re still out there!

Click on this screen shot to view WGN’s profile on Ryan

If you’re interested in following Ryan on social media, click here for his Facebook feed, here for his Instagram feed, and here for Auto Archaeology on YouTube.

Here’s to Ryan for a job well done!

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible 350/300

Currently listed on AutoHunter is this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray convertible. It’s powered by its rebuilt original Turbo-Fire 350ci V8, which is paired with a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic. Finished in LeMans Blue and equipped with a white convertible top over a Bright Blue vinyl interior, this C3 is now offered by the Texas-based seller with a body-color hardtop, service records that go back to 1980, and clear title.

The curvy exterior is covered in LeMans Blue paint and equipped with chrome bumpers, pop-up headlights, front fender gills, chrome mirror housings, rear antenna, and dual exhaust outlets. The white manual soft top fits underneath a body-color tonneau cover.

This Stingray glides on a set of 15-inch Rally wheels and new 255/60 Hankook Kinergy ST radial tires.

Inside, this third-generation Vette has Bright Blue bucket seats and components. Features include manual windows, air conditioning, updated Kenwood AM/FM/cassette radio, and center console.

Instrumentation consists of a 160-mph speedometer, 7,000-rpm tachometer, and gauges for the fuel level, water temperature, oil pressure, and battery. The analog odometer shows 50,989 miles, but the title indicates this vehicle is mileage-exempt.

Under the hood is the original L48 Turbo-Fire 350ci V8, which was factory-rated at 300 horsepower. The small-block was rebuilt in 2017 and comes equipped with a new Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor, intake manifold, distributor, and battery. The refreshed engine delivers its output to the 3.08:1 rear end through a Turbo Hydra-Matic three-speed automatic transmission. Four-wheel power disc brakes keep that power in check.

You have the power to make this Corvette yours, but only if you bid in time. Do that now – the auction for this 1969 Chevrolet Corvette convertible ends on Friday, April 18, 2025 at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery

These are the 7 Concept Vehicles at the 2025 Easter Jeep Safari

Every spring, Jeep owners and off-road enthusiasts head to Moab, Utah for the Easter Jeep Safari. This year marks the 59th running of the event, which takes place April 12-20, 2025. Consider it one long Jeep love fest filled with wheeling, lessons, repairs, and memories. Jeep always makes sure to return the love by arriving with a variety of concepts that show new parts and different spins on past and current vehicles. This year’s batch of Easter Jeep Safari builds made in collaboration with the specialists at Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) consists of the following.

Convoy
This military-inspired rig pays homage to the J-Series trucks with its distinctive nose and features a 12,000-pound Warn winch, brown canvas half doors, matching top and bed canopy, and high-clearance fender flares over a set of 17-inch Warn wheels surrounded by 40-inch BFGoodrich Krawler tires.

Bug Out 4xe
Overlanding can be heavy if you bring too much stuff. The Bug Out 4xe is all about lightening the load, which explains its half doors and lack of rear windows. To make getting away from it all easier, the Bug Out 4xe has integrated auxiliary battery packs, 12-inch body extension with a flat rear floor to provide shelter from the elements, and attachment points for a sleeping hammock.

Rewind
Many Jeep builds are inspired by Jeeps from WWII. That’s not the case here. The Rewind is a throwback to the 1980s and ’90s. That’s why it’s covered in Grimace purple and colorful graphics, with the interior featuring custom retro print inserts. There’s even a vintage car cell phone (perhaps next year’s EJS will have a rig inspired by Cher Horowitz’s YJ in “Clueless”).

Wrangler 4xe Blueprint
According to Stellantis, the Blueprint concept is “a rolling catalog of factory-tested and factory-backed items from Mopar and Jeep Performance Parts. Carrying more than 35 accessories finished in contrasting Mopar Blue and labeled with QR codes, each provides a live link to the Mopar eStore consumer website for specific part numbers, specifications, and options to purchase.” Those parts include a two-inch lift kit, rock rails, Rubicon steel bumpers, snorkel, and tailgate table.

Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Sunchaser
Sometimes an outdoor adventure can take all day and night. The Sunchaser is ready for those long hours with a two-inch lift, roof rack, and concept parts such as the vented high-top steel fender flares, side storage boxes, and Mopar ILLUMINAT3 off-road pivoting light bar.

