425 Nailhead-Powered 1931 Ford Model A Coupe Hot Rod

Description

By December 7, 1931, Ford had built over 4.3 million examples of the Model A. It featured a robust 3.3L L‑head four-cylinder engine generating about 40 horsepower, a conventional three‑speed gearbox, four‑wheel mechanical brakes, and more refined styling than its predecessor—making it comfortable, reliable, and widely popular. In the 1940s and ’50s, hot‑rod enthusiasts embraced the lightweight yet sturdy design, especially in roadster and coupe forms. Their modifications showcased the car as a blank canvas for speed, customization, and self-expression, helping define American hot‑rod culture.

Acquired by the seller in November 2011, this Model A had a complete build performed by Nightmare Street Rods of Midland Park, New Jersey, in 2005 and features a chopped five-window coupe body mounted to a Pete and Jake’s chassis for a classic early ‘60s "hot rod" look.

A 1964-model 425ci Buick “Nailhead” V8 is fed by two Stromberg 97 carburetors, and power is sent to the rear wheels through a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission and Ford 9” rear end. The body is finished in yellow with green flame graphics and a checkerboard firewall, while the interior features black upholstery and a wooden dashboard panel. Additional modifications include a polished Super Bell front end, a B&M gear selector, front disc brakes, Sanderson headers, and more as detailed below.

This Model A Hot Rod is now offered with a copy of Great American Hot Rods by Keith Harman in which this car was featured, and a clean Arizona title in the seller’s name.

Highlights

• 1931 Ford Model A steel body with a roof chopped 3”

• 425ci “Nailhead” V8 sourced from a 1964 Buick

• TH350 three-speed automatic transmission

• Steel frame fabricated by Pete and Jake’s Hot Rod Parts of Peculiar, Missouri

• Featured in Great American Hot Rods by Keith Harman

Modifications

• Mechanical

  • Yellow paint with green flame graphics and a checkerboard firewall

  • Two active Stromberg 97 carburetors (other four are not in use)

  • Weiand Drag Star intake manifold

  • Sanderson headers

  • Griffin radiator

  • Polished Super Bell front end

  • Ford 9” rear end

  • Front disc brakes with So-Cal Speed Shop Buick-look covers

• Exterior

  • Staggered-width 15” steel wheels finished in green

  • BFGoodrich Silvertown whitewall tires measure 185x70 and 285x70

  • Flaming River Vega steering box

• Interior

  • Wood-rimmed steering wheel mounted to a polished tilt-adjustable column

  • B&M gear selector

  • Bench seat upholstered in black with red lap belts

  • Wooden dashboard panel with Dolphin white-dial instrumentation

Servicing & Documentation

• 2025: Seller reports that the transmission was resealed

Known Imperfections

• Some imperfections in the finish are noted

• Some brake fluid is currently seeping from the master cylinder

Ownership History

The seller acquired this 1931 Model A Hot Rod in November 2011 and reports the build was completed by Nightmare Street Rods of Midland Park, New Jersey, in 2005, and that the “car has been featured in Great American Hot Rods by Keith Harman and made several appearances as the 1931 example for the Motoring Through Time show in Phoenix, AZ.”

Included Items

• Copy of Great American Hot Rods by Keith Harman