Description
I`ve had a few street rods over the years but this is a different level. Built over 30 years ago by long-standing NSRA committee member, Maurice Craig, using a Street Rod Developments body and chassis from another former pillar in the NSRA world, the late Steve Rain, this is one cool Rod. Running a very sweet Rover 3500cc V8 connected to a refurbished Type 35 automatic gearbox, this is the real deal and not to be confused with homebuilt offerings. Correctly registered street rods with provenance are always sought-after and understandably command higher prices accordingly. You only have to look at the build, hear the engine and consider the specification to see why. Interested? Give me a call today -you won`t be disappointed!
The story behind our Rod starts in the 1980`s when Street Rod Developments in the Midlands produced and supplied GRP bodies for a range of Model T evocations. Evidently, a body and chassis were acquired by serial hot-rod builder, Maurice Craig, who subsequently went about creating the Rod you see here today. The full-build specification runs as follows:
Street Rod Developments Model T Roadster Body
Street Rod Developments Chassis
9” Narrowed Ford Mustang Rear Axle
Drop Tube Front Axle
Rover 3500cc V8 (believed to be from a Range Rover)
Crane camshaft
RPi chrome manifold covers
Webber carburettors
Type 35 automatic transmission
Vitesse front disc brakes
Stainless steel safety fuel tank
Centreline alloy wheels
Custom Candy Apple Brick Red Paint
Custom Scallops in Pearlescent Paint
Tuck `n` Roll leather interior
Once completed the Rod was properly registered and appeared at a number of Shows before moving to Co. Down, Northern Ireland. We understand that it remained with Maurice until its sale in January 2002 to a gentleman in Co. Londonderry. We have Vehicle Test Certificates from a Test Station in Cookstown for 2002-2004 but sadly little else before it was sold again (around 2007) to an enthusiast in Hook, Hampshire. Bills and receipts from this period confirm a gearbox rebuild with new torque converter and ultimately the replacement of the gearbox in 2011. Twelve months later the Rod was sold to a garage enterprise in South Marston, Swindon and has remained local to that area for the past 10 years. Notable recent work includes an engine bay rewire to include all charging and ignition parts as required. Since our acquisition, we have replaced HT leads with genuine Unipart NOS leads and undertaken light recommissioning.
The photographs tell the story. The original GRP body is still in excellent shape whilst custom paintwork has retained a deep lustre albeit does have a few age-related chips and scratches. All trim, chrome and glass are excellent as is the cabin, which whilst simple, is functional and surprisingly comfortable. Turn the key and the Rover-sourced V8 fires immediately into life settling down off-choke to a quiet rumble. Once Drive is selected, the Rod moves away swiftly and, on the road, feels balanced and controlled with light steering and well-sprung suspension. Plenty of power is transferred smoothly through the Type 35 automatic transmission with seamless changes encouraging spirited driving. I took the Rod for a spin across the South Dorset Downs on what has been the hottest day of the summer so far. It performed impeccably and other than the flies in my teeth, I loved every minute!
The Rod comes with a full V5C recording it as a Ford Historic vehicle in Red with 3500cc engine, the original Northern Ireland Registration book from 1994, Vehicle Test Certificates from the same period and sundry bills from 2008 to 2015. Basic weather gear (a simple hood) is also included.
A professionally built V8 street rod with lovely provenance. A real stunner too.
Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.