Gladiator Rubicon High Top Honcho
Jeep gave its modern pickup 1970s-style graphics along with white steel wheels, 40-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 rubber, Dana 60 axles, an AccuAir adjustable air suspension, and bed roll bar.

J6 Honcho
To make this 1970s Jeep Honcho tribute, the build team converted a Gladiator into a two-door pickup with a six-foot bed “box” area. Additional modifications include several custom parts: a triple-hoop front bumper with TYRI lights, flat steel fender flares, rock rails, roll bar with forward- and rear-facing TYRI lights, and rear spare tire carrier.

If you happen to be in Moab, you can see all of these concepts at the Walker Drug store April 14-18. To learn more about these one-offs and the 59th annual Easter Jeep Safari, visit the Stellantis media site by clicking here.

What Cars Used These Engine Badges?

Below are four badges used by various manufacturers to show what engine was powering a particular car. They each belong to a vehicle that is currently listed for sale on AutoHunter or ClassicCars.com. Can you tell us to which car they belong?

In the Comments section below, list the model year, make, and model. If you need a hint, you can click on any image.

Click on a photo to reveal each car

Every Tuesday, you can find a car puzzle at The ClassicCars.com Journal. Once you’re done with this one, you can test your knowledge with previous games.

Pick of the Day: 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet

“If you could own any car in the world, what color would you choose?” said a magazine advertisement from Porsche in 2001. “Not another car in the world could feel like this. Explosive, yet smooth to the redline.”

The Pick of the Day is a low-mileage 2001 Porsche 911 Carrera cabriolet listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Fort Myers, Florida. (Click here to view the listing)

“One of the finest examples of this model anywhere,” the listing begins. “Immaculate original paint. Not a single stone chip.”

The “996” was the fifth iteration of Porsche’s iconic 911 sports car. It was produced from 1997 through 2006, so it is now approaching classic status. Much like we’ve seen via the widespread “RADwood” movement for 1980s and 1990s cars, there is rising collector interest in vehicles from the early 2000s. In particular, well-maintained examples with lower miles are hot-ticket items. Luckily for you, this car checks both of those boxes.

As one would expect from a high-end brand like Porsche, the car is well appointed via heated and power-adjustable seats, a Harman Kardon audio system and automatic climate control. The instrumentation in the 911 was built around an emphasis on performance, which explains why the 8,000-rpm tachometer was front and center in the display.

Power comes from a naturally aspirated, rear-mounted, 3.4-liter flat-six mated to a six-speed manual transmission. Porsche rated the powertrain at 296 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque when new, and one of the key engineering features of the engine was its “VarioCam” variable valve timing. This technology adjusts the timing of the intake camshaft to vary the opening and closing of the valves. As a result, performance was enhanced and fuel efficiency was improved. Modern Porsches still use a version of the same feature.

The car’s odometer shows 27,488 miles, and the seller calls out some specific maintenance notes: In particular, the IMS (or intermediate shaft) bearing has been replaced. The bearing is a known failure point in certain water-cooled Porsche models from the millennial era, so having the work already completed adds to peace of mind.

When it was new, the 2001 Carrera coupe carried an original retail price of about $67,000. The asking price for this low-mileage classic version is $35,500. So, if you’re in the market for a silver bullet, look no further. Better yet, make it Meridian Metallic.

Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com

350-Powered 1940 Ford Tudor Gasser Drag Car

This 1940 Ford is believed to have been first built as a D/G “Gasser” drag car around 1959 by Gene Kitcha and his partner, Bob Hodge, who then raced the car in a blue livery in Washington. In that guise the car is claimed to have achieved a best trap time of 12.62 seconds in the early 1960s, and it set a D-class record in 1964 at 12.92 with a 104.65 mph according to the seller. Roy Hardin and Clark Smith purchased the car as a rolling chassis in 1964, refinishing it in brown with a new sponsor hand-painted on the sides. Now equipped with a custom 265-based race motor with Hilborn mechanical injection, the car was moved to C-class competition and raced through 1965. After again trading hands the car was stored until the mid 2000s, at which time it was gone through and fitted with a 350ci V8 with an Edelbrock cross-ram intake and two Holley carburetors. It retains its 1960s livery and also has a ’37 Cadillac three-speed, modified suspension and brake components, magnesium Torq Thrust front wheels, and more as described below. Acquired by the current owner in 2012, this 1940 Ford Tudor Gasser is now offered on their behalf with spare parts, the as-raced 1960s built V8 on a stand, and a clean Michigan title.

