This 1939 Classic Ford Will Leave Any in the Dust
A former NASCAR engine developer has taken his expertise way back in time.
Rocket From the Crypt
The Garage Shop of Denver, North Carolina is no stranger to innovation. That's because shop owner and founder Aaron Brown is about experienced and accomplished as they come when it comes to automotive speed, technology, and development. Brown, a longtime NASCAR engine developer, has recently put his expertise into the restoration/modification of a 1939 pickup truck.
Photos Courtesy of Sean Evans/Yahoo! News
No Guts, No Glory
Unlike most restomod projects, the impetus behind Brown's "Project 39" wasn't for an embrace of antique style, but for pure speed. The truck is powered by a custom-built 358 Ford small block engine, custom-built by Brown and his Garage Shop team.
Photos Courtesy of Sean Evans/Yahoo! News
>>Join the conversation about this 1939 hotrod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Landshark
Brown's engine building pedigree is impressive. He spent the majority of the 1990's working in concert with NASCAR's most successful teams, including Dale Earnhardt Racing and Ray Evernham racing.
Photos Courtesy of Sean Evans/Yahoo! News
>>Join the conversation about this 1939 hotrod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
80 Years Young
In 2007, Brown was a major contributor to the construction of a vehicle that broke the flying mile land speed record, reaching 244.9 MPH. Despite extensive modifications, Project 39's exterior still bears recognizable resemblance to its original design, complete with its "alligator" hood, low pointed grille and individually mounted, independent headlamps.
Photos Courtesy of Sean Evans/Yahoo! News
>>Join the conversation about this 1939 hotrod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Old Meets New
That said, Project 39 does feature quite a few =modern touches. Colorful labels denoting the brands of some of the components used in the rebuild pop in contrast to the truck's rust-red exterior. In addition, Project 39's doors are adorned with sponsorship by Call Family Distillers, makers of craft moonshine located in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.
Photos Courtesy of Sean Evans/Yahoo! News
>>Join the conversation about this 1939 hotrod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
Shop Born, Track Raised
Unlike most restored pickups, particularly those from as far back as 1939, you’re unlikely to find Brown’s Project 39 sitting comfortably at an auto show. That’s because Brown prefers to enter it in speed competitions nationwide. At the recent Arkansas 1-Mile Challenge, Project 39 went 200.4mph on the strength of its custom motor alone, with no nitrous, no supercharger, no turbo. What an amazing accomplishment for Brown and his team of restomod experts.
Photos Courtesy of Sean Evans/Yahoo! News
>>Join the conversation about this 1939 hotrod right here in Ford-trucks.com.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please visit our how-to section in the forum.