1935 Ford Roadster
HIGHLIGHTS
Originally Built for Esteemed Collector Bruce Leven
Cost no Object Build by the Renowned Pinkee’s Rod Shop
Fresh H&H Flathead Engine with SCoT Blower and Twin Strombergs
An Amazing Roadster ready for Show or Events
SPECIFICATIONS
VIN - 181345788
Engine – 296 cu. in V8 with Roots-Style Supercharger
Gearbox – T-5 5-Speed Manual
Drivetrain - Front Engine, RWD
PRICING INFORMATION
Price - Please Inquire
OVERVIEW
Derived from the unique and innovative convergence of used up 1930s cars and underfinanced youth seeking low-cost methods to liven up their otherwise boring 1950s lives, Hot Rodding emerged as one of the most dominant automotive sub-cultures of the 20th century. Though times and money have changed hot rodding over the past 70 years, the commitment and enthusiasm has only grown. Among the many significant participants in contemporary hot rodding, top names associated with premium builds have led the way, offering the latest and most advanced features, new designs, and powerful engine packages specifically developed for both show and go.
This one-of-a-kind 1935 Ford Roadster was commissioned by renowned performance enthusiast and racing driver Bruce Leven at a reported cost of $450,000. Determined to build a unique roadster to the finest specifications, Leven contacted award-winning Hot Rod builders Pinkee’s Rod Shop in Windsor, Colorado to hand build this car. Pinkee’s are credited with building some of the very best rods in recent history including winning the coveted Detroit Autorama Ridler Award, the AMBR (America’s Most Beautiful Roadster), and Grand National Roadster Show Builder of the Year, to name just a few of their top awards.
As with so many of his premium builds, Leven approached the design and build process with an open checkbook, choosing the very best in construction and build details. The Pinkee’s build team began the project using a set of 1935 steel chassis rails. The rails were boxed for added strength and custom-made cross members were welded in to improve structural rigidity. Independent front suspension with upper and lower tubular A-arm configuration was supplied by Heidts while a traditional Ford 9” rear axle was fitted with coil-over shock absorbers, chrome parallel four bar link suspension, and finished off with Wilwood disc brakes at all four corners. Under the hood, the Ford theme continued with a 296 24 stud V8 Flathead featuring Navarro heads, Isky camshaft, JE pistons, and a host of other specialty performance features. The original engine build was completed with a vintage style McCullough blower.
Subtle changes to the traditional bodywork included cleverly raking the body to achieve a forward leaning stance, lowering the profile, and tailoring the fender line dropped over the chassis. The dramatic stance sits on larger diameter rear wheels enhanced by smaller profile front wheels tucked under the fender arches. Finished in 1955 Porsche “Stone Grey” paint, the project concluded shortly after Leven had unfortunately passed away.
The current owner purchased the car in 2018, driving it briefly until commissioning Kindig It Design of Millcreek, Utah to upgrade the engine with a fresh build performed by experts at H&H Flatheads, installing a more powerful SCoT type blower (the original McCullough blower is included with the car) fed by a pair of traditional Stromberg carburetors. The build itself, costing more than $40k when completed, was well worth the effort as this set up not only improved reliability, it also added more power to the freshly rebuilt flathead. Dave Kindig enjoyed the car so much, it ended up being featured in an episode of his TV show, Bitchin’ Rides, in late 2022.
With just 235 miles indicated since the build was completed, this Ford Roadster presents essentially as a fresh build with exceptional details, stunning finishes, and unique features throughout. The quality of the exterior finishes is exceptional at all levels including the unique paint, matching steel wheels, beautifully vented central hinged hood, chrome plated grille, and chrome bumpers. A low-profile canvas top with a mail slot rear window and rumble seat completes the vintage hot rod look. The panel fit and finish is excellent from the outside hinged doors to the suspended headlights. The distinctive Ford belt line gracefully carries the upper body contour from the grille to the trailing circular rear avoiding fussy trim or unnecessary accessories, elegantly accented by suspended taillights on the trailing side of the rear fenders. The look is clean, hunkered down, and perfectly stanced on “big and little” whitewall tires.
The interior is also expertly finished and features a full-width bench seat covered in hand stitched premium black leather. The wide pleat theme continues onto the door panels while beaded-edge charcoal carpeting finishes off the cabin. The dashboard houses three main gauges, a glove box, and a cast aluminum drop down column support fronted by a traditional banjo type steering wheel. A vintage heater box sits below the dashboard – one of many detailed design elements which are beautifully prepared from the wiring to the painted metal structure and suspended foot pedals. Every corner of the car is a delight of uniquely built items carefully selected and artfully finished. Even the chrome plated convertible top bows, the side panel interior trim lining the rumble seat, and the carefully selected hardware are all hallmarks of hot-rodding excellence constructed under a unified vintage design theme.
Under the hood, the polished Navarro heads and matching polished blower are immediately striking atop the flathead V8 engine. Here too vintage details are carefully selected to convey the very best in both performance and design excellence. The handmade air intake, vintage features, artfully finished components, and performance details come together in a unified composition. With just as much attention to mechanical detail on the topside finishes, the underside of this hot rod is exemplary in every respect. Finishes are essentially new, coatings are refined, and even the more typically found wires or lines have been carefully guided and laid out to deliver precision quality at every corner.
With a freshly built engine, this roadster is ready for hot rod events, tours, or premium custom/hot rod arena shows. Offering excellence in design, from the award-winning Pinkee’s Rod Shop, and powered by the very best in vintage performance this 1935 Ford Roadster is ready to deliver 90 more years of American hot rod excitement and street performance.
Please contact Jason at +1-206-355-7727 for more information on this vehicle.