The car was raced with a blue livery in the early 1960s, and according to the seller the hand-painted Hardin & Smith livery on the brown paintwork was applied after the pair purchased the car as a rolling chassis in 1964. It was raced as number 288 in the C/G class in Washington through 1965, clocking mid-13-second passes.

The rear fenders have been radius cut to allow for clearance of the rear wheels, which were sourced from a ’57 Ford pickup.

A Deluxe front end was installed and the bumper was removed. The hood has cutouts either side.

Torq Thrust-style 15×3.5″ magnesium wheels are mounted with Ansen nuts, and the tires are Union 76s up front. Out back are 15×9.00 M&H Racemaster slicks. Suspension and braking modifications include the following according to the seller:

  • ’46 Ford front axle raised 6″
  • ’46 spindles with ’40 Ford drums
  • Modified spring perches and altered wishbones
  • Modified mounts for ’59 shocks
  • Cut and sandwiched ’40 leaf springs
  • 9′ ladder bars connected to the frame

The rear seats have been removed, and the front seats are covered in black vinyl. Tuck-and-rolled black vinyl also covers the firewall. The pedals and master cylinder are from a ’55 Chevrolet.

A custom cluster with a trio of Stewart Warner gauges was installed in the ’40 dashboard. The steering wheel and column were both sourced from a ’40 pickup. There is no odometer.


Two batteries are mounted in the trunk, one of which is earmarked for starting. The gas tank has been removed and replaced with a filler, and a weight bar was added out back.

To recommission the car for use, a 350ci V8 was installed in 2007. It is topped by an Edelbrock cross-ram intake with two Holley carburetors. The engine is mounted 14″ back in the chassis with a hand-built front plate.

The seller tells us the stand-mounted engine that was removed is in as-raced condition from 1965. It is based on a 265ci block that was blueprinted, balanced, and bored .030″-over and fitted with the following:

  • Forged pistons with a 13:1 compression ratio
  • Mickev Thompson aluminum connecting rods
  • Harland Sharp roller rockers and chromoly pushrods
  • .520-lift roller camshaft
  • Double-roller timing chain
  • 327-specification ported-and-polished heads
  • Baffled oil pan
  • High-pressure oil pump
  • Vertex magneto
  • Independent bank cooling with two temperature gauges

Topping the engine is a Hilborn mechanical fuel injection system and finned valve covers. Custom square-port headers are also mounted.

The transmission is a ’37 Cadillac/LaSalle three-speed linked to a Cadillac slip yoke on a heavy-duty tube with mechanical universal joints. The rear axle is a ’56 Ford pickup Dana 44 with Jeep-sourced gears and machined axles, according to the build details.

Memorabilia and a build summary are included.

The car is titled as a 1940 Ford Two Door using VIN 185728256, which the seller cannot locate on the car.

Check out the new hot rod gear at the BaT Store!

350-Powered 1940 Ford Coupe Hot Rod

This 1940 Ford coupe was built into a hot rod by a previous owner, who installed a 350ci V8, a three-speed automatic, and a 10-bolt rear end as well as a Mustang II-style front end and a custom interior. It was acquired by the seller in 2019, and work since that time consisted of fitting a power steering system, a tilt wheel, and air conditioning as well as replacing the coil and starter. This ’40 Ford coupe is now offered with a clean Louisiana title in the seller’s name.

The car was repainted blue by a previous owner, and it has a Deluxe front end and a steel body.

It rides on red-painted steel wheels with whitewalls. The front end is a disc-equipped Mustang II-style setup with power steering added by the seller.

An Alpine stereo is mounted in the glove box, and two jump seats are provided behind the blue split bench. Air conditioning was installed by the seller.

