Tim Finn posted a couple of shots of a fine vintage hot rod, and it’s not a Ford for a change. I’m inclined to say it’s a Plymouth, but the radiator surround must be from something else. It was getting late last night, so I’ll let you confirm or deny. And then there’s the engine.
It’s a great shot of the business side of what is presumably the Plymouth’s 196 cu.in flat head four. If that’s what it is, this is a rare gem to see; I’ve certainly never seen a Plymouth four hot rodded. And the more I look at it, the more i’m sure it’s not that. The Plymouth four had its ports on the passenger side, and other details look different.
Tim, next time you see something like this, please take more shots. I love really old hot rods with their old engines, but I would like to have seen more of this one. One of you will know just what it is.
I Am not An Expert On Hotrods But It Does Look Like A Chevy!
Yeah, Chevy. ’29 era?
Looks like a Plymouth Valiant to me. oh wait………..nevermind….
Nothing says “Hot Rod” like the leaning Tower of Power!
I think it’s an old Willys/Jeep engine.
I agree with Marc-
There aren’t many flat head fours with the the intake and exhaust on the driver’s side, and the engine appears to have an oil pump built into the block (see image).
If so, a flat head with pressure lubrication is even rarer, which should help narrow it down.
For comparison, here’s an image of a Willys block with the pump mounted.
Good work. I’m convinced.
Now what about the rest of the car? Details around the front suspension don’t jive with a picture of a Plymouth I pulled up. But I didn’t get any further last night.
Whatever it is, I’m quite sure it is blocking my view of that nice Valiant.
Yeah I’m thinking Willys. I’d thought maybe a Whippet motor but no. Nice finned aluminum cover for the valve access.
Body looks like a 26-27 model t roadster
Front axle could be a 40’s Ford truck – common with rodders I think, with the leaf springs to match. Hydraulic brakes.
OK, if the engine is Willys, I am thinking the frame might be too. This picture of a 1939 version looks similar in concept in the front suspension, with the exception of the hot rod uses lever shocks instead of tubular shocks. Perhaps an older model Willys like the 77? It would have been a nice short chassis that would probably mate up well dimensionally with a Model T body.
What a great picture. That’s one thing I miss most from the old days of body-on-frame cars, a fully equipped running frame without the body, so you can see all the working bits in one shot. And how they all fit together. Fascinating.
Come to think of it, hot rods are attractive the same way, you can see the works. Like seeing a steam locomotive in action.
It’s not quite the same, as you said, but the likelyhood of it being an earlier Willys frame is undoubtedly very high, given the engine and general similarities.
The Valiant looks interesting. No 2 doors where I come from 🙁
These second generation Valiants are my favorite Exner car, and it’s ironic that Engel’s only change was the addition of the finlets since fins were what Exner will always be known for. I’m more partial to the’64, but this 1965 Valiant is very nice.
I also quite like the hotrod with the not-a-SBC-or-flathead engine. In fact, it’s pretty cool that it’s not a V8 at all.
Just out of high school in 1971, I bought a ’64 Valiant 2 door post, just like the one pictured. Had it painted at Earl Scheibs (Remember them?”I’ll paint any car $29.99, no ups! no extras!”) But i did opt for the $39.99 job. Think it included a primer coat. Had it painted Lime Gold Metallic. Had a bullet proof 225 slant six and 3 on the tree. One of the best cars I ever had in western Pa. snow!
The body is ’26-’27 Model T roadster but the frame and suspension are not model t and as noted, the engine is not a ford ‘banger’. Hot rod mashup or maybe most of another car with a T body adapted…
I love the car because it goes way past the stereotype that all pre-SBC hot rods were Ford V-8’s. Trying to place the radiator shell, so close but just can’t quite make it out.
The upper shape is right for a 33 Plymouth but it’s been shortened.
Whoever put that hot rod together knew their proportions. It looks ‘right’.
I’d rather see a story on that ’65 Valiant!
Indeed!
Thanks!! I hoped I wasn’t alone on that. Wonder if it’s got the 273 in it? Pretty peppy little engine in that light, sparsely optioned body!
Ask the folks on the HAMB, they’ll tell you in about 5 minutes – including who owns it.