A retro-look cluster was added, and the seller has added 1,500 of the ~29k miles displayed. The seller also installed the tilt column.

The 350ci V8 was fitted be a previous owner, and it is topped by an Edelbrock four-barrel carburetor. MSD ignition components and a Powermaster alternator were also utilized. The seller replaced the coil and the starter.

The car has a 10-bolt rear end and a three-speed automatic.

The car is titled as a 1940 Ford using VIN T0615EA.

Check out the new hot rod gear at the BaT Store!

Interesting Finds: Ken Block’s 1977 F-150 Hoonitruck

We’re diving into one of the wildest builds ever to wear a Ford badge: Ken Block’s “Hoonitruck.” Born from the same 1977 Ford F-150 he learned to drive in, this beast’s twin-turbo EcoBoost V6 pushes out 914 horsepower! Features include all-wheel drive, a custom widebody stance, and a one-of-a-kind intake manifold that took over 150 hours to 3D-print. The Hoonitruck has roots in the Ford GT Le Mans program, Hoonicorn DNA, and styling that’s pure Hoonigan. From Texas to the hairpin turns of Tianmen Mountain, this truck has been everywhere. It sold at the Barrett-Jackson 2025 Scottsdale Auction for $990,000.

This video is sponsored by OpenRoad Insurance.
You’ve probably seen recent articles in the automotive media talking about classic and collector vehicle coverage from OpenRoad Insurance. Owners have been flocking to this new program and posting testimonials praising the significant savings and better coverage they received. Some OpenRoad clients even cut their costs in half! Visit OpenRoadAutoInsuance.com today and in about 5 minutes, you’ll see how much you can save.

AutoHunter Spotlight: 1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Two days ago, the 2025 “Easter Jeep Safari” (EJS) kicked off in Moab, Utah. Since 1967, the annual springtime Jeep gathering in in the red rock landscape has evolved and grown. Today, it is managed as a collaboration between the Red Rock 4-Wheelers club, the Bureau of Land Management and the Moab Chamber of Commerce. In addition to introducing attendees to the area’s many driving routes, EJS offers vendor exhibits and vehicle spotlights.

Perhaps most importantly, organizers of the event promote the responsible use and care of nature’s off-road trails: “We work to keep the roads that we have open for everyone to enjoy,” the website says. If you’ve ever wanted to join in on the Jeep fun to see what the excitement is all about, we have the perfect ride get the party started.

Featured on AutoHunter is this low-mileage 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara. The auction will end tomorrow, so time is of the essence.

Finished in Light Driftwood Satin Glow Metallic, the Wrangler shows only 74,130 miles on the odometer and appears to have spent most of its 31-year life on paved (or at least “improved”) roads. Exterior features include a tan removable hardtop, pinstriping, a Warn winch and newer 31-inch Falken Wildpeak A/T tires.  

The “YJ” was the first Wrangler-badged Jeep, produced from 1986 through 1995. In form and function, it was a close successor to the CJ (or “Civilian Jeep”) series. When compared to its predecessor, it offered enhanced creature comforts, improved handling and a wider track.

The CARFAX report outlines this YJ’s accident-free and damage-free history that began in June 1994 in Austin, Texas. Ownership subsequently spanned Texas and New Mexico until the latter half of 2024 when it was relocated to Georgia, where it is being offered by a private seller in Athens – about 70 miles east of Atlanta.

Power comes from a fuel-injected 4.0-liter inline-six mated to a five-speed manual transmission and a dual-range transfer case. The powertrain was rated at 180 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque when new. The oil was changed in August 2024, and the CARFAX report shows some historic service items, including battery replacement and brake work in 2022. In 2016 (nine years, but only a few thousand miles ago), the fuel filter, radiator hose clamp, drive belts and serpentine belt were replaced. The Sahara is ready for Moab!

We recently talked about the “C10 Nationals” as a venue for Chevrolet truck enthusiasts to connect and collaborate. The Jeep Safari works the same way. Regardless of the automotive make or model, there is bound to be a community of like-minded people who are eager to get together. So, place your bid and start planning ahead to join the EJS fun in Moab in 2026.

The auction for this 1994 Jeep Wrangler YJ Sahara 4WD ends Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. (PDT).

Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and a photo gallery